Hair ends can appear white or lighter primarily due to the way light interacts with the hair structure or because of damage like splitting.
Dead ends, often referred to as split ends or damaged hair tips, can take on a whitish appearance due to several factors related to the hair's composition and condition. The hair itself is composed mainly of a protein called keratin.
According to information available, the ends of the hair may appear white due to the way light reflects off them or due to the hair's texture. When hair is damaged or split, its texture changes, becoming rougher and more exposed internally.
Here are the key reasons why hair ends might look white:
- Light Reflection: The internal structure of damaged or split hair ends is exposed and frayed. When light hits these irregular surfaces, it scatters differently than it does on smooth, healthy hair, causing the ends to appear lighter or white.
- Texture Change: Damaged ends have a rougher texture compared to the smooth cuticle of healthy hair. This altered texture affects how light is absorbed and reflected, contributing to the whitish look.
- Split Ends: As noted, if the ends of your hair are damaged or split, they can appear white or lighter in color. A split end is literally the hair shaft splitting into two or more strands. This damage exposes the inner layers of the hair, making them more visible and affecting light reflection.
While healthy hair cuticles lie flat and reflect light uniformly, damaged ends with lifted or missing cuticles and frayed inner fibers scatter light, resulting in a less transparent, seemingly white appearance.
Managing hair damage through proper care, regular trims, and minimizing exposure to harsh treatments can help prevent split ends and the associated white appearance.
