From Root to Tip: How to Keep Your Hair Intact and Reduce the Chances of Mid-Shaft Splits by Laila Lawson
What are mid-shaft splits?
Mid-shaft splits, also known as trichoclasis, take place when the hair fibers split along the hair strand rather than just at the ends. The bends and twists in curly/coily hair are a point for potential mid-shaft splits to occur. These splits can have serious effects on the hair structure, leading to the hair being more prone to breakage due to its fragile hair structure. This article delves into the external and internal contributors to mid-shaft splitting, highlights practical methods for prevention and treatment, and features expert insight from a licensed cosmetologist and a board-certified dermalogist into the potential role of genetics and lesser-known factors that may influence this condition.
What external and internal factors contribute to splitting in the middle of the strand?
External factors that can contribute to mid-shaft splits vary but include:
Rough handling of hair—aggressive brushing of the hair, high manipulation of hair for hairstyles, detangling dry hair
Heat Damage—excessive use of heat (especially without heat protection) with flat irons, curling irons, blow dryers, etc
Chemical Processing— bleaching, coloring, perming, and or relaxing the hair
Internal factors that can contribute to mid-shaft splits vary but include:
Dehydration–low daily water intake can weaken hair roots and shafts
Genetics–certain individuals are naturally prone to the splitting of hair follicles due to their genetic coding
Hormonal Imbalances– overproduction of androgen hormone can be triggered in an individual with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), which causes androgenic alopecia or thinning of the scalp
What preventive measures or treatments can be pursued?
Preventive care can be a great way for those concerned with developing mid-shaft splits to start. Limiting heat and high manipulation styling can help decrease the chances of causing unwanted tension on the strands. Similarly, gentle handling of the hair, like using gentle detangling brushes (like Thrive Hair Bar’s), only detangling when hair is damp with conditioner or another detangling product, and keeping one’s hands out of their hair can help to save the integrity of the hair strand. Another small change that may help is changing from cotton to satin/silk pillowcases or sleeping with a satin/silk headwrap or bonnet, both may reduce friction upon the hair shaft, reduce hair dryness, and decrease the chances of mid-shaft splits.
When faced with mid-shaft splits, investing in bond-building and or molecular repair treatments, protein treatments, and scalp & hair health supplements can be essential. Incorporating molecular repair treatments that temporarily help by reconnecting polypeptide chains and disulfide bonds can bring strength and elasticity back to the hair. Investing in a protein treatment at your hair maintenance visit can help replenish lost proteins that strengthen the hair follicle and reinforce hair structure.
Christiana Burch, licensed cosmetologist at Thrive Hair Bar, states, “Deep condition your hair regularly to restore moisture and elasticity. Use nourishing treatments that target the midshaft and ends to keep the hair hydrated and strong. Use leave-in conditioners or hair oils (like argan or jojoba oil) to provide additional moisture and reduce frizz and breakage.”
Lastly, taking biotin or collagen supplements can contribute to increasing the production of keratin, which is a protein that helps form the tissues of the hair (essentially attributed to the hair’s resistance to breakage, strength, etc.)
Expert Insight on Mid-Shaft Splits: Interview with Dr. Chesahna Kindred
Dr. Chesahna Kindred, a board-certified dermatologist and researcher, shared her insights on mid-shaft splits. Dr. Kindred is the founder of Kindred Hair & Skin Center in Columbia, Maryland. When asked if there were any emerging technologies that offer a long-term solution for mid-shaft splits, Dr. Kindred emphasized the importance of addressing the root cause rather than surface-level fixes.
“The hair is going to shed and be replaced by a new one. So whatever triggered the split in the first place, if that is still present, every new hair that grows is going to be vulnerable to whatever caused the splits in the first place.”
In response to whether genetics contributes to mid-shaft splits, Dr. Kindred clarified that these splits are most often the result of external damage rather than inherited traits:
“No, because it's usually an outside job. You let your hair dry out. You have a relaxer. You have color. You're too rough with the hair. Braid, the synthetic hair is a little rough. It's constantly triggering friction on the hair. So if you're still doing any number of those things, the new hair that grows is still vulnerable to that.”
Dr. Kindred also drew attention to bubble hair, a lesser-known hair condition caused by thermal injury from tools like blow dryers or curling irons. This results in air pockets forming along the hair shaft, making it highly prone to breakage:
“...Air bubble that easily breaks. And then if the cuticle is allowed to dry, it's not protecting the cortex. And then you can get a split that way.”
These insights came from a conversation centered on identifying not just how to treat mid-shaft splits, but how to stop them at the source. Dr. Kindred’s comments highlight the importance of evaluating daily hair care habits, environmental exposures, and styling practices when addressing this issue long-term.
Conclusion
Unfortunately, much like split ends, there is no currently known solution for permanently repairing mid-shaft splits, other than cutting them off, which would, for most of us, be unrealistic since they live along the entire hair shaft. The best thing you can do if you notice them is to treat your hair like a fragile, beautiful fabric, and see a dermatologist and or endocrinologist to ensure that nothing internally is causing these splits (and if so, get treatment from your doctor for it).
References
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