Best Hair Routine to Prevent Split Ends.

Dealing with split ends and not sure how to break the cycle? If you’ve starting doing your research, you know the only real way to get rid of split ends is to trim them off. But don’t forget to explore treatments to prevent split ends in the future. There are a number of things you can do and products you can use at home to prevent split ends.

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7 min read
L'Oréal Professionnel Team
26/02/2026

Why split ends happen.

Split ends happen due to a number of causes, but basically, they happen when the hair’s outer layer (the cuticle) starts to break down. This can lead to dryness, hair breakage, and, you guessed it, split ends- and finally, irreversible, hair damage.

Dehydration

A lack of hydration or moisture is a key factor in the appearance of split ends. Dry hair tends to be more fragile and prone to splitting.

Heat exposure

Exposure to heat, generally through heat styling (with blow dryers, curling irons or hair straighteners) can also weaken the hair, leading to dryness, breakage and split, frayed ends.

Daily haircare routine

Now that you know why and how split ends happen, what can you do? To get rid of split ends, you’ll have to get them trimmed, but to prevent split ends and repair damage, here are a few tips for a healthy, hydrating daily haircare routine.

Gentle cleansing

The basics of a healthy haircare routine? Wash hair with a gentle or repairing shampoo that cleanses without stripping away moisture.

Hydration

A hydration routine is key when it comes to preventing split ends. Use products formulated to hydrate and moisturize the hair – shampoos, conditioners, masks, serums and oils.

Leave-in care

For deep hydration consider a leave-in mask that can repair and hydrate from within the hair fibers, restoring moisture and maintaining hair health to help prevent split ends from forming.

Weekly repair haircare routine

Wondering how to repair your split ends? Well, the only true solution is trimming off the split ends. That said, once you trim the ends, you can practice proper care to prevent split ends from returning.

Deep moisture masks

For deep moisture and repair, opt for a salon-grade mask. The Metal Detox Mask by L’Oréal Professionnel, for example, is formulated for extreme hair rescue, providing 100 hours of deep hydration. Alternately, the peptide-powered Absolut Repair Molecular Mask reforms and rebuilds the molecular structure of the hair for visibly replumped hair. An other option is L’Oréal Professionnel Pro Longer Mask, instantly renewing the fiber for stronger and shinier hair and providing 31% less split ends*.

* Instrumental test Pro Longer Lengths Renewing Shampoo + Lengths Renewing Mask.

Oils for hair repair

In between trims, using products like the Absolut Repair Molecular Professional Bi-phase Oil for damaged hair, rebuild the hair's molecular structure for 100 hours of shine and 3 days of anti-frizz.

Safer heat styling

Whatever your styling routine, consider going a little gentler with the heat: use lower temperatures, better tools, and protect your hair with a heat protectant.

Strengthening ingredients

When it comes to treating or preventing split ends, there are some key ingredients to look out for, actives like amino acids, which can be helpful strengthening ingredients that prevent breakage and ultimately, split ends.

Amino acids

Amino acids are proteins that can help strengthen the hair fiber and protect the hair from future damage. This can help reduce new split ends from forming.
The L’Oréal Professionnel Pro Longer Mask for example, is specifically formulated with an exclusive combination of FILLER-A100 and Amino Acids to renew lengths and fill-in ends.

An other option is the Absolut Repair Molecular Professional Mask, formulated with 5 Amino acids to replump the hair’s molecular structure.

Conclusion: The end of split ends

If you’re looking to get rid of your split ends…it’s time for a trim. And then it’s all about building the right daily and weekly haircare routines, ensuring that you moisturize and hydrate the hair, to prevent split ends, damage and breakage.

Split ends FAQ

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    Step 1: Refill

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