There is no magic solution. All the blow-drying, straightening, coloring and curling breaks down the cuticle of your hair, and the strands literally start to come undone. By the time you notice a split end, irreparable damage has already been done. You have two choices: to get regular trims every six to eight weeks or practice aggressive prevention with the steps below:

Comb wet hair gently with a wide-tooth comb, and not with a short one, to prevent damage.

Use a soft-bristled brush on dry hair.

Invest in an ionic blow-dryer that locks in moisture

Use shampoos and conditioners formulated for color-treated hair.

Wait at least two weeks between chemical processes. Don't do a perm and a color the same day, for example.

Deep condition your hair at least once a month, and also look for hydrating, leave-in conditioners that can soften the look of split ends.

Find styling products with silicone, which is great for smoothing split ends.

Don't be afraid of a trim. Whack off the weak ends and concentrate on making the hair healthier with the steps outlined above. Even if you're growing your hair out, it's a good idea to keep the ends trimmed.