best shampoo for split ends

Which Is The Best Shampoo For Split Ends? We've Got The Answer!

11 min read

Which is the best shampoo for hair split ends? Learn everything you need to know about split ends and how to treat them in this article.

Among all hair problems, split ends are among the most common ones - and luckily, one of the easiest to fix. But what exactly are split ends, and is it possible to get rid of them completely? Can a shampoo fix them once and for all?

In this article, we will answer the most popular questions that people have about split ends - and we will give you our best tips and tricks on how to treat split ends.

To top it off, we will also share with you our secret on exactly which is the best shampoo for hair split ends - so, if you want to learn more, stay tuned and continue reading the article!

What are split ends?

Before we tell you which is the top shampoo for split ends, it's important to understand what this condition is, and why it happens in the first place.

Split ends, also known as "trichoptilosis," are a common hair condition characterized by the splitting or fraying of the hair shafts at the tips. They occur when the protective outer layer of the hair, called the cuticle, becomes damaged or wears away, leaving the inner layers of the hair exposed and vulnerable.

Split ends are considered bad for the hair not only because they create a frizzy and dull-looking aesthetic appearance, but also because they weaken the structure of the hair shaft and make the hair more prone to breakage over time. 

They also make the hair more challenging to style as it doesn't hold curls and other hairstyles as well as healthy, unsplit hair. If left untreated, they can worsen over time - which causes even more damage to the hair, and makes it necessary to cut off more length in order to remove them. 

For this reason, it's extremely important to find the best shampoo for split ends to fit your needs.

What are the different types of split ends?

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On your quest to finding the best shampoo for split ends, it is also important to understand that there are different types of split ends. They can be summed up in the following categories:

  • Baby split - this is the early stage of the split end. When this happens, you may notice a very small split at the tip of the hair, which is a sign that it's beginning to suffer damage. It's the second perfect time to start taking measures before it gets worse (the first one is to prevent damage before they start to appear!)
  • Y split - this type of split resembles the letter Y, indicating that the strand has split into two distinct parts. At this stage, the hair requires more intensive repair and protective measures because it's more advanced than the baby split. 
  • Triple split - in this case, the hair splits into three directions, forming what looks like a three-pronged fork. This damage is even more severe than the Y split, so it's important to take measures, and establish a good health care routine as soon as possible. 
  • Tree split - features a strand that splits into multiple branches at the end, resembling the branches of a tree. It usually means extensive damage because the hair shaft has multiple points of weakness.
  • Feather split - characterized by multiple splits along the shaft of a single strand, the feather split resembles a feather (surprise!). It is a sign of serious hair damage, because it means that the hair is splitting along the whole shaft, not only at the end. 
  • Deep split - this split travels all the way up the hair shaft, indicating even more significant damage than the previously mentioned ones. It suggests long-term exposure to damaging conditions, or lack of proper hair care.
  • Candle split - this split resembles the wick of a candle as it thins towards the end. It shows that the hair is starting to break down and lose its structure.

On top of using the best shampoo for split ends, you may need to add some extra treatments to nourish your hair and treat damage. Especially if the damage is severe, we highly recommend the NuMe ReNu21 Nano Repair Leave In Mask.

Formulated with 21 amino acids, it helps reconstruct damaged hair by mimicking hair structure - resulting in shiny and flourishing hair strands.


What causes split ends?

Split ends can be caused by various factors, from excessive heat styling and harsh chemical treatments to nutritional deficiencies, mechanical stress, genetics and age. These factors lead to a weakened hair shaft and the splitting of hair ends, making them look frayed and damaged.

Thermal hair styling is a frequent contributor to split ends because we tend to apply excessively high temperatures that are not necessarily suitable for our hair type. For example, thick curly hair needs 180°C to 230°C (350°F to 480°F), while fine hair can achieve effective results at temperatures as low as 90°C to 150°C (200°F to 300°F).

For this reason, we recommend paying close attention to the temperature of heat styling based on your hair type and texture to avoid drying out the hair and causing split ends. A flat iron with temperature control settings is a must - and it's especially important that it's made of tourmaline.

That's because tourmaline naturally produces negative ions when heated. These negative ions help to counteract the positive ions in dry or damaged hair, reducing frizz and making the hair smoother and shinier.

best shampoo for split ends

NuMe Megastar Flat Iron

However, high temperatures are not the only cause of split ends. Hair coloring, perming, straightening, and other chemical processes can also weaken the hair's structure. The chemicals used can break down the proteins that give hair its strength and elasticity.

Other factors include:

  • Rough handling of hair, for example aggressive brushing or combing;
  • Ironing wet hair as it is more vulnerable and prone to damage;
  • Environmental factors like strong winds, dry air, and excessive sun radiation;
  • Lack of moisture - hair that lacks proper hydration is more prone to splitting;
  • Nutritional deficiencies and a diet that lacks essential nutrients may also cause split ends, that's why it's important to eat healthy food for hair;
  • Genetics and age - as we age, hair becomes thinner and more fragile, which increases the likelihood of split ends.

Which is the best shampoo for split ends?

While no shampoo can completely remove split ends, using a moisturizing and repairing shampoo with ingredients like tourmaline, keratin, argan oil, or shea butter can help repair them, reduce their appearance, and prevent further damage.

Look for products designed for damaged or dry hair from trusted brands like NuMe to improve the condition of your hair and minimize split ends. 

The best shampoo for hair split ends is the NuMe Vegan Hydrating Tourmaline Shampoo - made from all-natural ingredients, this deeply hydrating shampoo uses a proprietary blend of proteins that nourishes the hair from the inside out, stimulates new hair growth, and reduces frizz naturally.

This exceptional vegan shampoo is made from 11 amino acids, hydrolyzed quinoa, tourmaline powder, and sustainably sourced ingredients such as Macadamia Oil that work together to strengthen and repair the hair follicles while smoothing and hydrating the hair. 

best shampoo for split ends

Best shampoo for split ends: NuMe Vegan Hydrating Shampoo

If you want to enjoy maximum hydration and protection from split ends, we recommend using the NuMe Vegan Tourmaline Smoothing System - a powerful combination of a shampoo, conditioner, hair mask and a hair smoothing system that will ensure that you are taking proper care of your hair.

Made with tourmaline powder, hydrolyzed quinoa, parkii butter, hydrolyzed wheat protein, citric acid, 10 amino acids and argan oil, this one-of-a-kind combo helps smooth frizz and split ends, resulting in softer and shinier, healthy-looking hair.

Another great option you have at your disposal if you are looking for the best shampoo for split ends is the NuMe Acai Shampoo. Enriched with Omega 3,6, 9 and vitamins B,C, and E, this amazing shampoo uses the power of acai berries to deeply hydrate and nourish your hair, promoting overall hair growth.

nume acai shampoo

Best shampoo for split ends: NuMe Acai Shampoo

How can I fix split ends? 

As we mentioned earlier, you can't permanently "fix" split ends without cutting them off, as they are damaged hair fibers that can't revert back their structure. However, you can improve their appearance and prevent further splitting by taking some of the following steps:

  • Regular trimming - we recommend doing regular visits to the hair salon - ideally, every 6-8 weeks, to remove split ends and prevent them from traveling up the hair shaft.
  • Deep conditioning - deep conditioning is extremely important if you want to moisturize and strengthen your hair while stimulating the growth of new hair follicles - the NuMe Vegan Tourmaline Hair Care set is a great way to do that!
  • Leave-in conditioner - you can also apply a leave-in conditioner to the ends of your hair to keep it hydrated and protected. We recommend the NuMe Sleeky in a Bottle to add instant hydration and shine to your hair. 
  • Use a tourmaline-plated flat iron - as we explained earlier, not all flat irons are made equal. If you are looking to minimize damage caused by excessive heat styling, it is the best option due to its negative ion conditioning technology.
  • Use a thermal heat protectant - applying a thermal heat protectant is a must when it comes to heat styling. It creates a protective barrier between your hair and your heat styling tool, reducing damage significantly. 
  • Be gentle - when brushing or combing your hair, especially if it's wet - doing it aggressively may break it and cause damage. Consider wearing protective hairstyles that reduce friction and damage to the ends, such as braids or updos.
best shampoo for split ends

FAQ

Will hair grow with split ends?

Yes, hair can continue to grow even if you have split ends - that's because it grows from the roots, and not from the ends. However, split ends can lead to further damage, breakage, and loss of length, making it important to trim them regularly to maintain healthy and longer hair growth.

Should I cut my split ends?

Yes, it's advisable to cut your split ends. Leaving them untreated can lead to further damage and breakage, ultimately affecting the overall health and appearance of your hair.

Regular trims every 6-8 weeks help maintain healthier, split end-free hair while promoting growth.

How often should you cut split ends?

To maintain healthy hair and prevent split ends from spreading, it's recommended to get a trim every 6-8 weeks. This regular schedule helps remove existing split ends while preserving the length and overall quality of your hair.

Do hot showers cause split ends?

Hot showers themselves do not directly cause split ends, but they can indirectly contribute to split ends and overall hair damage in some ways. When you expose your hair to hot water, it can lead to issues because of several factors.

Firstly, hot water can strip your hair of its natural oils, which are essential for keeping your hair moisturized and protected.

Dry hair is more prone to splitting and breakage. Additionally, prolonged exposure to hot water can cause the hair cuticle, the outer protective layer of the hair, to swell and become more porous.

This makes the hair more vulnerable to damage from other factors like brushing and styling.

Does sleeping with wet hair cause split ends?

Sleeping with wet hair doesn't directly cause split ends, but it can increase the risk of damage and breakage. When hair is wet, it is more fragile and susceptible to stretching and friction.

As you move your head on a pillow while sleeping, the wet hair rubs against the fabric, which can lead to knots, tangles, and potential breakage.

Additionally, if you toss and turn during the night, the constant friction between wet strands of hair can weaken them over time, making them more prone to split ends and other forms of damage.

To minimize these risks, it's generally better to allow your hair to dry partially before going to bed or to protect it with a silk or satin pillowcase to reduce friction.

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