We often forget that hair is made up of protein, and just like our skin cells, our hair needs care and protection to maintain its health and vibrancy. Without UV protection, the sun breaks down color molecules, fading color and causing dullness. Plus, sun damage makes hair follicles more porous, compromising the structural integrity of the follicles. Whether you have split ends, dry hair, or hair that's limp from product overload, it's time to repair the damage. To rejuvenate your hair, you'll need deep conditioners,and -- worst-case scenario -- a haircut. Go through each of the following steps to start the process of hair repair. Let's get started.

Product build up and hard water deposits make hair look dull, stealing vital sheen. One tried and true home remedy for removing build up is rinsing hair with apple cider vinegar.

Hairstylist Adam Markarian recommends mixing one part vinegar and five parts water in a spray bottle and applying it to your scalp. Rub it in until it gets fizzy, then rinse clean with cool water. Follow with a light conditioner and your hair will feel soft and look shiny. Product gunk that gets stuck in your hair coats the hair shaft, creating a duller appearance.

With your healthy hair, you probably did the right thing and wore an SPF protectant when going out in the sun. But you also want to make sure to do some rejuvenating after sun exposure -- and the best way to do that is with a hair mask. Since your hair isn't too damaged, you can simply add a boost of moisture with this at-home hair mask:


Ingredients: 


1/2 cup olive oil


1/2 cup of hot water


A pinch of rosemary


A pinch of sage


A pinch of fenugreek seeds
(Note: You can find fenugreek seeds at your local seed store or online.) 



Directions: Crush a little bit of each herb (rosemary, sage, and fenugreek seeds) with fingers and put into a cheesecloth. Tie the cheesecloth and steep in hot water for 10 minutes; this will make a very potent tea. Next, warm the olive oil on the stovetop, add the tea, and blend well. Once the mixture cools, apply to scalp and massage in, working through dry hair. You don't have to use the entire amount, just use enough to coat every strand (it shouldn't be dripping with oil). Wrap your hair in a towel or hair wrap. Leave for 20 to 30 minutes, then shampoo out. 



Recipe courtesy of: Melinda Joy Miller and Carla Gentile Day

If those easy shine-building tips didn't work, your hair has sustained damage that needs more heavy-duty hydration. While you've got dry, dull, color-faded hair, you're not at the point of no return. The solution: a lemongrass oil mask. Lemongrass oil does wonders for hair as it goes into the cortex of the follicle, filling the shaft, and leaving hair silky and shiny. You can find pure lemongrass oil in any drugstore. Paul Labrecque, of New York City's Paul Labrecque Salon, suggests lathering it into your hair and letting the sun heat it up like a natural hot oil treatment.

If your hair still feels rough and easily tangles after doing your own hot oil treatment, try adding a deep-conditioning treatment to your hair care routine once a week. This is especially important if you color your hair, since damaged hair can fade more quickly than healthy hair. To restore strength to your hair, try Pantene Pro-V Color Hair Solutions Color Nourishing Treatment, $3.99, to help repair damaged hair cuticles and boost shine.