Split ends are the result of damage to the cuticle, or outer layer of the hair. This allows the fibers of the cortex to unravel. Split ends keep your hair from lying flat and diminish sheen, making hair look dull and unhealthy.

Heat styling and excessive dryness are the major culprits in causing split ends. Using a brush instead of a wide-toothed comb on wet hair can stretch and damage hair. The use of chemical preparations to dye hair also causes damage.

Prevent split ends by using a deep-moisturizing conditioner on ends and by avoiding too much styling. Protect hair daily by being careful when combing tangles, keeping hair conditioned, and allowing the hair to dry naturally occasionally to give it a rest from heat styling tools.

There is nothing you can do to repair split ends once you have them. The only way to get rid of split ends is to cut them off. Have ends trimmed regularly, avoid harsh styling products and keep hair well-moisturized to reduce the occurence of split ends.