Split ends are caused by everything you do to make your hair beautiful - heat styling, brushing and harsh products, such as hair dyes, all contribute to the damaged little ends that literally split the hair shaft in half. While the only way to repair split ends is by getting a trim, you can prevent split ends from ruining your look by following these guidelines.

Avoiding heat styling

This is the answer no one wants to hear but heat styling does the most damage to our hair and is the biggest culprit in the creation of split ends. If you can't bear to give up your Sedu, hair dryer or curling iron, we have good news for you! Thermal-activated hair repair products like H2 Ion actually work with your heat stylers to repair your damaged hair and prevent split ends. Read our H2 Ion review.

Use a shampoo with sunscreen

You and your hair should protect yourselves from the sun. This means using a shampoo where sunscreen is listed as a main ingredient and wearing a hat when you're out for long periods of time.

Don't brush wet hair

Brushing tends to tear the hair and your hair is never more vulnerable then when it's wet. Use a wide-tooth comb when your hair is wet and use a natural bristle brush when your hair is dry. This will eliminate damage to hair and prevent split ends from forming.

Condition the hair everyday

Condition the hair everyday (use a deep conditioner for extremely dry hair) and use a leave in conditioner of hair mask at least once a month.

Treat your hair as you would your face

You would never drench your face with chemicals and then seal the chemicals in with heat, but many of us do that very thing with our hair. Begin to treat your hair like the living breathing thing it is, and your hair will repay you with kindness and beauty. See our product reviews page to learn about the best products to give your hair the love it needs.

Products that Prevent Split Ends

We've tested the leading split ends products on the market. Read our hair repair product reviews.