Perfect Hair and Split Ends

Girl with long blonde hair that looks perfect — Photo: Depositphotos

Q: Is everyone's hair perfect? I mean, do you really have to cut away all split ends? It's hard to imagine that everyone with long hair has perfect hair, without a certain percentage of damaged hairs and split hairs. If I would cut every single split end and hairs that split higher up the hair shaft, I would lose at least 10 cm in length.

Especially splits higher up the shaft are a problem. These are not "ends," so why do they split then? I take good care of my hair, and I straighten it only twice per week with a flat iron and protective product. I don't understand why my hair gets damaged.

A: You're absolutely right to question the idea of "perfect" hair because honestly, it doesn't exist for most of us. Hair is a complex fiber that faces constant challenges from environmental factors, styling, and even just daily life. The reality is that nearly everyone with longer hair will have some degree of damage, and that's completely normal.

The concept of perfect hair is more of a marketing myth than a realistic expectation. What you should aim for instead is healthy hair that looks and feels good according to your specific hair type and lifestyle. Some people naturally have stronger, more resilient hair fibers due to genetics, while others have hair that's more prone to damage. Factors like hair thickness, porosity, natural texture, and even the shape of your hair follicles all play a role in how your hair responds to styling and environmental stress.

When it comes to split ends, cutting them is generally the most effective long-term solution, but you don't necessarily need to obsess over every single one. Split ends occur when the protective outer layer of your hair, called the cuticle, becomes damaged and starts to peel away, exposing the inner cortex. Once this happens, the hair fiber becomes weak at that point and will continue to split further up the shaft if left untreated. Think of it like a run in pantyhose. Once it starts, it tends to keep going unless you stop it.

Those splits you're noticing higher up the hair shaft, away from the actual ends, are called mid-shaft splits or breakage points. These happen for several reasons. First, your hair is oldest at the ends and youngest at the roots, so the longer your hair gets, the more time those strands have had to accumulate damage. Even with careful handling, years of washing, brushing, sleeping, and environmental exposure take their toll. Second, certain areas of your hair might be more vulnerable due to previous damage, chemical processing, or even natural weak points in the hair fiber.

Blonde girl, checking her hair for damage — Image: AI illustration

The fact that you're only heat styling twice a week with protective products shows you're being conscientious about your hair care. However, damage is cumulative, meaning it builds up over time even with gentle treatment. Every time you apply heat, brush your hair when it's wet, sleep on a rough pillowcase, or expose your hair to sun and wind, you're creating microscopic damage to the hair cuticle. Most of the time, this damage is so minor that you don't notice it immediately, but over months and years, it adds up.

Rather than trying to cut every single damaged hair, which would indeed leave you with much shorter hair, focus on regular maintenance trims every 6-8 weeks to prevent splits from traveling further up the shaft. You can also do "search and destroy" sessions where you look for the worst offenders and snip just those individual hairs.

To minimize future damage, consider adjusting your hair styling routine slightly. Use a heat protectant every time you style, not just when you flat iron. Keep your flat iron temperature as low as possible while still achieving your desired results. Many people use much higher heat than necessary. Sleep on a silk or satin pillowcase to reduce friction.

Some amount of damage is inevitable if you want to maintain longer hair and continue heat styling. The key is finding the right balance between the length and styling you want and the level of damage you're comfortable with. Your hair doesn't have to be perfect to be beautiful and healthy-looking.

©Hairfinder.com

See also:

Split-Ender

How to get rid of split ends

How to repair split ends

Damaged hair and how to recognize it