A method to 'see' split ends - no heat required
If you are unable to see split ends (or even if you are), your hair will still indicate to you whether it is damaged or not. As hair grows and gets older it has a tendency to taper due to loss of the cuticle. If you have split ends then logically as the hair splits the ends will get thinner over time.
I have previously discussed the science of how hair wears over time and if you have not seen it, then here are the links:
1. Trimming for longer hair
2. Trimming how much and how often
Today I want to talk about one heat free method to 'see' split ends. This involves braiding hair in small-ish sections (around a square inch or so) and then checking to see if the ends taper or not (See the image below).
Tips to using this method successfully:
1. Tension: You should braid with approximately the same tension. Don't increase the tension as you go along or you may get a false result.
2. Sections: Small sections are necessary since hair does not grow at the same speed. It is very possible to have much longer hair at the back than the front or vice versa.
3.Styling: If your hair has been cut into layers or weighted (thinned out in sections), this method is not useful for you unless you are growing out the layers and would be happy to loose the longer lengths.
4. Long hair: Hair around the 12-18 inch mark and longer has a tendency to taper not because of split ends but rather because of normal wear. You can still use the method above but must make your own judgement call on how much you wish to cut
What is your method for trimming?
I have previously discussed the science of how hair wears over time and if you have not seen it, then here are the links:
1. Trimming for longer hair
2. Trimming how much and how often
Today I want to talk about one heat free method to 'see' split ends. This involves braiding hair in small-ish sections (around a square inch or so) and then checking to see if the ends taper or not (See the image below).
1. Tension: You should braid with approximately the same tension. Don't increase the tension as you go along or you may get a false result.
2. Sections: Small sections are necessary since hair does not grow at the same speed. It is very possible to have much longer hair at the back than the front or vice versa.
3.Styling: If your hair has been cut into layers or weighted (thinned out in sections), this method is not useful for you unless you are growing out the layers and would be happy to loose the longer lengths.
4. Long hair: Hair around the 12-18 inch mark and longer has a tendency to taper not because of split ends but rather because of normal wear. You can still use the method above but must make your own judgement call on how much you wish to cut
What is your method for trimming?
Great method! Thanks!
ReplyDeleteThanks Katie :)
ReplyDeleteWhat are the advantages or disadvantages of using this method on twists instead of braids?
ReplyDeletewhat a great method!!! This is extremely helpful!! Thank you
ReplyDeleteoff topic: I just saw your comment on the healthy hair blog. Are you originally from East Africa too? Are you making the samosas with potatoes and peas with curry? They're so good!
Thank you for discussing this JC! I'm in the number 4 category and was wondering what to do about my ends. They're starting to taper but not because of split ends. It may just be normal wear as you mentioned. I'm still deciding whether to cut though. The tapering makes twists/braids harder to un-loose, so I have to be extra patient. Do you think tapering can cause damage in the long run? Off to read the other trim posts to see if I missed the answer ...
ReplyDeleteAs for trimming method: I use to trim 1x a year only (since I wanted to maximize my growth). Now I trim split ends as I see them (more frequently than 1x a year).
J - You can definitely use the same method on twists, I find that braids tend to compress the hair a little better but if twists are your thing, then it can work with these too!
ReplyDeleteHey Amina - Ndiyo, mimi ni Mkenya :) For everyone else, that is Swahili for Yes I am from Kenya! I do like the potatoes peas and curry version!
Loo - I think if your goal is to grow longer hair then it is probably ideal to try and minimise tapering for as long as possible. Tapering generally means the cuticle layers are getting thinner and therefore the ends are likely to split. Eventually though when hair is getting to its maximum length it will taper regardless.
When I am just trimming to even my hair up ( i have a differernt method when I am getting rid of splits) , I make a part down the middle of my head bring the ends around the front, having them laying flat on my chest and cut straight accross, This gives me a U shape to my ends when my hair is straight.
ReplyDeletefinally! when you try and hold on to the length of your hair as opposed to obtaining regular trims you get the braid on the right. trim your hair it will grow back and/or as always do you boo! :)
ReplyDelete@hair and beyond - That would be a great method for straight hair!
ReplyDeleteAnon - This is true, unfortunately with tapering ends, hanging on to this length is counterproductive.
Jamani kumbe uko mtu wa nyumbani. Haya dada, this is great!! Technically I am not from Kenya, my parents are from Burundi. We used to go to Nairobi every summer and lived there in 96..anyways..tutaongea baadaye
ReplyDeletelol Amina, kweli sisi ni majirani (which means true we are neighbours!).
ReplyDeleteWhat to do if your hair looks like the image on the left but you are sure you've seen holes and knots when squinting at individual strands?
ReplyDeleteIt is up to you Efuru, holes and knots are potential sites of damage, I would personally do a search and destroy for those particular strands. Some people certainly have had success with just leaving knots alone but I found that they have a tendency to start 'talking' to the neighbouring hair which then ends up in the web.
ReplyDeleteUltimately with this type of damage on an otherwise healthy strand, I would really examine the hair care and routine to identify the cause of the holes (knotting is pretty routine). It could be a case of tools (jagged nails in finger combing or teeth on a comb). It could also be a result of tight twisting or pulling of the hair.
I have been seeing this lately with my twist and I clip them. Can't figure out what is going on. :(
ReplyDelete:)so much knowledge here!! one day JC will write a book on natural hair w/the scientific approach..we will rush to buy it and have it signed :) a girl can dream right!! now you know there isn't a natural hair book out there written by an African..wink wink nudge nudge
ReplyDeleteSadly Ayomide it may mean that you need to brave it and cut some more hair. If you are only seeing a few in the midst then the more conservative search and destroy would be for you.
ReplyDeletelol asante Amina. I had one publisher show some interest but when I said that I would continue to give out the information for free on the blog, she ran for the hills lol. I do think that some people would like to have a reference text and others don't mind flipping through the archives. I feel that this information is useful and everyone should know about it. Publishers have a different angle they feel why would someone pay when they can get it for free. So free it is until I get another offer which is happy to take free!!
fabulous post (and loved reading all the comments) :-)
ReplyDeletethis may be a good method for me to try with my daughter. thanks Jc!
I can see how this method would work if your hair is all one length. However, if your hair is layered or thinned during professional cutting, then the braids will be thinner at the ends because there is less hair. This may be obvious, but I thought it worth mentioning.
ReplyDeleteYep I mentioned it in the post Family Viola
ReplyDeleteAnon - They are a curious pair of scissors may be more decorative than functional. Will list the flayer in my to do list
You are welcome CallaLily
This is for JC and Amina. So excited to see your comments! My family just spent a year in Kenya to adopt our third daughter. I'm on sites like this one a lot trying to learn more about how to care for her hair in the BEST way. Maybe you can give me some specific tips? I'd love to hear from you. www.austinadoption.wordpress.com
ReplyDeleteYes, you sure did say the exact thing! I missed it. :)
ReplyDelete@Anon- Sure thing just let me know what you would like to know or if you are struggling with anything in particular. A really good website for haircare for kids is happygirlhair.com. Katie has adopted two girls from Ethiopia. Pendo's hair (yep I checked out your site) is very similar to one of Katie's girls. Do check it out!
ReplyDeleteThis is an excellent idea. I've been meaning to trim my ends for a while but not sure what the best method is. Thanks for the article.
ReplyDeleteSalamu from a fellow Kenyan. I am in the states, i follow your blog and i thought i should say hi. I've been relaxer free for about 5 years and i am always scouring the web for tips on how to style my hair. Blog yako imenisaidia sana, i am so proud that mkenya mwenzangu is educating the masses (scientifically at that) Hongera sana and keep up the good work.
ReplyDeleteAsante sana Nimefika. Umenifurahisha kwa sababu umetumia lugha ya taifa!
ReplyDelete(which means Thanks Nimefika, you've made my day by writing in swahili ).
Natural hair is great, stick with it!
Thanks for this post! I need a trimming but my budget is tight. Now I know how to cut my ends my self. The left rear portion of my hair is a poor sight. :( I can't even wear my afro out proudly b/c of the weakened hair and tangled knots that often form.
ReplyDeleteI just have a question. I've heard of ladies braiding the hair but only cutting the pieces that are sticking out; is that effective? I hope so, because it seems less traumatic than cutting several inches of hair. I despise trimming :) It always seems to turn into a cut. Great Blog BTW!
ReplyDeleteGood luck mizztcasa
ReplyDeleteAnon- I think that method is a bad idea. Each hair is growing in its own cyle so some hair is shorter than the next piece. Not all the hair that sticks out is in bad condition. It is always better to cut the ends in my opinion.
You do NOT have to cut several inches of hair unless your hair is badly damaged. Quarter or half an inch is usually sufficient for about 6 months (for me).
Hi JC,
ReplyDeleteI just came accross this video and I wanted to have your opinion regarding this method to "trim".
You told me once you were African and you may have seen this method of using fire to "clean" braids.
The "hairdresser" that is using this techniques says that hair that is split, even when cut, will have a tendency to split again. Whereas with fire, the hair wont split again". What do you think? Here is the link : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fXqMoj6GvPY
Take care
Clarisse
Hi JC
ReplyDeleteI agree that if hair is weighted, layered or cut unevenly, this method may not work. But not all hair on one head is in the same growth phase, hair is constantly being shed and replaced. Surely then in a "perfectly healthy" (if there is any such thing!lol)head of hair there will always be hair of varying lengths which are not necessarily split. Using this method on such a head will surely lead to excessive trimming?
what if you do have your hair in layers? how do you cut it that way??
ReplyDeleteWow! Believe it or not I have been doing this method for years (10+). I was putting my hair in braids and noticed the some of the ends were funky looking, so I snipped them. I part my hair in the same place (years doing this=memorized)same amount of braids, check the ends and snip. I hope people find this helpful.
ReplyDeleteHello! would cutting your hair in this manner while wet be acceptable? Thanks for all the information. I do believe i'm addicted to your site! =-)
ReplyDeleteGlad to have you on board. This method is best done on dry hair. This is because wet natural hair has a tendency to shrink and you can end up cutting off more than you need to.
DeleteI have many hairs coming out of the sides of my two strand twist. Are these split ends, how to I trim this unruly, unsightly hair. Please help, I have been searching for years.
ReplyDeleteThis is just frizz, you need to find a product to use while twisting to minimize it and avoid getting it wet in general afterwards. If you do get your hair wet, use a scarf to smooth it down (wrap for about 30 minutes)
Delete