Many women with long hair are familiar withthe problem of brittle hair and split ends. The main reasons for this hair condition are: drying with a hair dryer that is too hot, constant use of curling irons or hair straighteners, coloring (especially bleaching), improper care and handling of hair (cleansing shampoos that are too intense, coupled with rough combing, lead to split ends and breakage of hair). It is worth noting right away that it is absolutely impossible to cure split ends. Split ends and breakage of hair can only be prevented. Therefore, the first thing you should do is go to a hairdresser who will cut off the split ends and advise you on proper care for your hair. Only comprehensive hair care can prevent the appearance of split ends and turn dull and brittle hair into soft and shiny.
Why masks?
Special shampoos for brittle and split endshair due to the gentle formula help to maintain the integral structure of the hair, and all kinds of balms seal the ends of the hair and help them cope with the aggressive impact of the environment, at least until the next wash. Masks are products that can restore the structure of the hair in a fairly short time and make it soft and manageable. The main active components included in the composition of masks for brittle and split ends are proteins (another name is keratins), lipids and silicones. The structure of the hair includes proteins, which are located under the scales of the hair. Under the influence of aggressive factors (drying with a hair dryer, rough combing, etc.), the scales begin to bristle, and proteins are released from the cortex (keratin layer of the hair). Hair begins to split. Proteins included in the composition of intensively restorative masks fill the cortex and thicken the structure of the hair. Today, the following proteins are used in the cosmetic industry: rice, wheat, silk, almond. However, protein therapy has a significant drawback. The fact is that proteins tend to accumulate in the keratin layer of the hair and thus again lead to hair breakage. Excess protein tries to leave the hair structure, and the ends begin to fluff up. To prevent this from happening, it is necessary to use masks in courses until the condition of the hair improves. It is impossible to prolong the effect of the mask. Therefore, if you notice that your hair is splitting again, you should take a break from using the mask for brittle hair. Lipids, which are also part of the hair structure, restore water balance and prevent breakage, making hair shiny and silky. Silicone envelops the hair with a thin film. Hair looks smooth and silky. However, silicones in balms and masks have a significant drawback. They accumulate on the surface of the hair and weigh it down. And again, the hair becomes brittle. Today, masks and other products for brittle and split ends contain three groups of silicones.
- Dimethicone copolyol / HWP, Dimethicone Copolyo,rideceth-12, Hydroxypropyl, Lauryl methicone copolyol, Polysiloxane. This group of silicones is washed from the hair with water and does not accumulate on the surface of the hair.
- Stearoxy Dimethicone, Behenoxy Dimethicone, Amodimethicone - these silicones are difficult to wash out with shampoo alone.
- Finally, the third group of silicones (CetylDimethicone, Trimethylsilylamodimethicone, Dimethiconol, etearyl methicone, Cyclomethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Stearyl Dimethicone) is not washed out of the hair.
Therefore, if you have to choose between the two (or rather,of three) evils - the lesser, then give preference to silicones of the first group. True, some cosmetic concerns began to offer restorative products - including masks - without silicones in the composition. It is these that you should pay attention to.
Best masks for brittle and split ends
- Mask for hair split and brittle "Basis of the basics" Lush
This mask consists of natural ingredientsand without silicones, will provide the most gentle care for brittle hair. Olive oil nourishes and strengthens hair, mint stimulates scalp blood circulation, and nettle absolute adds shine to hair. In addition, this nourishing mask contains essential oils of grapefruit, neroli and sweet orange. Hair care turns into a spa treatment and aromatherapy at the same time.
- Mask for brittle and damaged hair Hair Vital
This mask has a pleasant creamy texture.Intensively restores the structure of damaged hair. Honey and black walnut extracts nourish and moisturize dry hair. In addition, this mask prevents split ends and makes hair elastic and shiny.
- Nourishing mask for split hair Kapous Professional
This restorative mask is for brittle andsplit ends – an ideal remedy for brittle and weakened hair after dyeing. Wheat extract, which is part of the mask, intensively nourishes and restores the hair structure. Wheat germ oil restores damaged hair from roots to ends. Bamboo extract makes hair light and voluminous. Hair does not tangle or become electrified.
- Mask Intensive nutrition for thick fragile and split hair Masquintense Kerastase
The mask is specially designed for brittle and dry hair.thick hair. After all, thick hair also needs careful and gentle care. The mask is enriched with polymers and active components that smooth out fluffy scales and fight split ends. After just a few uses, the result is noticeable – hair is soft and shiny!
- Mask for brittle and weakened hair Alfaparf Nutri Seduction
The mask contains hydrolyzed wheat protein,and also deeply moisturizing components. Proteins thicken the hair structure and fill the voids of the keratin layer, active components intensively moisturize and soften, making the hair strong, elastic and shiny. Split ends should be trimmed in a salon about once every 6-8 weeks. The most optimal salon procedure for brittle and damaged hair is a hot scissors haircut. With this procedure, the ends of the hair are sealed and split less in the future. To restore hair, it is not enough to use cosmetics. Give up, at least for a while, hair dryers, straightening irons and curling irons, as well as styling products (the alcohol in their composition dries out hair), coloring and aggressive salon procedures. Use a comb made of natural materials with teeth that do not damage the hair. And do not forget about a healthy diet and at least 2 liters of clean water per day. This is what can maintain the strength of the body and hair in particular. We recommend reading: