I kept getting split ends until my hairstylist told me this

Another trick? Being more mindful of how you’re treating hair when it’s wet. “When your hair is wet, it’s at its most vulnerable,” Stenson says. “Hair can stretch up to 50% when it’s wet. Apply your leave-in products before combing hair, limit pulling hair up when it’s wet, and avoid sleeping with wet hair.”

Also pay attention to which products, tools, and accessories you use on your hair while it’s wet, and especially brushes and towels. “Use a wet brush or Tangle Teezer brush to prevent any further damage or snagging on the hair, since these brushes focus on detangling and protecting the hair and are less abrasive,” suggests celebrity hairstylist Kieron Justin, who also advises using a microfibre towel, as opposed to a standard cotton one, straight out of the shower. “Microfiber causes less friction on the hair and minimise the tension on fragile hair,” he says, adding that standard cotton towels can lead to further breakage.

You’ll also want to minimise your hair’s exposure to heat and air-dry your hair whenever possible. “Limit the use of hot styling tools and use them on the lowest heat setting,” suggests Korab, who reiterates the importance of using a heat protectant before styling.

“The Matrix Total Results Miracle Creator is great to apply before you blow-dry and pair it with the Matrix Total Results Mega Sleek to create the dynamic duo for heat protection,” says Stenson.

Matrix Miracle Creator Leave-In Conditioner Spray

How to repair split ends

When it comes to repairing split ends, treat your hair like you would your skin. “The hair is an extension of your skin—it’s important to look after it and keep it at its best health,” says Justin, who recommends implementing a strong hair care routine with professional hair care products that cleanse, condition, and deep-treat your strands. “All of these components will help to protect, prevent and promote good hair health.”

Don’t worry, you can start small—as in, just one or two products small. “To repair split ends, I recommend using a leave-in conditioner or serum,” says Korab, who suggests applying a leave-in conditioner or serum to the ends of your hair regularly. “These products can help seal the hair cuticle, reduce flyaways, and provide additional moisture to the damaged ends.”

There are also intensive hair masks and treatments that can help accelerate your hair repair journey. Celebrity stylist Laurabeth Cabott swears by K18’s Molecule Repair Hair Mask for treating split ends. “You can manage split ends with this mask—it helps reverse hair damage in just four minutes,” Cabott says, and Justin suggests Redken Extreme Anti-Snap Anti-Breakage Leave-In Treatment.

There are shampoos and conditioners that can help to repair your hair as well. “Products that seal, gloss, and hydrate hair will be the best in disguising and managing split ends,” says Stenson.

If you’re in need of a complete hair care overhaul, pros suggest swapping out your current products with an expert-approved hair care system. You can get everything in one go with Pureology’s Korab-approved Damaged Hair Repair Hair Care Set.

Finally, you might want to upgrade your brushes and hair tools while you’re at it. “Always opt for professional protective heated tools with reputable brands that put lots of research into innovative ways of producing tools that are effective but protect your hair,” says Justin, pointing to GHD, Dyson and Babyliss as a few brands he personally recommends.

“My favourite tools are from GHD, as they are all set to 365 degrees to prevent any mechanical damage,” Cabott concurs.

As for brushes to use on dry and damp hair? “I love boar-bristle brushes,” Dunlap tells GLAMOUR. “They smooth the hair nicely and don’t get too hot like a ceramic brush would.” Cabott concludes that the combination of revamping your hair care routine products and tools is a great way to help keep your hair healthy — and split ends at bay.

This feature originally appeared on GLAMOUR US.