Leave results showing top-level damage (5,4)
I believe the answer is:
split ends
'leave results showing top-level damage' is the definition.
I can't tell whether this defines the answer.
'leave results' is the wordplay.
'leave' becomes 'split' (I've seen this before).
'results' becomes 'ends' (I've seen this in another clue).
'split'+'ends'='SPLIT ENDS'
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for split ends that I've seen before include "damaged locks" , "Slip tends to create unsightly hair condition" , "problem with locks" , "hairy problem" , "Dry hair" .)