By 50, 40% of women notice thinning hair. These simple fixes can make a big difference.

Dear Face Time, I’m 49 years young lol, but in the middle of what I *think* is perimenopause, and I’ve noticed my hair has been thinning enough over the past few months that it’s nothing like the hair I used to have. What can I do about it? I obviously would like it to be the same as it was, but, barring that, would love to know what to do to make it look thicker and fuller and just less blah. Thank you! — Thinning but Winning

Dear Thinning but Winning,

First, let me just tell you, you are so far from alone. Though this issue was rarely (if ever!) discussed in the women’s magazines of our youth (and I myself was blindsided when, like you, it started happening to me in my late 40s), female hair loss is actually a super-common problem. According to recent studies, at least half of all middle-aged women will experience some type of hair thinning. In fact, by age 50, 40% of women shed enough strands to make this hair loss noticeable to observers.

This follicular nightmare can be caused by all sorts of issues — including vitamin deficiencies and certain health conditions. But, for women of a certain age, it’s often, as you’ve intuited, yet another not-so-joyful side effect of menopause. Over the years, I’ve talked to tons of doctors about the most effective treatments for thinning hair. Here are the three most important things I’ve learned:

1. Talk to your doctor

Before you start on this growth journey, you’ll want to consult with a doctor to find out more definitively what’s causing your hair loss and rule out any more serious conditions. Your physician may recommend supplements (I’ve had good luck with Nutrafol) or oral minoxidil. For growing back lost hair, you can also try Rogaine for women, which, according to clinical studies, has an 80% growth success rate over 12 to 24 weeks, if used daily.

2. Practice good scalp hygiene

There are loads of hair-growth shampoos on the market — many that famous people swear by! — but honestly, none have worked for me. My own hair sheds less when I use a gentle shampoo (I like the Kitsch Volumizing Shampoo bar) and keep my scalp clear of gunk, including dry skin. To that end, dermatologists have also recommended the use of a scalp-massaging brush when you’re in the shower to promote circulation and bring more blood to the area. And, if you want to splash out, R&Co makes an effective and luxurious-feeling scalp exfoliating scrub.

3. Bulk up the hair you have

It’s never not a bummer to lose a once lustrous mane, but the good news is that there are many excellent thickening products exactly right for this job. I’ve been testing an array of these sprays and creams for an upcoming story, and the three I currently love are Paul Mitchell’s Extra Body Boost, Bumble and Bumble’s Surf Spray and Boldify’s Thicken + Texturizing Spray. If your hair is superfine and also limp, I’d additionally spritz on a volumizing hair spray at the crown after you dry and style to give you some lift at the roots.

What’s the best makeup for wrinkles? Does retinol work? Ask Jennifer Romolini anything, as the kids say, and she’ll answer with straightforward, expert-backed advice. Submit questions in the comments below, on social @yahoolife or email askfacetime@yahoo.com.