Another trick? Being more mindful of how you’re treating hair when it’s wet. “When your hair is wet, it’s its most vulnerable—hair can stretch up to 50% when it’s wet,” Stenson explains. “Apply your leave-in products before combing hair, limit pulling hair up when it’s wet, and avoid sleeping with wet hair,” he advises. Such is also the case with which products, tools, and accessories you use on your hair while it’s wet, and especially brushes and towels.
“Use a wet brush or Tangle Teezer brush to prevent any further damage or snagging on the hair, since these brushes focus on detangling and protecting the hair and are less abrasive,” suggests celebrity hairstylist Kieron Justin, who also advises using a microfiber towel straight out of the shower, as opposed to a standard cotton one. “Microfiber causes less friction on the hair and minimize the tension on fragile hair,” he says, adding that standard cotton towels can lead to further breakage. “
You’ll also want minimize your hair’s exposure to heat and air dry your hair whenever possible. “Limit the use of hot styling tools and use them on the lowest heat setting,” suggests Korab, who reiterates the importance of using a heat protectant before styling.
“The Matrix Total Results Miracle Creator is great to apply before you blow-dry and pair it with the Matrix Total Results Mega Sleek to create the dynamic duo for heat protection,” adds Stenson, adding that while these products protect up to 450 degrees, exceeding the 325 to 350 range can be damaging to your hair.
How to repair split ends
When it comes to repairing split ends, you’ll want to start treating your hair like you would your skin. “The hair is an extension of your skin—it’s important to look after it and keep it at its best health,” says Justin, who recommends implementing a strong hair care routine with professional hair care products that cleanse, condition, and deep treat your strands. “All of these components will help to protect, prevent and promote good hair health.”
Don’t worry, you can start small—as in, just one or two products small. “To repair split ends, I recommend using a leave-in conditioner or serum,” says Korab, who suggests applying a leave-in conditioner or serum to the ends of your hair regularly. “These products can help seal the hair cuticle, reduce frizz, and provide additional moisture to the damaged ends.”
There are also intensive hair masks and treatments that can help accelerate your hair repair journey. Celebrity stylist Laurabeth Cabott swears by K18’s Molecule Repair Hair Mask for treating split ends, for example (it’s also Glamour-editor approved).
“You can manage split ends with this mask—it helps reverse hair damage in just four minutes,” Cabott says, and Justin suggests Redken Extreme Anti-Snap Anti-Breakage Leave-In Treatment.
There are shampoos and conditioners that can help to repair your hair as well. “Products that seal, gloss and hydrate hair will be the best in disguising and managing split ends,” says Stenson. “The Nick Stenson Beauty Hydrating Shampoo and Conditioner is formulated with aloe vera and kukui oil that will help hydrate and leave your hair feeling like the damage has been undone.”
