What the Heck Is That? Ordinary Things That Look Insane Microscopic!

The Frayed Ropes of Split Ends

At normal size, a split end is just a tiny fork in the road—but when viewed through a lens, it’s a full-on fiber breakdown. The once-smooth strand of hair unravels into jagged layers, with each broken part peeling away like torn fabric. The outer layer, called the cuticle, usually lies flat like shingles.

But at the split, those cuticles lift and separate, leaving the inner cortex exposed. It’s usually the result of heat, brushing, or just skipping a trim too long. Some splits go straight down the middle, while others branch out like tiny dead trees. Either way, it’s hair waving a white flag.

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