Split Ends: Dermatologist Explains Damaged Hair Causes, Treatments, Prevention, & More!

What are hair split ends? What causes them? What are the best treatments for split ends? Is there anything you can do to prevent them? As a dermatologist, I get these questions about hair split ends from my patients all the time. So here are some helpful tips to know if you're dealing with split ends and damaged hair.

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CHAPTERS:
00:00 Intro
00:27 What are Split Ends?
02:01 What Causes Split Ends?
05:07 Prevention & Treatment
16:26 Subscribe!

IMAGE CREDITS:
Marsh, Jennifer Mary; Gray, John; Tosti, Antonella (2015). Healthy Hair || Clinical Signs of Hair Damage. , 10.1007/978-3-319-18386-2(Chapter 5), 85–95. doi:10.1007/978-3-319-18386-2_5

DISCLAIMER: The information in this video is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician. Some of the links in this description may be affiliate links (marked with *). Affiliate links help support my YouTube channel so I can continue to create fun, informational skincare videos for you. Also, some products may have been received as PR. Thanks for watching!

[Overcookednoodle]

Oh trust me i dont need a microscope to see all my slpit end 😂

[moriahmacbeth]

This is so helpful! I recently went through postpartum hair loss, so whatever hairs I have left I am very interested in preserving! 😅 Your written summaries of tips in the video are great for screen shots in case I need to review later. Appreciate that! 🎉

[mandareendjes]

Nobody ever talks about this, but I'm using pure mineral oil for my hair and it's the best hair oil I've ever used

[botanicalbecca]

Ooo so timely, Doc! I've been going back & forth on cutting my hair. I haven't had a professional cut in over 7 years. 🫣 I don't want a stylist chopping it way down just because of split ends. Thank you for this!

[summersadie]

Dr. Ellis, you mention that "Blunt hairstyles tend to be more prone to split ends" and I am curious as to why that might be.

[GracieLou]

Hi, Dr. Elis — Would you do a video specifically on hair loss?! I’m in my mid-30’s & I already feel like my hair is thinning! 😩 I also have noticed that whenever I gently comb/brush my hair or wash my hair I see more hair fallout/“shedding” too! 😭 It’s hard to know if it’s because of stress or genetics. And I’m curious about different products to try too. Thanks for your input! 💛

[breezie]

i feel like i get split ends just by breathing. they literally come out of no where and i'll never be able to have long healthy hair from it. i don't use heat, dye, or towels. so it gets this bad just from

[christinemack]

Thank you, very helpful and you look beautiful. I love Unite and Virtue products as well. I use a wide tooth comb when hair is wet and seems to help.

[Melissa-cyse]

I learned so much, thank you! I’ve been following you for over a year and I really appreciate all of the advice. Your hair is beautiful by the way. Is there any specific hair care advice for curly hair? I feel like curly hair is a whole different world and even though I’m in my mid 30s I still feel like I can’t get my 3b curls right.

[Shelly--]

Do you have any thoughts on keratin treatments/ brazilian blowouts for curly hair? They help my hair be so much more manageable with it taking 5% of the styling time and allow me to use way less heat on my hair. Leaves my hair looking shiny and healthier (even if just superficially) and really boosts my confidence about my appearance.

[Alisainwonderland]

You can do coconut oil for protection before going to swim in a swea and wear some cap or hat for summer

[justinefenner]

This was a really amazing informative video thank you so much! I learned so much. I am a dermatologist and was interested in learning about how these “bond repair” products work but wasn’t sure where to start. What sources did you use for the content of this video?

[marlenegadea]

Loving the hair videos!! Ive needed some product recommendations! Do you have any shampoo recommendations?

[JADEISMAD]

PEOPLE WHO HAVE CURLY HAIR HAVE IT HARD I HATE MY CURLY HAIR SO I HAVE SPLIT ENDS BC I USE HEAT 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭

[deborah]

Happy October dr sam ellis love your cosy vlogs 😊 xx

[mfindlayful]

Updated makeup routine and product favorites please!

[NerakGreen]

I really wish there were drugstore suggestions for these super health ion things that I can get in CVS or Walmart. Any suggestions for option that aren’t kinda MLM-looking?

[jackierinier]

Hi Dr Ellis, thank you so much for sharing all of your knowledge with us, we learned so much from you! Quick question. I am endlessly looking for hair products to make my hair appear less drying. I just looked at the ingredients to the unite detangler, and it has so much alcohol in it. Doesn’t that kind of negate the good properties or ingredients in the products? I guess if it works it works I’m just curious about long-term use.

[dinadinamohmmad]

Mine came from brushing as a kid I brushed it badly n I still did in 2023 so I physically ruined it now I’m this close to dusting my hair is 2 steps to get my hair healthy I also straighten my hair safely with Clara air brush thingy I use anti dandruff shampoo on scalp only I barely use it tho also I have a lot of build up on my scalp so I’ll use a clarifying shampoo THEN AFTER I DO ALL TAHT MY HAIR WILL BE HEALTHY !

[weronikafrodyma]

Thank you for another brilliant video!❤

I was wondering if there is any chance that using retinol on the face can somehow lead to hair becoming dryer?
In the past 4 weeks my hair suddenly became much dryer than before and it happend in the similar time frame when I increased my use of retinol... Maybe its just a total coincidence but I was wondering if there was any data about