Ace the New York State Barber Test 2025 – Snip, Style, and Shine!

Split ends in hair are primarily caused by a lack of moisture and over-processing. When hair strands become dry and brittle, they are more susceptible to damage. Over-processing can occur through chemical treatments such as coloring, perming, or relaxing hair, which strip the hair of natural oils and moisture, thereby weakening its structure. As the cuticle (the protective outer layer of the hair) becomes damaged, the internal layers can break apart, resulting in the splitting of the hair shaft at the ends.

While excessive heat styling can contribute to hair damage, it is the combination of moisture loss and the harm caused by chemical treatments that fundamentally lead to the formation of split ends. Regular haircuts are typically seen as a preventive measure against split ends rather than a cause, as they help remove damaged ends. Environmental factors can have an impact on hair health, but they are usually secondary to the issues created by lack of moisture and over-processing.