Gaps and Splits in Follicles

Hello,
I am an African American with natural hair. I have splits ends, but have also noticed that my hair follicle is also split in the middle of the shaft. There are areas on the shaft where the hair has not completely separated, however gaps are apparent. What is wrong with my hair?

It seems you have brittle hair. Maybe not split ends, but split middles? This can be due to many causes such as over styling or over drying with blow driers, chemical treatments, genetics, etc. Speak with your hair stylist about the use of conditioners that hydrate your hair shafts.