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Does your hair tend to flick out at the ends? This hair flip can result in a look with a retro feel, but it might not be the style you’re going for. Plus, flicked-out ends can draw attention to split ends or look untidy.
Read on to learn more about why hair flicks out and what you can do about it.
Why Does My Hair Flick Out at the Ends?
There are different hair care mistakes and other factors that can result in flicked-out ends:
- Shoulder-length hair will naturally develop a flip due to the friction between your clothes and your ends. Letting your hair grow or chopping it will address this issue.
- Weight can cause your ends to flick out. Using the wrong haircare products can cause buildups that add weight to your hair, but factors like thick hair or sebum production can also weigh down your hair.
- Thick hair layers can curl and flip. Using thinning shears on your ends or getting a cut can help you manage thick layers.
- Hair damage is a common cause of flicked-out ends. Thin ends, split ends, and dry hair can curl.
- Humidity can affect your hair texture and cause curls and flicked-out ends to appear.
- Your hairstyle or styling technique could also cause your ends to flick out.
How to Prevent Flicked-Out Ends
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Let’s take a closer look at the different factors that cause your ends to flip up and how you can prevent flicked-out ends with a few simple hair care tips.
1. Is Your Shoulder-Length Hair to Blame?
On average, hair grows at a pace of 0.2 to 0.7 inches per month. If you don’t trim it regularly, it won’t take long before your hair reaches your shoulders. Wearing shoulder-length hair can have a flattering face-framing effect without requiring the same maintenance as long hairstyles.
However, your shoulders will act as a shelf that supports your ends. Over time, your ends will curl or flick out due to the friction your shoulders cause.
Plus, the clothes you wear can absorb hair oils and contribute to damaging your ends. You can prevent flicked-out ends by getting a trim regularly or wearing your hair up while you grow it out below shoulder length.
2. Weight and Flicked-Out Ends
Sebum plays an important role in maintaining healthy hair. Sebum production happens at the root, but this oily substance typically coats the entire length of your hair thanks to daily brushing. An overproduction of sebum can cause oily buildup that weighs down the hair.
Heavy buildup can also appear if you use rich hair products with ingredients like avocado oil or shea butter. Failing to rinse hair products out of your hair can also leave heavy residues.
If your ends carry too much weight, they will often curl and flick out. Using fewer hair products and avoiding rich products can make a difference. You should also try washing your hair less often since shampooing too often can result in an overproduction of sebum.
Read Next: How Much Does Hair Weigh (On Average)?
3. Get Rid of Thick Layers
Healthy hair can grow in thick layers. If your ends are thick, they might flick out and curl up. You can manage your thick layers by using some thinning shears at home. Using thinning shears can add texture and help you get rid of split ends.
Another option is to get a haircut regularly. You should get a trim every six to eight weeks for short or thin hair, but you can wait up to six months between haircuts for long or curly hair.
4. Address Hair Damage
Why does my hair flick out at the ends? Hair damage can cause your ends to become dry and brittle. Damaged ends can adopt a curled-up shape, especially if your shoulders are creating friction.
Split ends are another common issue that can cause flicked-out ends. Trimming your ends is a quick and easy way to get rid of damaged hair and allow for healthy growth.
You should also think about making a few changes to your hair care regimen to prevent damage:
- Use haircare products adapted to your hair type and texture. Hydrating products are important but avoid products that might be too rich or heavy for your hair type.
- Stay away from hair care products that contain harsh chemicals. These products can strip your hair of its natural oils and cause dryness.
- Heat styling can damage your ends. Blow drying, curling, and straightening can cause dryness and split ends.
- Avoid towel drying your hair. Wrap your hair in a soft cotton T-shirt instead or use a microfiber towel to gently absorb excess water.
5. Humidity Can Cause Flicked-Out Ends
Humidity causes bonds to form between water molecules and hair proteins. This process adds weight to your hair and causes curls to form. Genetics and hair texture can make your ends more or less sensitive to humidity.
You can protect your hair from humidity by using a quality conditioner or hair mask that will form a protective layer over your hair shaft. You can also use head scarves or hats to protect your hair from humidity when you go out.
Read Next: How to Keep Your Hair Straight in Humidity
6. Your Hairstyle or Styling Technique Can Result in Flicked-Out Ends
Your hairstyles or styling techniques can accidentally cause your ends to curl up. Hairstyles like braids or tight buns can cause breakage and alter the shape and structure of your hair. A loose hairstyle can prevent this issue.
If you’ve been wearing tight braids or another hairstyle that is causing your ends to flick out, consider getting a trim to get rid of damaged hair. You can also use hair care products, such as a hair mask, designed to repair and hydrate your hair.
You should also be mindful of the techniques you use when styling your hair. For instance, using a round brush can shape your ends and cause them to flick out.
Curling your hair with a styling wand can also cause your ends to flip up. If you want to use a curling wand, focus on styling the length of your hair and use a quality heat protectant.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Read on to learn more about flicked-out ends and damaged hair.
How Do You Fix Curled Ends?
A trim is the best way to get rid of split ends and damaged ends. You should also consider making some changes to your hair care regimen and avoid hair styling techniques that cause your ends to flick out.
Why Do My Ends Flip Up After Cutting?
Thick layers can cause your ends to flick up and curl up. If you have naturally thick hair and your hairdresser didn’t thin your ends to create texture, you will likely end up with flicked-out ends. The good news is that you can use thinning shears at home to fix your ends.
So, Why Does My Hair Flick Out at the Ends?
Wearing shoulder-length hair is a common cause of flicked-out ends. However, your ends might curl up because of hair damage and split ends. The hairstyles you wear and styling techniques or products you use could also contribute to the problem.
Humidity, sebum buildup, and heavy hair care products can also worsen the issue. Getting a haircut is a good place to start if you want to fix flicked-out ends.
You can get rid of damaged ends and make a few changes to your hair care regimen to prevent unwanted curling at the ends. Follow the steps we’ve outlined in our guide and you’ll be one step closer to straighter hair. Happy styling!