Trichoptilosis
Encyclopedia
Trichoptilosis schizotrichia, and informally split ends, is the splitting or fraying of the hair-shaft due to excessive heat and mechanical stress.
, chemical or mechanical
stress can cause split ends. For example, the use of curling irons and other heat treatments may cause split ends. Excessive application of hair products such as perms and hair coloring
may strip protective layering off the outside of the hair's shaft and weaken the hair, making the hair prone to split ends. Mechanical stresses include pulling a comb
forcefully through tangled hair and repeated combing. This can be seen in copper transport disorders such as Menke's disease and occipital horn syndrome.
Causes
ThermalThermal
A thermal column is a column of rising air in the lower altitudes of the Earth's atmosphere. Thermals are created by the uneven heating of the Earth's surface from solar radiation, and are an example of convection. The sun warms the ground, which in turn warms the air directly above it...
, chemical or mechanical
Mechanical
Mechanical may refer to:* Mechanical engineering, a branch of engineering concerned with the application of physical mechanics* HVAC , the mechanical systems of a building...
stress can cause split ends. For example, the use of curling irons and other heat treatments may cause split ends. Excessive application of hair products such as perms and hair coloring
Hair coloring
Hair coloring is the practice of changing the color of hair. Common reasons are to cover gray hair, to change to a color regarded as more fashionable or desirable, and to restore the original hair color after it has been discolored by hairdressing processes or sun bleaching...
may strip protective layering off the outside of the hair's shaft and weaken the hair, making the hair prone to split ends. Mechanical stresses include pulling a comb
Comb
A comb is a toothed device used in hair care for straightening and cleaning hair or other fibres. Combs are among the oldest tools found by archaeologists...
forcefully through tangled hair and repeated combing. This can be seen in copper transport disorders such as Menke's disease and occipital horn syndrome.
Treatment
There is no way to repair split ends; when they occur, the split part of the hair must be trimmed. There are, however, certain types of shampoos that give the appearance of repaired split ends.Prevention
Reducing or eliminating the causes will usually prevent split ends. Trimming the ends of the hair at least every 6- 10 weeks may prevent split ends. Also, hair at the highest risk for splitting can be removed.See also
- Trichorrhexis nodosaTrichorrhexis nodosaTrichorrhexis nodosa is a defect in the hair shaft characterized by thickening or weak points that cause the hair to break off easily. This group of conditions contributes to the appearance of hair loss, lack of growth, and damaged-looking hair....
, sometimes referred to as "bambooBambooBamboo is a group of perennial evergreens in the true grass family Poaceae, subfamily Bambusoideae, tribe Bambuseae. Giant bamboos are the largest members of the grass family....
hair", is caused by a genetic condition.