A method to 'see' split ends - no heat required

If you are unable to see split ends (or even if you are), your hair will still indicate to you whether it is damaged or not. As hair grows and gets older it has a tendency to taper due to loss of the cuticle. If you have split ends then logically as the hair splits the ends will get thinner over time.



I have previously discussed the science of how hair wears over time and if you have not seen it, then here are the links:

1. Trimming for longer hair

2. Trimming how much and how often



Today I want to talk about one heat free method to 'see' split ends. This involves braiding hair in small-ish sections  (around a square inch or so) and then checking to see if the ends taper or not (See the image below).

Tips to using this method successfully:



1. Tension: You should braid with approximately the same tension. Don't increase the tension as you go along or you may get a false result.

2. Sections: Small sections are necessary since hair does not grow at the same speed. It is very possible to have much longer hair at the back than the front or vice versa.

3.Styling:  If your hair has been cut into layers or weighted (thinned out in sections), this method is not useful for you unless you are growing out the layers and would be happy to loose the longer lengths.

4. Long hair:  Hair around the 12-18 inch mark and longer has a tendency to taper not because of split ends but rather because of normal wear. You can still use the method above but must make your own judgement call on how much you wish to cut



What is your method for trimming?