What causes split ends?

[OnlyChild]

I was just wondering, besides heat, what causes split ends? Are they unavoidable even if you use no heat?

 

[ngaa]

yes they are part and parcel of having hair....rough combs/brushes cause split ends too and also if u cut yo hair with blunt scissors i belive this may encourage them to be formed

wudnt life be full of fun if split ends were avoidable??

 

[Crysdon]

Ends brushing against fabric (ex. collar, cotton pillowcase).

 

[Faith]

Add to the list: dry hair and chemicals could cause splits. I know the chemicals (relaxer to be exact) caused most of mine. I think it stripped the outside layer of my strand (cuticle layer..?) and then the hair got redder and split.