These images offer an up-close look at traumatised tresses - not pretty. But our Beauty Editor Nicole Wraight consulted the experts and found you can nurse a mangled mane back to health. Here, her verdict on the recommended products.

THE DAMAGE OVERPROCESSING

The cause Bleaching and dyeing strip natural pigments and cause tears that make hair porous and weak.

The remedy Once a week, use a deep-conditioning protein treatment like Redken Real Control Overnight Treat, $27, to coat the cuticle and fill hollow areas. Apply it evenly over freshly shampooed hair, then twist your hair into a bun and sleep with a towel on your pillow. Rinse hair in the AM.

Beauty Ed's verdict "I slathered my parched ends, popped on a shower cap and hit the sack. I washed my hair in the morning and immediately noticed the difference - it felt stronger than Conan the Barbarian, and looked sleek and polished. I didn't have to use any extra product."

THE DAMAGE CHEMICAL CHAOS

The cause Professional straightening, toners, even some semi-permanent dyes can change the structure of hair, making it weak and brittle. Parched strands soak up moisture from the air, causing frizz.

The remedy Look for styling products that contain stearyl alcohol, a fatty alcohol that strengthens and softens hair. One that does: L'Oréal Professionnel Serie Expert Liss Ultimate Smoothing Treatment, $24.

Run a 10-cent size blob through damp hair, then blow-dry, or use it on dry hair to tame and style.

Beauty Ed's verdict "If you have fine hair like me, only use a Tic Tac-size amount - I went overboard and got greasy hair. This one's better for those with thick hair, and I'd only apply it to the ends."

THE DAMAGE FRIED HAIR

The cause If your styling tools top 230˚C, the water inside each hair will start to boil. As the moisture tries to escape, hair blisters and eventually breaks.

The remedy Set styling tools to low, and use shampoos and conditioners that hydrate fragile spots (like the ends) such as Clariol Herbal Essences Hello Hydration Moisturising Shampoo and Conditioner, $6.49 each. Use stylers with protective oils like glycerin. Spritz on the top layers of hair before using high-temp tools.

Beauty Ed's verdict "Both smelled amazing - took me back to being on a daybed in Indonesia. But because of the fragrances, they irritated my scalp after only one wash and I had to stop using them. So I wouldn't recommend them for sensitive types."

THE DAMAGE BREAKAGE

The cause The friction of brush bristles rubbing against the cuticle - the overlapping cells along the outer layer of your hair - tears the surface.

The remedy Keep the cuticle smooth and intact by dabbing a pea-size amount of serum containing silicone (or any ingredient ending in "ethicone") on damp or dry hair from the mid-shaft to the ends. Nic tried Schwarzkopf Liquid Silk Gloss Leave In Treatment, $6.49, using it twice a week after washing.

Beauty Ed's verdict "I vote this bargain of the year - a huge, easy-to-dispense pump bottle that will last ages. It gave me instant gratification - super shiny hair."

THE DAMAGE SPLIT ENDS

The cause When the protective cuticle at the end of the hair shaft wears away, the tip frays; that crack then travels up the hair shaft.

The remedy Sorry, there's no magic glue to paste split ends together (yet), so the only way to get rid of them is with a trim every six to eight weeks. For a temporary fix, apply a styling product to only the tips. Find one with glycerin or hyaluronic acid - both temporarily bond the ends together. Try Ojon Leave In Glossing Cream, $55.

Beauty Ed's verdict "This product smelled fantastic, and a little certainly goes a long way. Good for all types of hair, it'll give your strands nice bounce. I loved the lightweight feel this created - it didn't weigh down my fine hair."