Nothing says “I haven’t gotten a haircut in 20 kajillion years” quite like split ends. One of the most frustrating side effects of simply growing out your hair is split ends and they can happen to any hair type. They can typically be identified by a frayed, scraggly look at the longest point and can kill an otherwise healthy-looking style. Luckily, the best split end treatments and hair products will provide exactly what your strands need for a sleeker, less damaged look.
Luckily, there are steps you can take to prevent split ends, according to Los Angeles-based hairstylist Matilde Campos. “Little trims keep your hair shaft healthy and from continuing to split,” she tells Allure, urging those reluctant to let scissors near their hair to take a chance on taking off the last inch or two every now and then. If you absolutely refuse to get a trim (and even if you don’t), you can help prevent fraying by brushing correctly when you’re detangling strands. “Remember to start from the bottom and work your way up slowly,” she says. Another rule of thumb: Reduce how often you use heated styling tools in your hair-care routine, as they can dry hair out and diminish its natural proteins.
As for hair that’s already in Splitsville, it may be too late to actually fix what’s broken, but that doesn’t mean you can’t help improve how your hair looks. “Any product on the market for split end repair is targeted more to the appearance of split ends,” says New Jersey-based stylist Michelle Cleveland. “Once the strand has split and separated at the end, there’s absolutely nothing that will bring it back together” — at least not permanently. New York-based stylist Senada K. Ceka says hair treatment sprays, glossing serums, and leave-in conditioners all make the appearance of split ends less noticeable and give the hair a sleeker, healthier look.
So, whether your goal is split end prevention or simply cosmetic improvement, there are plenty of hair-care products worth working into your regimen. Here are 15 nourishing treatments experts can’t recommend enough.
Our Top Picks:
- Best Overall: Amika The Closer Instant Repair Cream, $28
- Allure Best of Beauty Winner: Briogeo Don’t Despair, Repair! Strengthening Treatment Oil, $30
- Expert’s Pick: K18 Molecular Repair Hair Oil, $65
- Best for Color-Treated Hair: Oribe Split End Seal, $48
- Best Hair Oil: Kérastase Nutritive Split Ends Serum, $45
- Best for Dry Hair: Virtue Split End Serum, $42
- Best for Split End Prevention: Living Proof Restore Repair Leave-In, $31
All products featured on Allure are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.