As a 25-year-old, I look back at my teenage years and cringe at how far I went to get “perfect” hair. Like many young girls, I wanted my hair to look just like the flawless strands I saw on movie stars and influencers. If it was straight one day, it was curly the next, and for that, I turned to every heating tool imaginable. The hot irons, the blow dryers, the curlers – you name it, I had it. But what I didn’t realise was the price my hair was paying for all that styling: split ends. And over time, those split ends grew worse, leading to my hair becoming fragile and unhealthy.
One day, after months of trimming and trying to fix my hair at the salon, I decided to take matters into my own hands. After all, I wasn’t ready to let go of my precious length. So, I did what many people do when they have a DIY idea – I turned to YouTube.
It was 2015, and YouTube was the go-to resource for beauty tips. I searched “best ways to get rid of split ends at home,” and, lo and behold, I found a video where a woman was burning off her split ends with a candle. The thumbnail had this intriguing image of a lit candle, and I thought, This is it – my solution!
Feeling confident, I grabbed a candle, lit it, and hovered my hair near the flame, following the instructions. Within seconds, disaster struck. Instead of gently burning the split ends away, I accidentally singed a chunk of hair right in the middle. I was left holding a sad, burnt strand of hair in my hand, wondering what went wrong. The idea that had seemed so clever now felt utterly foolish.
Also Read: Split Ends: Home Remedies To Treat It
My disappointment didn’t stop there. Embarrassed, I had to visit my mom and, eventually, a professional stylist who gave me a shoulder-length cut. My hair was no longer the length I loved, and I learned the hard way that sometimes, attempting to fix a problem on your own can make it worse.
So, if you’re thinking about burning off your split ends, let me share why you might want to think twice.
Dangers Of Burning Off Your Split Ends
While burning split ends off might sound like a quick fix, the reality is far more damaging. In a candid conversation with Onlymyhealth, Dr Aditi Wadhwa, Consultant, Department of Dermatology, Sharda Care - Health City, shared a few key reasons why you should reconsider this technique:
1. Risk Of Hair Damage
“Burning hair can cause irreparable damage, not just to the split ends, but also to the surrounding strands. The heat from the flame can weaken your hair, making it more susceptible to breakage,” Dr Gulati shared. In my case, the damage wasn't just limited to one strand – the heat from the flame could have weakened the structure of the entire section of my hair. This makes your hair even more fragile and prone to splitting and breaking in the future.
2. Scalp Burn Hazard
Hair isn't the only thing that can burn. The flame from a candle can easily get too close to your scalp, causing burns that are not only painful but potentially harmful. Even a small misstep could lead to severe consequences. The scalp is sensitive and delicate, so direct heat exposure is never a good idea.
3. Loss Of Hair Length
As I learned firsthand, burning hair can lead to uneven cuts or bald spots. If you don't burn the split ends in exactly the right way, you might end up with patches of hair that are shorter than the rest, or worse – completely bald sections where you've gone overboard with the flame.
4. Fire Hazards
Using a flame near your hair might seem innocent, but it poses a serious fire risk. If you aren’t cautious, the flame could escalate, causing a real fire hazard not only to your hair but to your home as well. It's easy for things to get out of hand in an instant.
Also Read: Want To Treat Split Ends? Here Are 6 Amazing Home Made Hair Masks
What You Should Do Instead: Expert Tips For Dealing With Split Ends
If you're frustrated with your split ends and don't want to damage your hair further, there are better ways to treat them. Here’s what Dr Gulati recommended:
1. Trim Regularly
The best way to get rid of split ends is to trim them. Regular trims every six to eight weeks will keep your hair healthy and prevent split ends from travelling up the strand and causing further damage.
2. Use The Right Products
Invest in nourishing hair treatments, like deep conditioners and leave-in serums, which can help repair the damage and prevent split ends. Look for products containing ingredients like argan oil, keratin, and biotin, which can help strengthen your hair and reduce split ends over time.
3. Heat Protection
If you must use heating tools (I know I still love my straightener occasionally!), always use a heat protectant spray to shield your hair from excessive heat damage. This step can significantly reduce split ends and hair breakage.
4. Avoid Over Styling
While styling your hair is fun, overdoing it with heated tools can cause irreparable damage. Try to give your hair a break between styling sessions, and embrace your natural texture when possible.
Takeaway
Burning your split ends may seem like a shortcut to healthy hair, but it’s a dangerous and ineffective method that can leave you with worse damage. Instead, focus on proper care and regular trims, and your hair will thank you in the long run. Sometimes, the easiest way to have healthy hair is simply to let go of the damage and trust the professionals. Take it from me – there are no shortcuts when it comes to taking care of your hair!