How to Prevent and Repair Split Ends in Curly Hair

Sure, your curls may be the source of your superpowers, but every superpower has a kryptonite. For your curls, that kryptonite is split ends! If you’ve ever looked in the mirror and spotted those pesky Y-shaped strands, you’ll know just how frustrating they can be. But here’s the good news—with loving care and a few savvy tricks from your resident curly hair care aficionados, you can keep your curls or coils luscious and healthy.

Check out our handy tips below to prevent and repair split ends in curly hair and keep yours as fabulous as you are!

 

Why is curly hair so prone to split ends?

Curly hair has a unique structure, making it more susceptible to dryness and damage. The spiral shape of each strand makes it harder for the natural oils produced by your scalp to travel all the way to the ends. This can lead to ends that grow brittle and become more prone to breakage. What’s more, curly hair tends to rub against itself more than straight hair, causing extra friction that can weaken the cuticle over time. Oh, and don’t forget that sunny Australian environment! Factors like sun exposure, wind, and big city pollution can strip moisture from your hair, making split ends even more likely.

 

Signs your curls have split ends

Split ends aren’t always obvious in curls. You may even become suspicious of split ends through general dissatisfaction with your curls’ appearance. So, how do you know if your curls could be splitting up? Here are a few telltale signs of split ends:

• Visible splits. If you notice Y-shaped splits at the tips of your strands.
• Increased frizz. When your curls start looking more like a frizzy cloud than a collection of perfectly defined spirals.
• Excessive tangling. If your hair feels like it’s throwing counterpunches when you try to comb it.

 

Wanted: Dead or Alive – The three most common culprits for split ends in curls

To know your curls’ enemy is to know its weakness! Here are some of the most frequent factors for split ends in curly hair:

• Heat styling. Regular or even overuse of blow dryers, straighteners, or curling irons is a common cause of curl arson. If you must use heat, apply a heat protectant as often as possible.
• Dry brushing. Brushing dry curls can disrupt their natural patterns and lead to destruction of curly property! Instead, detangle when your hair is damp using a wide-tooth comb.
• Chemical treatments. Dyes, relaxers, and perms can rob your curls of moisture. If you love experimenting with colours and texture, balance it out with nourishing treatments.

 

Prevention tips for healthy curls

Protective styling

• Box braids or twists. These styles reduce friction and help retain moisture (consider extensions for added length).
• Low-manipulation hairstyles. Pineapple buns or loose ponytails are great examples that reduce friction without causing tension.

Gentle hair care routines

• Detangle damp hair. Use a wide-tooth comb to avoid stretching your curls.
• Limit heat tools. Opt for a low-temperature setting on your diffuser along with heat protectants, or try a simple air dry.

Regular trimming

• Every 8–12 weeks. That’s the sweet spot for a timely visit to the salon. Even if you’re trying to grow out your curls, trimming those split ends to keep yours looking mint is taking one step back to take two steps forward!
• Trim curls when they’re damp. This helps curls maintain their natural shape.

 

The best Wuli products to stave off those split ends

Unlike those harsh hair care chemicals on the supermarket shelf, Wuli offers natural remedies for your split ends. All natural, Australian-made, and cruelty-free, make these great products a part of your curls’ split-end defense force!

• Curl Cream. Loaded with rejuvenating argan oil, shea butter, jojoba esters, and more, Wuli’s famous Curl Cream ensures your curls are richly hydrated from scalp to tip, preventing the natural brittleness in your ends that curls are prone to.
•  Sea Salt Spray. Himalayan sea salt is the central ingredient in Wuli’s elixir of eternal curls. It helps your hair retain moisture and texture between washes while giving you that fresh-off-the-beach glow whenever you want it!
• Matte Balm & Shine Balm. These natural styling products give you a firm hold without any harsh chemicals that could leave your curls feeling brittle. A heady mix of aloe vera, argan oil, kaolin clay, and more combine to nourish and protect while giving you great control over even the wiliest of curls.

 

Can a stylist or salon help with your curls’ split ends?

Of course! Your local curly hair salon is your first port of call for regular trims, styling, and hair care tips. That said, sometimes your routine trims aren’t quite enough to keep split ends at bay. Consider paying your stylist an extra visit if your split ends travel 2-3cm or more up the hair shaft or if you experience excessive shedding or thinning ends despite your home curl care routine.

 

Don’t let split ends be a dead end for your incredible curls!

By combining protective practices, nourishing products like Wuli’s Curl Cream, and consistent trims, you can minimise split ends and enhance your curls’ natural beauty. Explore Wuli’s vegan, cruelty-free range of curly hair care products to keep your coils as strong as they are vibrant!