AVOIDING SPLIT ENDS

Blow-drying, frequent coloring, hair that's in desperate need of a good trim... All these factors result in damaged hair and split ends. Luckily, Paris-based Institut Leonor Greyl stylist Stéphan is on hand to share his insider tips to getting strong, healthy locks.

What exactly is a split end?

Split ends happen when tips get damaged and peel apart. You can get split ends right at the tips or higher up. Keratin is a protein that makes up hair's cement. When your keratin levels are compromised, they stop providing hair with springiness, resulting in dry hair and split ends.

Say goodbye to bad habits

Split ends are not unavoidable. By using the right products throughout the year, you can stop hair becoming brittle. But if you wait too long between trips to the salon for a trim (ideally once every three to four months) and regularly blow-dry hair without using any heat protection, you'll be damaging the scales of your hair. If your hair tends to tangle easily, don't pull on the knots: instead, pull the strand aside and try to gently detangle. As a last resort, use a pair of scissors to cut off the hair just above the knot.

What to do once split ends start appearing

Sadly, there's nothing you can do to repair a split end. The only solution is to cut it off. Make an appointment at the salon and get a good cut done on dry hair. This technique involves pulling a comb through lengths to pinpoint the split ends and cut them out without missing any. Whatever you do, don't try burning them off with a candle: that's a fast-track ticket to damage.

The right products for beautiful ends

*  Cut just under half an inch off every three to four months.
*  Before washing, apply one or two capfuls of the Huile de Leonor Greyl to lengths and ends. Whatever your hair type, this step ensures hair is nourished in depth, making it stronger and easier to manage.
*  Tackle dehydrated and damaged hair with a weekly mask applied to dry hair for 20 minutes: the Masque Fleurs de Jasmin if you have fine to normal hair, or the Orchidée version if your hair is thick and/or curly.
*  Heat is hair's number-one enemy. Use heat protection every time you pick up a blow-dryer, straighteners or curling irons: the Sérum de Soie sublimateur is perfect for normal to fine hair, while the Éclat naturel works well on thick or curly hair. These two styling products can be applied to dry hair throughout the day to give your ends a quick boost.

Insider tip

To check hair is healthy, take a hair and stretch it out with your fingers. If it stretches without breaking and bounces back, your hair is strong and in great shape!