Crunchy, stiff, straw-like, breakable, fried: do any of these describe your hair? It can be easy to find yourself with a headful of damaged tresses. So what can you do? Damaged hair isn’t a lost cause and by trying these remedies you may be on your way to shiny, healthy hair once again.

One of the easiest ways to start repairing your hair is by using a deep, intensive conditioner. Store-bought deep conditioning treatments can be just as effective as those in a professional salon. You can also make an at-home treatment integrating ingredients ranging from eggs to avocados. Preparing a hair repair concoction can be as easy as this:

Traditional Colombian Avocado Mask Recipe

• Two egg whites
• Half an avocado

Mash ingredients together and apply to dry hair. Leave on for 15 minutes. Wash and condition normally for extra-smooth and frizz-free tresses.{relatedarticles}

Another way to tackle tired tresses is from the inside out. Vitamin supplements like vitamin E may help improve damaged hair, for instance. Diet can also play a role in repairing hair.

Working the following foods can provide you your daily dose of omega-3 fatty acids, which play a role in the health of our hair and skin like:

• fish;
• avocados; and
• nuts.

Dietitian Andrea Giancoli, MPH, RD, who serves as a spokesperson for the American Dietetic Association, tells WebMD, "Essential omega-3 fatty acids are needed to support scalp health. A deficiency can result in a dry scalp and thus hair, giving it a dull look."

Getting regular trims at the salon can also go a long way in combatting damaged hair. Having your hair cut regularly will help cut down on the number of split ends. These can cause tangles, which in turn may cause even more damage when trying to comb it out. Most stylists will tell you that since hair is not actually “alive,” there is no real way to repair it other than cutting it off and growing it back.

If you regularly heat-style your hair, it’s important to take a hot tool “detox” break every few months where you do not use heated tools on your hair for at least a week. In the meantime, use devices such as hair dryers, flat irons and curling wands on low settings. Also keep in mind that you should never, ever use a flat iron or curling wand on wet hair. This can cause even more damage.{relatedarticles}

Shampooing your hair on a daily basis can strip your hair of its natural oil and cause it to become brittle and breakable. "Don't wash your hair every day, because that can dry it out," celebrity hairstylist Chris McMillan told Allure. McMillan has worked with plenty of celebrity A-listers and is responsible for "The Rachel" cut sported by Jennifer Aniston on Friends. Only shampoo your hair three to four days a week maximum and invest in a good dry shampoo for the days in between.

If you work out by swimming in a pool or your hair is regularly exposed to salt water, be sure to rinse your hair with clean water immediately after you get out of the pool or ocean. Chlorine and salt water can zap hair of moisture and oils.

You should also take time each week to purify your hair and remove product build-up from your scalp and hair. Build-up of products can leave your hair dull and frizzy and using heat products can seal the gunk in. Purchase a clarifying shampoo or use a homemade remedy like those incorporating apple cider vinegar to cut down and get rid of damaging build-up.

When spending an extended period of time outside in the sun, protect your hair with a hat or scarf. There are also hair sunscreen products that can be purchased at the drugstore, which prevent UV rays from penetrating the hair. Dr. Zoe Draelos, a dermatologist from the American Academy of Dermatology, told WebMD that hair can be damaged by the sun like skin, and that shades of grey and blonde are prone to the most damage.{relatedarticles}

Look for natural or organic styling products that are free of harsh chemicals. Shampoos and conditioners that are sulfate free, gels and hairsprays without alcohol and natural hair dyes such as henna are good places to start. These types of products are generally more gentle on hair and may prevent damaged hair from fraying or frizzing more than usual.

Be careful with wet hair. When combing out wet hair after the shower, do so with a wide-toothed comb. Never curl or flat iron wet hair and be gentle when toweling off hair to prevent breakage. Some people think that the hiss and crackle of a hot iron on their tresses means it is working. It is working -- working at frying your tender tendrils right off! The machine does the same job on dry hair. With dry hair, it is not forcing the moisturizer out of the follicle and creating pockets of severely damaged hair.

If you regularly wear your hair up in a ponytail or clip, give your locks regular breaks by letting it down and massaging your scalp. Wearing your hair twisted or pulled back for long periods of time can cause it to break, fall out and thin. This goes for falling asleep too. Some women prefer to pull their hair away from their faces while they sleep to avoid added oil to their faces, causing acne breakouts. To preserve your soft, luxurious hair and your pretty face, try gently wrapping your head in a bandanna while you sleep or simply changing your pillow linens more often.{relatedarticles}

If hair loss is your issue, it may not be happening by accident. According to Medline Plus, certain medications may be associated with hair loss, examples include:

• retinoids (may be used to treat acne);
• birth control pills;
• beta-blockers;
• non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs); and
• even some antidepressants.
  

Talk to your doctor if you believe your medicines are wreaking havoc on your hair.{relatedarticles}

You don’t have to shave your head and start over just because of a little damaged hair. By keeping these remedies and preventative measures in mind, you can help bring your hair back to life.