Question: What Can I Do About Dry Ends?

Help! The ends of my hair are so dry. I condition regularly, but they're still so dry, and it seems nothing I do is helping.

Answer:

Dry ends can bring down even the flyest cut. A number of factors may be in play here: color or color and relaxing combined (classic overprocessing), too much heat, lack of proper conditioning, neglect and infrequent trims. Unless your ends are damaged beyond repair, usually due to an irreversible process, they may be salvageable, even if you think all hope is lost.

To get your ends back into well-moisturized shape, try these steps:

Condition well: Even if you think you've been conditioning your hair well, you still might not be giving thirsty tresses as much moisture as they need. Too much thermal styling, the styles you wear and even some fashion choices (wool hats, scarves and coat collars) can all wreak havoc on ends. Remember: these are the oldest parts of your hair, and are already prone to dryness. Don't make them worse by skipping essential conditioning. This includes rinse-out and deep conditioning products. If your hair is really suffering, put it on a deep condition program right away. You'll need to use a quality product at least once or twice a week. While some deep treatments work in a matter of minutes, look for those that work in conjunction with low heat for maximum penetration.

Some good options:

• NuNAAT Karite Special Intensive Mask
• Milk Protein & Olive Oil Treatment
• ORS Olive Oil Replenishing Conditioner
• Dr. Miracle's Medicated Treatment

• Nubian Heritage Indian Hemp & Tamanu Treatment Masque

Baggy method: Use this along with frequent conditioning if you like. The baggy method simply encases your ends in a plastic cover of some kind, after you apply a moisturizing product. It doesn't have to be conditioner; natural oils are a great choice for this method.

Trim judiciously: You don't necessarily have to cut all of your hair and start over. Major cuts are painful for women who've worked to gain some length. You may be able to trim a little at a time -- half an inch or an inch (for the very brave) each month, while simultaneously conditioning, will gradually bring your ends into decent shape.

With the exception of cutting dry ends, it can take some time to coax thirsty ends back into shape, so don't expect instant results. After all, your hair didn't lose all moisture overnight. Practice a lot of patience along with serious TLC and your hair can gradually come back into a healthier state.