How to Cut Split Ends Without Losing Length
Written by Kassidy Ward
Updated on
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You most probably have split ends. And the longer your hair is, the more noticeable they are. You know they’re bad for your hair, but at the same time, you don’t want to cut off too much because doing so will undoubtedly make your hair look shorter.
So how do you trim those straggly ends without sacrificing your pretty long hair?
It’s all about using clever techniques like dusting, skimming, and using the right tools that can nix those dead ends without sniping off your precious inches.
Without further ado, here are the best hacks for removing split ends like a pro.
There are various ways to remove split ends without damaging your hair’s length. The 5 ways listed below will help you get started on this quest.
1. Hair Dusting
This method is a super-easy way to remove a little bit of excess split ends from your hair if you’re looking for a quick fix, this one’s perfect!
To start, comb your fingers through your hair. Do this once, then do it again while you focus on the ends of your strands. You’ll notice that there are tiny clips of split ends between your fingernails or comb. Simply snip them off with some small scissors, and voila, you’ll get rid of them!
Try to focus on the ends of your hair, though, rather than directly snipping off mid hair shaft split ends. That way, you don’t accidentally damage the healthy hair strands and cut out too much hair in the process. Hair dusting is pretty simple, and it’s also healthy for your hair because it’s not as harsh as cutting your hair.
2. Twist and Cut
While it’s similar to hair dusting, this technique is more challenging. You should try it out when you’ve got a little bit of practice from simply dusting your split ends and if you have medium-length hair or long hair.
Start by twisting your hair in the opposite direction of the split end (e.g., twist it clockwise if it is a counter-clockwise twist). Next, grab a small section of hair from the split end, then cut diagonally into that twisted section from root to tip, and repeat for the next section of hair.
Proceed to do this for more split ends you want to get rid of until they’re all chopped off. The great thing about this technique is that it requires almost no tools, and you get to keep as much length to your hair as you want!
3. Blowout and Trim
Next, we have the blowout, and trim technique, one of the most straightforward trimming split ends’ methods, especially if you have curly hair, thick hair, or long hair.
As its name implies, after you wash your hair, blow-dry your wet hair on the highest heat setting until it’s smooth (the same process you’d follow when blowdrying your hair). Then, divide your hair into small sections (half-inch), and comb through them using a wide-toothed comb.
Once you’ve done that, the frayed ends should be standing out from the bristles, and that’s when you’ll proceed with point-cutting them vertically using your favorite pair of scissors.
If you do it right, you’ll prevent split ends, and your next trim will be at least a month or two away, depending on how often you wash your hair and what products you use!
4. Skimming With a Razor
A razor trim haircut is an easy, quick trimming choice that allows you to keep more length. In a nutshell, it’s a specialized cutting approach that efficiently removes build-up and protruding splits from the hair.
Simply, all you need to do is use a fine-tooth comb or brush to separate your dry hair into thin, layered strands, then gently “skim” the blade over your ends. As you do so, you’ll eventually see how frayed strands start accumulating on the blade and possibly even some product build-up too.
If you can, try to cut the tips of your strands in layers, giving them a slight point at the end. This gives your hair movement and fullness without adding too much bulk!
5. Cut While Washing Your Hair
Lastly, there’s the cut while washing technique. This one is pretty straightforward, so if you don’t do regular trims, this is the way to go.
After shampooing and conditioning your hair, rinse the sudsy portions from your hair. This is exactly where you trim them! One tip to simplify this is to pile all of your hair in a loose knot while you trim. This way, you can trim without worrying about messing up your strands.
Another way is to stand in the shower, bend over your head at a 45-degree angle, and then trim as you shampoo or condition your hair. Many beauty brands have endorsed this as one of the best ways to trim dead ends with less damage to the length of your hair!
Tools for Cutting Split Ends Without Losing Length
Once you’ve decided upon the trimming techniques that suit you best, several tools can help you trim split ends. Below are among the top ones.
1. Split Ender Pro 2
With the Split Ender Pro 2, you can give your split ends the cut they deserve with the precision of clean 1/4 inch trim settings. Used wirelessly or directly plugged in, all you need to do is turn it on and go down your hair following its natural path. You’ll be amazed at how quickly it works!
P.S: It’s safe to use on all types of hair (including color-treated or highlighted). And it doesn’t cut any length or damage your hair. If anything, it just leaves it so healthy-looking.
2. Equinox Razor Edge Scissors 6.5′
We all know the power of a reliable pair of scissors when it comes to haircuts, right? The Equinox Razor Edge Scissors are specifically designed to serve that purpose. With its precise blades and sharp edge, this beauty is perfect for anybody that needs a snip or two.
Designed to be lightweight but powerful at the same time, it’s incredibly easy to use! Not to mention, it’s super ergonomic with adjustable tension settings to take the intimidation and discomfort out of the haircutting experience.
With these scissors, you’ll get clean cuts every time and maybe even a salon-grade haircut in the comfort of your own home if you want to.
3. Leinuosen Wide Tooth Comb
No more pulling, tearing, and breakage.
With this comb, your hair will be smoother, shinier, and silky.
That’s because its wide teeth are designed to reduce snags and knots, making it easier to comb through tangles. Additionally, this detangling barber comb is heat-resistant, meaning you can use heated appliances like blow dryers without damage.
Ultimately, this durable comb will serve as an all-around essential for styling or just combing out strands after a swim in the pool – any woman would love one!
There you have it!
Now you know how to trim split ends without sacrificing length.
The techniques provided in this post should suffice for most women who want to get rid of their damaged hair but don’t want to cut many lengths off. Try these on your hair, and let me know how they work for you!
Split Ender Pro 2
About the Author
Kassidy WardKassidy Ward is our curly girl expert and has been following the Curly Girl Method for over 3 years. She's tried just about every product and technique out there to get her curls to cooperate and is always on the lookout for new products to try.
She's also a sucker for free products, which is why she's relentlessly reaching out to manufacturers with her unique persuasive skills. 9 out of 10 times, she wins!