Hayley Payne Puts a Clever Spin on Heartbreak With “Split Ends”
The country singer-songwriter finds humor in moving on.
Written by Amanda Tempel
Date Published: June 1, 2026
Hayley Payne has released her new single, “Split Ends,” a clever country song that finds the humor in heartbreak.
The track offers a playful take on the moment when moving on finally starts to feel good. Built around the idea of cutting off damaged hair after a breakup, “Split Ends” uses a simple everyday change as a metaphor for leaving behind a relationship that has run its course. Hayley brings a sharp, unfiltered approach to her songwriting.
“I got the idea to write ‘Split Ends’ while I was on stage, of all places,” Hayley shared. “I had just gotten my hair cut after a breakup and was thinking about how good it feels to be free of that dead weight - both the hair and the guy!”
Written by Hayley alongside Emma Barge and Emma Caroline, “Split Ends” leans into humor, confidence, and country storytelling. The song was produced by Grady Saxman, whose credits include work with Luke Combs, Jelly Roll, and Dustin Lynch.
The track draws inspiration from the bold, female-driven country music Hayley grew up watching on CMT Saturday mornings. With a mix of attitude and heart, “Split Ends” captures the freedom that can come after finally walking away from someone who did not see your worth.
Originally from Kentucky, Hayley has continued to grow her presence in Nashville and beyond. Her songwriting, quick wit, and energetic live performances have helped her build a loyal fanbase, while also opening doors to major stages and songwriter events.
Over the years, Hayley has shared the stage with artists including Lee Ann Womack, Terri Clark, Eddie Montgomery, and Chris Janson. She has also performed at venues and events such as RodeoHouston, the Bluebird Cafe, and the Key West Songwriters Festival.
In 2025, Hayley released her project Cheatin’ Songs, which highlighted her ability to approach heartbreak with honesty, humor, and a relatable point of view. The project helped further establish her as an artist who can take familiar country themes and give them her own clever twist.
Hayley is also a CMA member and an International Songwriting Competition finalist. Her music has received support from outlets and platforms including CMT, Holler Country, Spotify, Apple Music, and CMA playlists, while earning more than 2 million streams worldwide.
The release of “Split Ends” arrives as Hayley prepares for a milestone year. She is set to make her first CMA Fest appearance in 2026 and will also head overseas for her debut UK tour.
Fans attending CMA Fest can catch Hayley Payne at the Tractor Supply Spotlight Stage on Friday, June 5. Additional new music is also expected later this year.
Listen to “Split Ends” on Apple Music and Spotify.
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