Comb through any hair care aisle and you’re bound to spot several split-end treatments—super-charged creams and leave-in serums designed to repair signs of breakage for a sleeker-looking mane. But are split-end treatments even effective? Is there a way to make those damaged strands come together again without a trim? Can bond repair innovations seal them like a form of Krazy Glue, or is it true that once the ends have split, it’s game over? These are just a few of the questions we asked stylists—who broke down everything you need to know about split-end treatments, plus the best hair-care products to shop.
Our Top Picks
In This Story
Best Overall: Virtue Strengthening Split End Hair Repair Serum Treatment
- Why We Love It: “This serum is a powerhouse for treating split ends, thanks to its [patented] Alpha Keratin 60ku protein, which repairs by binding directly to the most damaged parts of your hair,” says hair stylist Castillo Bataille. It’s an excellent option for addressing frayed ends, as it strengthens the hair and prevents further breakage. As someone in a long-standing monogamous relationship with hot tools, I try to use this at least once a week to keep my hair looking healthier than it might otherwise.
- Key Ingredients: Pea protein, hydrolyzed quinoa, baobab seed oil
- Type: Lightweight serum
- Size: 50 mL
Best Hair Serum: Moroccanoil Mending Infusion Styling Hair Serum
- Why We Love It: We love how all of Moroccanoil’s products smell, and this serum is no exception. Beyond its lovely scent, the formula is lightweight and non-greasy, offering immediate improvement in the appearance of split ends while conditioning and strengthening the hair. Boasting two-in-one benefits, this is formulated to seal up to 90% of split ends while achieving softer, smoother, hydrated hair.
- Key Ingredients: Argan oil, larch tree extract, boabab extract, hydrolyzed quinoa, macadamia-derived oil
- Type: Serum
- Size: 75 mL
Best Hair Mask: Redken Bonding Hair Mask
- Why We Love It: Some of us have more hair damage than others, and that’s where bonding masks come in. Powered by the brand’s conditioning care complex, Redken’s deep-conditioning formula is ideal for those needing intensive repair, as it strengthens and nourishes while reducing the appearance of split ends. To use, simply apply from mid-lengths to ends, let sit for five minutes, then rinse.
- Key Ingredients: Conditioning care complex
- Type: Liquid mask
- Size: 250 mL
Best for Severe Damage: K18 Leave-In Molecular Hair Mask
- Why We Love It: “This innovative mask works at a molecular level to repair the hair’s keratin chains, making it a standout choice for those dealing with severe damage and split ends,” says Bataille. The secret lies in the brand’s patented K18Peptide complex, which penetrates deep into the hair to rebuild and fortify damaged strands. It’s a leave-in formula, so it continues to work long after application, helping to restore strength and elasticity. At 1.7 fl. oz, it’s TSA-friendly, so nothing will get in the way of your hair repair while on vacation.
- Key Ingredients: K18 Peptide, hydrolyzed wheat protein and wheat starch
- Type: Leave-in treatment mask
- Size: 15 mL
Best for Color-Treated Hair: Oribe Split End Seal Beautiful Color Hair Treatment
- Why We Love It: Our stylists agree that this hair treatment from Oribe is perfect for those who color their hair, as it helps seal and mend split ends while preserving vibrancy. Hair stylist Nicci Welsh explains that it works by creating a net-like structure around split ends and strengthening the hair shaft. Bataille adds that it’s packed with UV protection and antioxidants, making it a top choice for anyone looking to address split ends without prematurely dulling color.
- Key Ingredients: Polymer blend, carob tree extract
- Type: Serum
- Size: 50 mL
Best for Fine Hair: Rōz Milk Hair Serum
- Why We Love It: Celebrity hair stylist Mara Roszak won Vogue editors over with her very first launch—the Santa Lucia styling oil in 2021. The Milk Hair Serum was introduced not too long after, to nourish hair with her signature blend of botanical oils. More of a lotion than a cream in texture, this is ideal for those with finer hair who need moisture without the weight, offering smooth, frizz-free ends that look polished and healthy.
- Key Ingredients: BotaniComplex red algae extract, amaront oil, hyaluronic acid
- Type: Serum
- Size: 100 mL
Best for Chemical Damage: Maria Nila Structure Repair, Leave-in Cream
- Why We Love It: The Swedes take their hair-care products seriously—just look at Matilda Djerf, a long-time fan of the Swedish brand Maria Nila. From the line, Structure Repair, Leave-in Cream is an excellent option for anyone dealing with split ends from chemical treatments or heat damage. Celebrity hair stylist Marc Mena is also a fan, noting that it’s a 100% vegan and animal-friendly product which helps repair and moisturize dry, damaged hair while sealing split ends. Plus, it contains bioactive algae protein that strengthens the hair from the inside out—bringing back bounce and smoothness without weighing the hair down.
- Key Ingredients: Algae extract, moringa oil, olive fruit oil, wheat protein, sunflower seed oil
- Type: Leave-in cream
- Size: 200 mL
Best for Daily Use: Living Proof Restore Repair Leave-In
- Why We Love It: You might know Living Proof best for its bestselling dry shampoo, but its other products, like this leave-in treatment, deserve recognition, too. Bataille explains that the Restore Repair formula is designed to strengthen and protect, making it an excellent daily treatment for preventing split ends. “It’s lightweight but powerful, helping to reduce breakage and split ends by reinforcing the hair shaft.”
- Key Ingredients: Hemisqualane, cupuaçu butter, vegan amino acids
- Type: Leave-in conditioner
- Size: 118 mL
Best for Dry Hair: Kérastase Nutritive Hydrating Split Ends Serum
- Why We Love It: According to Mena, this is a “highly effective hair serum that provides instant smoothness and shine while sealing split ends and preventing further damage.” It’s incredibly hydrating, thanks to its use of niacinamide. Just one use delivers intense moisture to dry, damaged ends.
- Key Ingredients: Plant-based proteins, niacinamide
- Type: Serum
- Size: 50 mL
Best Bond Repair: Philip Kingsley Bond Builder Split End Remedy
- Why We Love It: The Kingsley family knows hair—specifically, how to protect it, thanks to its background in trichology—demonstrated at their trichological clinic in New York City. Thankfully, anyone can benefit from their expertise without a trip to the Big Apple with this Bond Builder Remedy. Particularly effective for chemically-treated or color-damaged hair, this strengthens and repairs the hair’s bonds, providing long-lasting protection against future damage while temporarily sealing split ends.
- Key Ingredients: Hydrolyzed oat protein
- Type: Cream
- Size: 50 mL
Best for Curly Hair: Davines Naturaltech Nourishing Keratin Sealer
- Why We Love It: Keratin is closely associated with hair repair for its ability to “help to rebuild the hair structure and prevent further breakage, leaving your hair looking healthier and more polished,” says Bataille. This Davines formula is packed with powerhouse ingredient, making it excellent for sealing split ends and giving your hair a smooth, frizz-free appearance. Curly hair types, in particular, will appreciate how it tames curls without weighing them down.
- Key Ingredients: Keratin
- Type: Leave-in fluid
- Size: 100 mL
Best for Shine: Gisou Honey Infused Hair Repair Serum
- Why We Love It: One look at influencer Negin Mirsalehi’s hair and you’ll be eager to try her honey-focused hair products. While it offers a more natural formula than some of the other picks on this list, it still contains plant-based keratin that provides both moisture and strength to keep split ends at bay. Rather than weighing your hair down or making it sticky, it leaves your hair glossy, bouncy, and smooth.
- Key Ingredients: Plant-based keratin, encapsulated honey droplets
- Type: Serum
- Size: 30 mL
Best for Styling: Vegamour HYDR-8 Weightless Repair Hair Oil
- Why We Love It: We like to keep this oil within arm’s reach whenever we’re styling as it delivers deep nourishment without weighing hair down. Packed with nourishing marula oil, smoothing vitamin C oil, alongside a blend of Sacha Inchi and chia seed oils, this helps prevent split ends, tame flyaways, and impart a glossy shine with each use.
- Key Ingredients: Marula oil, vitamin C oil, sacha inchi, chia seed oil blend
- Type: Oil
- Size: 50 mL
Best for Textured Hair: Carol’s Daughter Goddess Strength Scalp Oil and Hair Oil Deep Treatment
- Why We Love It: “The Carol’s Daughter Goddess Strength Scalp Oil is particularly beneficial for those with textured or curly hair, as it helps to strengthen and protect the hair from root to tip, reducing the occurrence of split ends,” says Bataille. Castor and black seed oil come together to target weak and breakage-prone strands—nourishing both the scalp and ends of the hair. The nozzle allows for easy application, but use a light hand, as the liquid can become sticky if over-applied.
- Key Ingredients: Castor oil, black seed oil
- Type: Oil
- Size: 125 mL
How to Prevent Split Ends
Bataille explains that preventing split ends requires a combination of good hair-care practices and the right products. First, getting regular trims is key to removing the oldest, most vulnerable ends, which Bataille says can strengthen the hair and help seal split ends to prevent future damage. From there, treatments can be incorporated as maintenance in between appointments.
According to Welsh, keeping hair hydrated and strong makes it less likely to split. She advises using products that penetrate the hair shaft to lock in moisture and support the inner structure, which improves elasticity and reduces the risk of splitting and breakage during brushing.
Additionally, using heat protectants before styling, avoiding excessive heat, and keeping hair moisturized can significantly reduce split ends. She also recommends being gentle when brushing and seeking out professional care for chemical treatments.
Can you actually repair split ends?
“While it’s impossible to completely ‘repair’ split ends, certain products can temporarily seal them and prevent further splitting,” says Bataille. Split end repair treatments work by bonding the split fibers together, giving hair a smoother appearance. However, he notes that the only permanent solution for split ends is to trim them off.
Can you get rid of split ends permanently?
“Split ends can’t be permanently eliminated since they are a natural result of hair aging and damage,” says Bataille. Regular trims are essential to keep them at bay. Using strengthening treatments can help protect hair from developing new split ends by reinforcing its structure and providing moisture.
What to Look for in a Split-End Treatment
When choosing a split end treatment, look for ingredients that strengthen and repair, such as proteins or keratin, and moisturizing agents like oils or butters, Bataille instructs. Products that offer heat protection are also beneficial, as heat styling is a common cause of split ends.
What causes split ends?
According to Welsh, split ends can occur from dehydration due to chemical treatments, not using heat protectants before hot tools, holding the hair dryer too close, and environmental stress. “Our hair is like our skin and suffers from environmental stress; free radicals can also deplete healthy hair, leading to splits when the hair becomes damaged.”
Meet The Experts
- Castillo Bataille is a celebrity hair stylist based in Los Angeles whose clients include Bella Thorne and Lauren Tsai.
- Nicci Welsh is a Copenhagen-based celebrity makeup artist and hair stylist.
- Marc Mena is a celebrity hairstylist based in both New York and Los Angeles.
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