When looking for tips for growing hair fast, you must have come across a popular suggestion of getting your hair trimmed regularly to get rid of split ends that hamper hair growth.

Surely, you must be thinking, if split ends really affect hair growth and prevent your hair from growing.

Split ends do not actually prevent hair growth but they do affect your hair adversely as the outer layer of hair, that is, cuticle is worn off.

It is usually recommended to avoid split ends because they make your hair look unattractive and lead to hair breakage.

Basically, split ends occur when hair fibers split on the ends, thereby splitting the hair follicle into two, three or even more strands.

In medical terms, split ends are known as Trichoptlosis. This problem is more common in long hair when the natural oils present on the scalp fail to reach up to the ends.

Split ends are caused by mechanical, thermal or chemical stress on hair. Thus, some of the most common reasons for split ends are:

• Vigorous brushing
• Frequent washing
• Blow drying
• Use of curling irons straightening irons, etc.
• Hair perms
• Hair coloring products and overuse of chemicals
• Poor diet
• Environmental factors

Dry and brittle hairs are more prone to split ends; in fact, split ends look worse on frizzy hair. Moreover, lack of essential vitamins, minerals, and protein can also make your hair susceptible to this problem. Hence, make sure you consume high-protein foods, especially milk and green vegetables, regularly.

Plus, in order to prevent split ends, it is suggested to avoid hair damage caused by exposure to chemicals and heating tools. In addition, you can use shampoos and conditioners containing keratin and collagen.

As bushing tends to damage the cuticle, it is better to use a comb more often. For instance, you can detangle the knot with the help of your fingers and a wide-toothed comb. Do not brush or comb wet hair, though.

Split ends cannot be repaired completely. They can be removed only by cutting them off. Therefore, it is recommended to trim your hair at least every six to ten weeks (about one centimeter) to prevent and control split ends.

Besides, you can use hair serums to treat split ends by covering them with a filmy coating to repair them temporarily.

Furthermore, applying a good leave-in conditioner can help prevent hair damage by keeping your lustrous locks moisturized, but it cannot repair split ends.

Though split ends do not really stop hair growth still, they are often associated with unhealthy hair, whether due to improper hair care or because of lack of nutrition.

Moreover, split ends encourage hair breakage as the rough ends, when brushed against each other, lead to tangles. Thus, if you do not trim the split ends, your hair will continue to grow with split ends at various intervals on the same hair strand, thereby defying the very purpose of growing beautiful, long hair.