Between blow-drying, teasing, flat ironing, and highlighting — there are many ways to change what Mother Nature gave us. Lackluster, frazzled, or overworked hair is the price we pay. Hair is a fragile fiber that needs to be handled like a silk blouse.

Tips for a five-step rehab for damaged hair:

1. Chelating: Oils, conditioners, serums and pomades can build up and prevent your hair’s ability to hydrate. The first step in detoxing hair is the use of chelating shampoo, which lifts stubborn buildup from products and hard water. Clarifying shampoos are a good substitute.

2. Deep conditioning: Deep condition for 10 to 15 minutes every seven to 10 days using moisturizing conditioners such as cream-rinse, protein treatments, and deep or leave-in conditioners. Consider an apple cider vinegar rinse to close the cuticle and enhance shine.

3. Moisturizing: Use a leave-in conditioner and/or moisturizing product to add a layer of protection. For thick, dry, or curly hair, this step hydrates adding “slip.” For fine or oily hair, this should detangle strands while encouraging volume.

4. Sealing: Sealing with an oil or butter product locks in moisture solidifying the gains of rehab while smoothing the cuticle. Always use sealant on slightly dampened or misted hair, or pair the product with a water-based moisturizer for maximum benefit. Naturally oily hair can skip this step.

5. Styling protectively: Hair that is bleached, colored, blown dry, ironed, weaved, etc. looks worn out. Don’t do this anymore! Extra measures include wearing it up more often, cleaning cautiously, detangling with a large-tooth comb, protectively use blow-dryer heat, reduce chemical use and do not color your hair more than three shades lighter/darker than your natural color.

Contributed by Audrey Davis-Sivasothy, Author of "Hair Care Rehab"