How to treat split ends: we sort fact from fiction

Yes

There is nothing like dry, brittle split ends to ruin a good hairdo. If you don't get rid of them you risk damaging your hair further, but it's simply not true that you can seal them back or fix them with hair products. Some conditioners, creams and serums on the market claim to be able to treat or repair split ends, but if you want to eliminate them permanently, the only solution is to snip them off.

According to Leonica Kei, director and senior trichologist at Philip Kingsley Trichological Centre in Singapore, split ends occur when the hair cuticle becomes extremely dry and damaged as a result of extreme heat from blow-drying, excessive styling, UV exposure, chemical treatments, air conditioning, and frequent brushing.

"Hair consists of three layers - the medulla, the cortex and the cuticles," says Kei. "The medulla is an empty space in the middle of the hair shaft and it does not have a specific function. The cortex is the main bulk of the hair. It is made out of a fibrous structure and its layers contain hair pigments. The cuticles, which are arranged much like tiles on a roof, form the outer layer of the strands. This protective layer is what holds the cortex together."