Split ends are a result of stresses that push hair to its breaking point. Each hair fiber is enclosed by the cuticle, which protects the more fragile core of the hair fiber from damage. Heat, hairstyling stress, excessive friction and even natural weathering can damage the cuticle and degrade its protective abilities, causing damaged hair. If enough damage is inflicted, the cuticle is no longer able to keep the inner fiber components tightly wrapped, which can lead to split ends.
Taking steps to maintain healthy hair also helps secure the health of your cuticle and is therefore the best way to prevent split ends. This can include using only a wide-tooth comb to detangle wet hair, not vigorously towel-drying wet hair, brushing hair only when necessary, and using a conditioner every time you shampoo your hair. Conditioning hair care products can minimize the damage that daily hairstyling practices and natural weathering can cause and help prevent the formation of split ends.Because there is no permanent solution to split ends, you will ultimately need to trim them to prevent split ends from propagating and becoming split fibers.