Home Remedies for Split Ends

Split ends can make it difficult to have a really good hair day.

The term split ends refers to the splitting or fraying of the hair shaft. The condition is medically called trichoptilosis and is caused by thermal, mechanical or chemical stress that wears away the protective outer layer of the hair cuticle.

Lack of proper nourishment and moisture can make the problem worse, particularly for those with long hair.

The most effective way to get rid of split ends is to cut them off. If left untrimmed, they tend to break off or continue splitting up the length of your hair.

But since trimming your hair is not always the preferred solution, especially when you are trying to grow your hair long, you can use some natural home remedies to reduce and control the problem.

Here are the top 10 home remedies for split ends.

1. Egg Mask

Eggs are rich in protein and essential fatty acids that help treat split ends. Because your hair is primarily made up of protein, eggs help strengthen the hair follicles. Plus, they will make your hair smooth, reduce tangles, and enhance resistance to breakage.

You can use an egg hair mask once a week on a regular basis. Brush out your hair first to prevent tangles.

• Whisk an egg yolk and mix in two or three tablespoons of olive oil and one tablespoon of honey. Work it into damp hair, leave it on for 30 minutes and then rinse it off. Finally, shampoo your hair.
• Alternatively, whisk an egg with one teaspoon of almond oil. Apply on damp hair. Leave it on for 20 to 30 minutes before rinsing it out and then shampoo your hair.

2. Hot Oil Deep Conditioner

Deep conditioning with hot oils helps restore moisture, which in turn helps control split ends. For healthier hair, regularly deep condition it with moisturizing oils and natural hair masks.

1. Slightly heat some olive oil, coconut oil, almond oil, or castor oil in a microwave for about 20 seconds.
2. Massage it into your hair and scalp.
3. Leave it on for at least 45 minutes and then shampoo your hair.
4. Repeat at least once a week or more often.

You can also add a few drops of rosemary, sandalwood, or any other essential oil to your base oil after heating it.

3. Avocado

Avocado works as an excellent deep conditioner to create lustrous locks. It is loaded with protein, essential fatty acids, folic acid, magnesium, vitamins A, D and E, and other nutrients that nourish your hair and stimulate growth. Avocado also has hair-softening properties.

1. Mash one ripe avocado and mix in two tablespoons each of olive oil and coconut oil until you get a creamy consistency.
2. Apply this hair mask liberally on your hair (avoid the roots).
3. Leave it on for at least 30 minutes.
4. Rinse it off and then shampoo your hair.
5. Do this on a weekly basis, or two to three times a month.

4. Mayonnaise

Mayonnaise works as an excellent remedy for damaged hair. It nourishes your hair, prevents split ends, and provides a soft feel and shiny look.

1. Wet and towel dry your hair.
2. Work one-half cup of mayonnaise into your hair.
3. Leave it on for at least 15 to 20 minutes.
4. Rinse it out and shampoo your hair.
5. Repeat once or twice a week.

Note: You hair may smell bad for days after using mayonnaise.

5. Beer

Beer helps control split ends by supplying protein and sugar to the damaged hair follicles. It also works as an excellent conditioner and adds shine and volume to your hair.

1. Shampoo your hair.
2. Pour some flat beer in a small spray bottle. Spray it over the mid- and end-sections of your damp hair.
3. Let it sit for two to three minutes. You need not rinse it out.
4. Do this once a week.

Note: The beer smell usually goes away after a while when your hair dries.

6. Bananas

Being rich in natural oils, potassium, zinc, iron, and vitamins A, C, and E, bananas help restore your hair’s natural elasticity and minimize breakage. Plus, they soften and moisturize your hair, encourage hair repair, and improve manageability.

1. Process one ripe banana, two tablespoons of plain yogurt and a little rose water and lemon juice in a blender.
2. Apply this banana hair mask on your hair.
3. Leave it on for one hour and then wash it off.
4. Repeat once or twice a week.

7. Papaya

Papaya contains protein that helps nourish your hair and reduce split ends. It also adds body to your hair, removes buildup, and restores your hair’s natural shine and softness.

1. Blend half a papaya (peeled and deseeded) with one-half cup of plain yogurt until you get a smooth mixture.
2. Apply it on your hair and leave it on for about 30 minutes.
3. Rinse it out and then shampoo your hair.
4. Do this once a week, or at least two to three times a month, for a few months.

8. Honey

Due to its humectant property (attracts moisture) and nutrient content, honey is highly beneficial for dry and damaged hair prone to splitting and breakage. It works as a natural hair conditioner and moisturizer, making your hair softer and shinier.

1. Mix two tablespoons of honey in four cups of warm water.
2. Shampoo your hair and then use the mixture as a rinse.
3. Let it sit for a few minutes and then rinse it off.
4. Repeat once a week.

9. Milk and Cream

The combination of milk and cream provides moisture and makes your hair smooth and supple, thereby treating split ends. Plus, milk proteins encourage tissue growth and repair.

1. Mix one tablespoon of cream and one-half cup of whole milk.
2. Rinse your hair with it and let it sit for 15 to 20 minutes.
3. Rinse it off and shampoo your hair.
4. Do this once a week for a few months.

10. Aloe Vera

Aloe vera works as a great moisturizer for dry and damaged hair prone to split ends. Plus, it promotes hair growth and prevents hair loss.

• Simply massage aloe vera gel (extracted from one or two aloe vera leaves) into your hair, leave it on for 30 minutes and then shampoo your hair. For better results, you can combine it with one tablespoon lemon juice and two teaspoons castor oil, olive oil or jojoba oil. Do this two or three times a week for a few months.
• You can also use natural aloe vera shampoo two or three times a week.

Apart from using these remedies, take good care of your hair and follow some preventive measures. For example, steer clear of heat styling on your hair, even blow drying and straightening.

Moreover, avoid too much brushing and rubbing your hair vigorously with a towel after washing your hair; it is best to just towel blot your damp tresses. Protect your hair from sun exposure as well.

In addition, eat a protein-rich diet including a variety of foods such as milk, cheese, yogurt, poultry, legumes, and so on to prevent and control split ends.