split end

noun

1

: an offensive football end who lines up usually several yards to the side of the formation

2

: a hair tip that has become frayed (as from dryness)

—usually used in plural

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web

Founded in 2014, the hair-care company built a following with salon treatments whose bond-building technology addressed common hair complaints: split ends, breakage, frizz and color damage. —Chavie Lieber, wsj.com, 6 Apr. 2023

When the cuticle is damaged, your hair can easily break, leading to split ends and flyaway hairs. —Sydney Wingfield, Women's Health, 6 Apr. 2023

Toners can also be used to add shine, increase the softness of hair, or reduce the appearance of split ends. —Kristin Corpuz, ELLE, 1 Mar. 2023

Long hours spent in the water, especially in a pool, can cause everything from split ends to serious hair damage. —Nneya Richards, Travel + Leisure, 21 Mar. 2023

At the same time, a blend of oils helps repair the look and feel of split ends and dryness. —ELLE, 7 Mar. 2023

Christophe Robin Night Recovery Cream Losing sleep over split ends? —Lisa Desantis, Allure, 21 Feb. 2023

Hair that’s been damaged by chemical processing, heat, or aggressive styling can appear dull and lifeless and is more prone to breakage and split ends, says Reslan. —Harper's BAZAAR, 15 Feb. 2023

Wes Chandler, split end, 1974-1977. —Mark Inabinett | [e-mail], al, 9 Jan. 2023

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Word History

First Known Use

1955, in the meaning defined at sense 1