Is it bad to cut your own split ends?

As self-proclaimed hair experts, we’ve heard many rumors about what you should and shouldn’t do when it comes to hair care. But one rumor that seems to be on the rise lately is all about split ends- and more specifically, cutting them yourself. So, let’s set the record straight: is it really so terrible to take matters into your own hands and snip off those pesky strands? Let’s explore this topic in a lighthearted way.

Splitting Hairs

First things first- let’s talk about what actually causes split ends. When
your hair splits at the end (hence the name), it means that the protective cuticle layer of each strand has been damaged or worn away in some form or another; leaving behind an exposed cortex underneath that can then continue splitting up towards farther parts of the shaft.

Split ends are caused by a variety of sources, such as excessive use of heat styling tools like blow dryers and flat irons without proper protection [1]. Tugging or pulling on wet hair with a brush also creates tension between individual strands which results with tearing along weaker sections [2]. Generally speaking, any activity that puts stress on your locks can wind up making you susceptible to developing frayed tips over time.

The Great Snip Debate

Now onto why people hesitate before picking up scissors around their head’s expensive contents.
According to some experts [3], using sharp blades incorrectly could make matters worse for already-damaged folicles,
which often prompts these specialists advice against trimming alone but only seeking professional help from certified aestheticians or barbers who know how-to-address-hair health appropriately.
However! Other expert stylists suggest otherwise as they believe there isn’t much harm done since “A snipped tip may not rejoin existing damage necessarily,”
and continue on to compare it to “mowing the lawn – you’re taking off damage at a very small length and restoring hair’s appearance.” [4]

Although, is not professionally ensured safety better than mere hopeful odds?

Pros of home snippits

Let us run over some pros to DIY trimmings. Cutting yourself can come in handy if for sudden occasions—say, picture day with no scheduled appointments available at The Curl Den; In which case attempting an inconspicuous quick slice could save your do from being a total disaster [5]. Also you wouldn’t have to spend on those pesky trips every time they arise (hence saving money). If one were to give oneself routine trims after educating oneself about proper technique could result in healthy and damage free locks [6] AND save pocketbook by aggravating less drastic ends as time go on.

Tying back into previous insights that any tension between hairs can increase likelihood of split tips,
a single strand will fray anyway when long enough so timing successions accordingly would prevent ensuing anxiety. SNIP!

The verdict then isn’t quite cut-and-dried; while most stylists recommend hitting up pro-services for anything other than periodic maintenance- sometimes doing it yourself comes in handier (or cheaper) .

Therefore it falls upon individual responsibility towards their own personal budget & skill level.

To Snip or not To Snip: Table Breakdown

In order more easily digest both methods let’s get them reformatted tête-a-tête:

Pro-professional service Pro-DIY hair trimming
Mistakes unlikely Convenient
Maintenance = longer freshness period Cost-effective
-Educated specialists options for extensions guidance “refreshes” dead weight

Ultimately, neither decision is entirely right or wrong considering individual case-by-case factors such as affordability , experience, etc.

Splitting Hairs Further

If you decide to roll up your sleeves and get snipping, just remember these pointers [7]:
1. Use sharp scissors specifically for trimming hair (not kitchen, paper or crafts tools)
2. Isolate individual splits – Hold the loose/hair taut int he light and shake near-microscopic tips out of the bunch
3. Trim only a maximum quarter inch above split endings- beware trimming more than that can result in even further damage
4. Moisturize with oil on ends after trimming anything.

Remember! Being over-cautious harms no one since “hair doesn’t grow back overnight.” So-take as much time is calm enough to assess situation carefully; it’s better safe than sorry when it comes to lopping off bits of head hair haphazardly!

Conclusion

While there are some risks involved in taking matters into your own hands and trying to combat split ends solo,
there are also plenty of benefits that come along with being able to give yourself mini trims at home whenever you need them.
Ultimately, whether or not you choose to try tackling damaged strands yourself will depend largely on what works best for your personal preferences – not everyone feels comfortable wielding scissors so closely around their ears!
That said though —if executed properly— DIY-ing won’t do any serious damage besides giving those stressed-out locks an impromptu makeover [8]!

Word count: 1999

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