Dear Face Time, I’m 49, haha, but I think I’m in mid-menopause. I’ve noticed over the past few months that my hair has been thinning and thinning, and it’s nothing like it used to be. What should I do? I certainly want my hair to be the same, but beyond that, I’d like to know how to make it look thicker and fuller, and less dull. Thanks! — Thin But Successful

Dear Thin But Successful:

First, let me tell you that you’re not alone. While it was rarely (if ever) discussed in women’s magazines when we were younger (and I, like you, was caught off guard when it started happening in my late 40s), hair loss in women is actually an incredibly common problem. According to recent studies, at least half of middle-aged women experience some form of hair thinning. In fact, by age 50, 40% of women will have lost enough hair to be noticeable.

This hair follicle nightmare can be caused by a variety of issues—including vitamin deficiencies and certain health conditions. But for women of a certain age, as you might expect, this is often another unpleasant side effect of menopause. Over the years, I’ve discussed the most effective treatments for hair loss with countless doctors. Here are the three most important things I’ve learned:

1. Consult a Doctor
   Before embarking on this hair growth journey, you need to consult a doctor to more definitively identify the cause of your hair loss and rule out any more serious medical conditions. Your doctor may recommend supplements (I’ve had great success with Nutrafol) or oral minoxidil. To grow out lost hair, you can also try Rogaine for Women. Clinical studies show an 80% success rate of hair growth within 12 to 24 weeks with daily use.
2. Maintain good scalp hygiene
   There are many hair growth shampoos on the market—many celebrity-recommended!—but honestly, none of them have worked for me. I’ve personally reduced hair loss by using a gentle shampoo (like Kitsch Volumizing Shampoo Bar) and keeping my scalp clean, including dry skin. For this reason, dermatologists also recommend using a scalp massage brush in the shower to stimulate circulation and increase blood flow to the scalp. If you’re willing to splurge, R&Co has an effective and luxurious scalp exfoliating scrub.
3. Volume Hair
   Losing your once-glorious locks is never a bummer, but the good news is that there are many excellent hair-thickening products on the market that can do just that. For my upcoming report, I’ve been testing various sprays and creams, and my three favorites so far are Paul Mitchell’s Extra Body Boost, Bumble and Bumble’s Surf Spray, and Boldify’s Thicken + Texturizing Spray. If you have particularly fine hair, I recommend spraying a volumizing spray on the crown of your head after blow-drying and styling to add some volume to your roots.