UV rays, chemical processing, humidity changes, heat styling, exposure to chlorine pools and saltwater—they all damage your hair. During the summer months you likely compound these stressors, and come fall, you start to really see the signs. Your hair can look dry, lifeless and limp. Give it a chance to rebound from exposure, and return to a healthy state.

Here are some TLC tips for hair repair.

First, let’s detox. In order to properly condition and soothe your hair, you need to get rid of any unwanted build-up. Quite often we try to compensate for damaged hair by coating it with products to mask the problem. You’ll want to start clean and safely strip the product build-up and deposits from your hair. Is your color looking a little copper, yellow or green? Chlorine and hard water wreak havoc on the hair shaft. It builds up and leaves an insulting hue to remember it by. Try a good chelating shampoo to remove the excess. Treat hair once a week to help keep build-up to a minimum.

Next, begin the healing process by deep conditioning your hair. Once you have cleared the build-up, it’s time to treat and reconstruct the hair shaft. A good marriage of protein, hydration, and oil will help your hair to retain moisture, and add shine and elasticity. There are masks and leave-in treatments that will do the job. Pick a product that you can commit to using once a week to help keep your hair in its best shape.

Always remember to drink plenty of water and to get your share of healthy Omega 3 and 6 oils in your diet. When your intake of nutrients is lacking, your hair and skin are the first places your body will cut back support. Give your body what it needs and your hair will thank you.