Thin hair? How to make your fine mane look fuller

Hair loss and balding are commonly associated with men—specifically, men who are either approaching midlife or smack dab in the middle of it. Yet women aren’t immune to losing their crowning glory. Some of us begin noticing less hair on our heads and more in our brush when perimenopause rears its ugly head, generally between our late 30s and early 50s. Damage brought on by years of processing—bleaching, coloring, chemically straightening or curling hair—is another cause of hair loss. Women may experience thinning hair as the result of an autoimmune disorder, thyroid disease, or other health condition; even certain medical treatments, like chemotherapy, can cause hair to thin dramatically or disappear altogether. The most common reason women lose their locks? Just as with men, it’s genetics. (Specifically, androgenetic alopecia, which is a science-y term for female-pattern baldness.) Unlike male-pattern balding, however, women tend to experience an overall thinning rather than a receding hairline or expanding bald spots. So if your mom has a collection of wigs that rival Moira Rose’s, or if every photo of your grandmother shows her wearing a hat, start treating your hair with caution and kindness, tout de suite. What to do if you are already cursed with thin, fine hair? There’s no need to worry—we’ve gathered up some great tips and tricks that will prevent your ’do from becoming a don’t.