How To Repair Split Ends Without Getting A Trim

Conventional knowledge tells us the only way to repair damaged hair is to enlist the help of a stylist and a pair of scissors. But what if there's a better way to repair split ends without getting a hair cut? There are some tips and tricks to help disguise damaged ends (if not rid yourself of some of them altogether.)

Even though trims actually speed up hair growth by getting rid of the dead stuff and giving your locks a jump start, that's the last thing you want to hear if you're trying to grow out your mane. Cuts cost time, money, and often more hair than you were willing to lose. If you don't have a stylist you can trust with your tresses, there's always the (totally warranted) fear that they'll get way too shear-happy and cut off more than the one inch you tried to stress.

But where there's a will, there's a way — if you've got damaged hair, you're not doomed to spend part of an afternoon sitting in the salon chair in the near future. Here are seven ways to repair, nurture, and disguise split ends without cutting off any of your precious hair .

Take A Supplement

Nature's Plus Biotin and Folic Acid Sustained Release Tablets, $30, Amazon

It won't make your hair grow to Rapunzel status over night, but biotin and folic acid are two hair-healthy supplements that have been proven to strengthen locks and encourage growth and thickness. The stronger your hair is, the more apt it is to resist against breakage. Read: Fewer split ends.

Break Up With Your Blow Dryer

Giving your strands a break from heat won't heal your existing split ends, but it will keep them from continuing to split (and you'll help avoid new split ends.) Try air-drying your hair every other day, if you can't totally sacrifice all heat styling. (Hint: Going to bed with damp hair in braids can give you amazing body without the damaging styling process.)

Slather On A Reconstructing Mask

Joico K-PAK Deep-Penetrating Reconstructor, $11, Amazon

Although there's some debate as to how much healing of split ends a mask can actually do, there's no doubt that split ends are far less visible when you've got shiny, strong strands to counteract them.

Try A Salon Treatment

If you love indulging in the salon experience without losing inches off your hair, consider trying a salon treatment. You've heard of Brazilian Blowout's classic, well, Brazilian blowout, but they also offer their Split End Correction service in certified salons. You can't buy this bad boy for home use, but chances are, there's a salon that offers it in your area.

Grab A Beer

File this one under Weird Beauty Tricks: According to The Beauty Gypsy, pouring flat beer into a spray bottle and spritzing your hair with it can help tame split ends. "The proteins and sugar in beer bonds to your hair, helping to strengthen and mend damaged follicles," the site says. Fellow Bustle writer Ashley Iaconetti washed her hair with beer and found that it made her hair softer than ever! Just make sure you give your hair a good wash after after to avoid smelling like a frat house.

Use Repairing Shampoo

ALTERNA Haircare Caviar Repair RX Instant Recovery Shampoo, $23, Amazon

Keeping up a consistent routine with split end-mending shampoo can help your strands over time. Alterna's Caviar Repair line is a bit pricey, but it has rave reviews among people with damaged hair. To keep it cost effective, alternate it every other day with your usual cleanser.

Give Your Hair A DIY Dusting

OK, this sounds scary, but hear me out. I know I said no scissors required, but this DIY split end trimming method doesn't affect your length. Just make sure you use salon-quality shears, not those third grade safety scissors you've still got lying around.

Want more beauty tips? Check out the video below, and be sure to subscribe to Bustle’s YouTube page for more hacks and tricks!

Images: Guille Faingold/Stocksy, Emotion Matters/Stocksy; Courtesy of brands