How to Stop Split Ends Before They Take Over Your Hair

Almost every week a client leans back in my chair and asks, “Ann, why do I keep getting split ends even though I hardly use heat?” The truth is, split ends show up for all kinds of reasons. It’s not just about curling irons or straighteners. Sometimes your hair just needs a little more care and attention to stay strong.

I’m Ann Alfano, stylist at The Warehouse Salon in Fairfield. These are the simple tips I share with my own clients to help them fight split ends and keep their hair looking smooth. Whether you’re running errands by Pio Costa Enterprises or grabbing a quick lunch at Cutting Board Deli, these habits fit right into everyday life.

1. Keep Up with Regular Trims

Think of trims like routine upkeep. When you wait too long, those tiny splits crawl higher up the hair shaft. That leads to breakage and uneven texture. A light trim every 6–8 weeks keeps your ends healthy and prevents bigger problems down the road.

I had a client once who wanted long hair for her wedding. She skipped trims for months thinking she’d gain length faster. What actually happened was breakage halfway up her hair. Once we started trimming regularly, her hair finally grew past her shoulders. Healthy ends always win in the long run.

2. Choose Gentle Cleansing and Conditioning

Washing your hair shouldn’t strip it dry. Harsh shampoos leave ends weak and thirsty. A gentle cleansing routine paired with a nourishing conditioner keeps your strands balanced. If you color your hair, protecting it from dryness is even more important.

Here in Fairfield we feel the seasons in our hair too. Winters are dry, summers get humid. The right routine makes all the difference in keeping your ends intact throughout the year.

3. Treat Your Hair Once a Week

A weekly treatment gives your hair the strength it can’t always get from daily care alone. Extra moisture and repair time help seal ends and keep them from splitting. It’s a small step that pays off big when you’re trying to grow your hair or maintain a smooth style.

Clients often tell me that once-a-week self-care for their hair makes everything easier to manage. Less tangling, less frizz, and fewer trips in for emergency fixes.

4. Be Careful with Heat Styling

Heat tools can give you great results, but they can also be tough on your ends if you’re not mindful. Lower the temperature and work in smaller sections. This keeps hair smooth while reducing stress on fragile strands.

As my fellow stylist Monroe Del Sole likes to say, “It’s not the tool, it’s how you use it.” Used wisely, your blow dryer or flat iron doesn’t have to mean split ends.

5. Protect Your Hair at Night

Believe it or not, your pillow might be working against you. Cotton cases cause friction that roughs up your hair while you sleep. A smoother pillowcase or loosely braiding your hair before bed keeps your ends from tangling and breaking overnight.

Even a soft scrunchie can make a difference. These little habits help your ends survive until your next trim.

6. Add Professional Care When Needed

Sometimes home care isn’t enough. That’s where professional treatments come in. They smooth the cuticle, strengthen weak areas, and give your hair a fresh start. Many of my clients in Fairfield pair a trim with a treatment so they leave with both length control and healthier ends.

Our stylist Dan Madonna often reminds clients that keeping your ends strong also makes color and style last longer. Healthy hair holds everything better.

Closing Thoughts

Split ends don’t have to run the show. With regular trims, gentle care, mindful styling, and a little help from your stylist, you can keep your hair growing strong and looking smooth. It’s about consistency, not quick fixes.

If you’re tired of fighting frayed ends, come see us at The Warehouse Salon, 1275 Bloomfield Ave Building 1 Unit 3, Fairfield, NJ 07004. Call 973-500-4536 or book online through our booking site. Ask for me, Ann Alfano, or any of our stylists. We’ll get your ends back in shape so you can enjoy the hair you’ve been working for.