If you ask any hair stylist about the most common hair complaint they hear from clients, there’s a good chance it’s split ends. The annoying feather-effect they have on the ends of hair strands is anything but glamorous. Split ends can make hair look overwhelmed with frizz, dryness, and damage — definitely not words to describe healthy hair. While it might sound like we’re splitting hairs here, the truth is that there are different types of split ends. Each type indicates a different level and severity of hair damage. Luckily, there are ways to prevent, reduce, and alleviate split ends. Here’s what you need to know.

The 4 Types of Split Ends

As much as we don’t like to admit it, there's something kind of fascinating about split ends. Sure, they’re annoying and unsightly, but at the same time, examining the nitty-gritty details of a split end is like looking at your blackheads in a magnifying mirror. You hate that they're there yet you can't look away. Since we know you're curious about what can cause split ends and how you can get rid of them, let's investigate the four common types of split ends. Then, you can then begin to address the issues behind them.

1. Y-Split

This is the prototypical split end. It looks like a "Y" where two separate sections have each split about 1/4" or more from each other. Y-split ends indicate the beginning stages of hair splitting, and are generally a sign of mild hair damage. Fortunately, you can give these types of split ends a softer look and feel with proper hydration. Pro Tip: Follow these 16 tips on how to moisturize hair

2. Feathered

A hair strand with feathered split ends will look like a tree branch that has a bunch of twigs attached to it. Each split will vary in length, up to half an inch. Feathered split ends are an indicator of severely damaged hair. If you find a lot of feathered splits in your hair, this is a sign that your hair cuticles need some serious TLC. Pro Tip: Get a primer on hair cuticles to help tame your split ends

3. Candle

This type of split end looks like a candlestick with a lit flame. The candlestick part of the hair shaft is as thick as the rest of the hair strands while the flame part appears to be about half the width of that. This is because the tip of the hair strand has been eroded, making it look like an entire layer of the cuticle has been peeled away. When this type of split end is grown out, it can make the strands weaker and thinner. Pro Tip: Check out these hacks for making thin hair look thicker

4. Single-Strand Knots

This type of split end looks like a piece of rope that’s tied in a knot. Single-strand knots are usually caused by aggressive treatment of hair and are more common for those with coily or curly hair types. When a knot is formed in the hair, it makes detangling much harder. Oftentimes, when a brush or comb is run through dry hair, breakage occurs. Pro Tip: Learn how to avoid curly hair mistakes

What Do Split Ends Say About Your Hair?

No matter what kind of split ends you have, they’re all indicators that you have some degree of hair damage that needs to be addressed. Here’s what you need to know about haircare habits that might be causing your ends to split and what approach you can take to free yourself from split end stress.

Your Heat Setting Are Too High

You don't need to be a cosmetologist to know that heat styling tools can lead to frizzy hair, damage, and yes, split ends. But did you know that the duration, temperature, and proximity at which you style your hair is what affects your strands the most? In a study on hair shaft damage from hair dryers, different groups were tested to see how air drying affected their hair versus blow drying. For the blow-drying group, it was found that the longer and hotter the hair was treated, the more splitting occurred. However, those who used a continuous motion and held the blow dryer six inches away from their head tended to have less hair splitting and breakage than naturally dried hair. So what does this say? It says that hot tools can lead to split ends. But it also shows that using them on a consistent basis and at high temperatures is the real culprit. If you want to continue using blow-dryers and straighteners, do so with caution. Limit usage to once or twice a month and use products with heat protectant properties, such as Function of Beauty's custom hair serum. This lightweight serum can be used on damp or wet hair to help increase shine, smoothness and hydration. It's also been shown to:

• Reduce frizz by 70%
• Improve detangling by 75%
• Thermally protect hair up to 400 degrees

You Need a Haircut

No matter what types of split ends you have, these damaging dead ends have no place in your hair. Letting them stick around can wreak major havoc on your locks. The more stress and friction you enforce on your split ends, the more likely they’ll spread damage and splittage to the mid-length sections of your hair. To put an end to this, you need to get regular trims. It's simple but true. The best way to get rid of split ends is to cut them off at the source. As soon as your see splits start to form, head to the salon and snip away. If you catch them in the early stage of development, you'll probably only have to trim off a quarter-inch or so. This option is much better than having to cut off multiple inches because you've let your damage run the ends of your hair ragged. Regular trims are especially helpful if your dreams of growing long hair are being cut short by nasty split ends. Pro Tip: Learn how a haircut can change your hair for the better

Too Much Shampooing, Not Enough Conditioning

Washing your hair with shampoo too often can cause abrasion to the surface of your hair. However, conditioning can help protect the surface of your hair fibers and prevent damage from destructive grooming and chemical treatment habits. Plus, the protein-derived substances used in conditioners can help temporarily reduce the look of split ends. Since conditioning is such an important factor in protecting your hair from damage, consider adding a leave-in conditioner to your hair care routine. You can use it post-shower or apply it to dry hair to help smooth out the frizzy look that split ends can create. Function of Beauty's custom leave-in treatment gives split end-prone hair a much needed dose of shine and hydration thanks to naturally derived and synthetic ingredients like avocado oil, argan oil, and coffee extract.

It’s Time to Get a Handle on Your Split Ends

Having a few (or even a lot) of split ends doesn't mean you're doomed to a life of flyaways and frizz. It just means that you need to change up your hair habits and find the right hair products to help mask them. Using lower temperatures when heat styling, adding a leave-in conditioner to your haircare routine, and trimming your split ends as soon as they pop up will help you keep your split ends in check and prevent future ones from popping up. To protect your hair color, control oiliness, define curls, and address split ends all at once, take our custom hair quiz. Here, you can design a custom hair care formulated for your unique hair type and hair goals.