let's split up

How to get rid of split ends – does central heating cause dry hair and do split end trimmers actually work?

They're pretty much unavoidable, but here's how you can get rid of them

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Mared Parry

Published: 15:52, 8 Oct 2018
Updated: 16:43, 8 Oct 2018

NOBODY likes having frizzy, crunchy-feeling hair, but we've all had it from time to time.

Split ends are pretty much unavoidable, so here's all we know about them and how you can get rid of them.

Split ends cause the hair to look and feel dry and damagedCredit: Getty - Contributor

What are split ends and what causes them?

Human hair is made up mostly of a protein name Keratin, and it's stitched together by chemical bonds which keep the hair healthy, but it's damage prone and very fragile.

Split ends occur when the hair is damaged for whatever reason.

There are multiple different causes behind why hair might damage to the point of breaking.

The main cause behind hair splitting is a lack of moisture, so using heat on hair, especially without a protecting spray increases the risk of hair snapping.

If your hair is full of split ends you'll be able to feel it in its textureCredit: Getty - Contributor

Using chemicals on the hair such as bleach dries out hair and increases strain on the follicles.

Over-washing can also contribute to split ends as it can strip hair of its natural oils, which keeps hair healthy and hydrated.

Some have suggested that central heating can cause split ends but it's not as straight forward as that.

Believe it or not, central heating could actually contribute towards your split ends... so remember to hydrateCredit: Getty - Contributor

Central heating can cause dryness in a lot of things, and contribute toward dry, chapped lips and dry skin.

So while it shouldn't be blamed for split ends, central heating can sometimes dry out the hair, making it prone to split ends.

Can they be mended?

To some degree, yes they can be mended, but the best method of making sure your hair doesn't end up dry and full of split ends is through TAKING CARE of your tresses.

There are many ways to do this...

Heat protecting spray

If you're using hot tools on your hair regularly (yes, even hairdryers count) and not using any heat protective spray, then you're just asking for trouble!

Goldwell's Kerasilk have a huge list of products but their blow dry sprays, both for and for will help control your hair when you're drying it.

Goldwell's products are used in luxury salons all over the world but you can also buy the products to use at home

Kerasilk Protective Blow-dry Spray, Luxurious Look, £21.75,

When you're using tools such as straighteners and curlers, you'll need something such as to keep those ends from splitting.

also includes UV protection which is great to protect hair against the harmful sun's rays.

Damage control shampoo + conditioners

The products you use every day can have a huge impact on the condition of your hair, so it's important to find ones that work well with you.

TIGI's Copyright range has an excellent line which helps prevent and repair damage to the hair follicle.

TIGI's Custom Care Repair Boost works when mixed in with conditioner

TIGI Custom Care Repair Boost,

Their , along with the will give your tresses the helping hand it needs.

And if it's in desperate need of resurrection, you can use the (mix a few pumps in with your conditioner) to get your locks silky smooth.

Clever hair tools

All heat on your hair is bad for it, but if you're willing to fork out that little bit more for some top-of-the-range products then you'll undoubtedly notice a difference.

ghd have recently revealed their revolutionary new hair straightener technology with the Platinum+

ghd platinum+ straighteners, £175,

If you're willing to splash out on some ghd's, the brand new ghd platinum+ is the way to go - the technology in the new straighteners has been developed by engineers and scientists for over five years.

It uses predictive technology to recognise your hair's thickness and the section size in order to adjust the heat accordingly, which basically means a whole lot less damage.

What's the best way to get rid of split ends?

Of course the only way to actually rid your hair of split ends it to actually cut them off.

But if going to the hairdresser and having loads more than you intended chopped off (it always happens!) scares you - there are ways to do it at home.

The SPLIT-ENDER PRO2 has had amazing reviews in the USCredit: Amazon

SPLIT-ENDER PRO2, Amazon, £155,

How to get rid of split ends – does central heating cause dry hair and do split end trimmers actually work?

What are split ends and what causes them?