Split Ends and Loose Ends: Is There A Similarity?
Written in collaboration with Exsencia Murphy and Steph Autry.
In the hair business, there’s nothing we promote more than getting regularly scheduled haircuts. Every six to eight weeks, we encourage our clients to do regular trims to combat the issue of split ends. Between frequent washing, lack of heat protection and moisture, environmental elements and chemical services, it is imperative that each individual goes through regular hair maintenance to keep the hair from getting damaged.
The proper name for split ends is Trichoptilosis, which comes from the Greek word “tricho” meaning, “hair,” and the Latin “ptilosis” meaning, “arrangement of feathers in definite areas” and is the fraying of the hair shaft due to heat, chemical services and other elements. The outer layer of the hair shaft becomes damaged and takes on a frayed appearance as the hair divides into two or more strands. At this point, the ends need to be removed and cannot be repaired. If left, the strand will continue to divide up the hair shaft resulting in more damage, breakage and possibly loss of hair. As with all things, putting off this important hair service can wreak havoc with your “do”.
How does getting your haircut have anything to do with loose ends? Most people know that the term “loose ends” refers to some sort of unfinished business. We may need to finish the final details of a project or resolve some sort of issue in a situation we are dealing with personally. The same applies in our topic of hair. If split ends don’t get addressed, they can potentially turn into loose ends anywhere along the hair shaft due to breakage. What started out as a small split end at the bottom of the hair shaft, turns into inches of damage.
Unresolved issues in our lives, (and our hair) can cause major damage. 1 Peter 1:13 says, “Therefore, prepare your minds for action, keep sober and fix your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” Now is the time to ponder what may be keeping you from cutting off those split ends as well as addressing any unfinished loose ends, such as useless things that occupy your time, resentment and unforgiveness that may have been put on a shelf, and distractions in your daily living. When these things manage to go unchecked in our lives, the damage can be insurmountable. So how can we make sure that we are keeping our hair and our heart in a place that’s healthy? Here are some practical tips:
Tip #1 - Take an inventory
When was the last time you had a haircut or any type of hair service? If it’s been a while, there’s no time like the present to schedule a salon appointment and have your hair evaluated by your local hair doctor. Have you overlooked any loose ends in your life that you haven’t taken the action to address? Today is the day. If you get stuck or need help, Jesus, the Great Physician is always there. Start by spending some time in His presence.
Tip #2 - Be Consistent
It’s easy to procrastinate or not be on top of things because life is so busy. Scheduling haircuts every six to eight weeks and incorporating them into your calendar is a consistent and easy way to keep track of the maintenance needed for your locks. Just like spending that consistent time alone with the Lord will create an abundance of peace and direction in our lives. He will also reveal to us what may be causing those loose ends in our lives that we might have ignored or haven’t addressed, and how to deal with them appropriately.
Tip #3 - Change Your Mindset
When was the last time you made a decision to change things up in your life? If you are a person who puts things off until tomorrow or waits until the last minute to get things done, there’s no time like today to start doing things differently. Proverbs 4:26 tells us to, “Give careful thought to the paths for your feet and be steadfast in all your ways.” Consciously choose to be unwavering in clipping those split ends and tying up the loose ones. We can start by examining our lives, pursuing consistency in our schedules and our time with the Lord, as well as renewing our mindset in every circumstance.
In both hair care and life, neglecting small issues can lead to much bigger problems down the line. Just as regular trims keep our hair strong, smooth, and healthy, regularly tending to the “loose ends” in our lives—whether emotional, spiritual, or practical—helps prevent deeper damage to our well-being. When we stay intentional, consistent, and open to change, we give ourselves the opportunity to thrive. So whether it's time for a trim or time for personal reflection, take the step today. Keep your hair and your heart in alignment—and let God guide you in both.