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Fat Tricks for Thin Hair

Having a bad hair decade Don t wig it — instead take our tips for lovely locks

Lisa Rinna sporting a choppy shag David Livingston/Getty Images and . We dread windy days. We consider starting a hat collection. Some of us may go so far as to wig it. No need for that nuclear option, my friends. Simply follow these tips to make today your last bad hair day. Get instant access to members-only products and hundreds of discounts, a free second membership, and a subscription to AARP the Magazine. Own the problem. What should you do when a mere annoyance — a wider part, say, or a skinnier ponytail — escalates to scalp-exposing, all-over thinning? Consider it a heads-up: " is prevalent in women over 50," says Whitney Bowe, a dermatologist in New York. "It affects 25 percent of women by age 49, 41 percent by age 69 and half of all women by age 79." And those statistics don't even begin to touch on female pattern baldness, which is genetic, or hair loss brought on by medical issues. Before you spring for hair-transplant surgery (or laser combs and caps), consider giving minoxidil — the FDA-approved, over-the-counter hair-regrowth drug — a test run for six months or so. That particular treatment is not your only choice, mind you. Minoxidil now has fresh competition from new brands such as Pantene, Kerastase Densifique and Qilib. Get a strategic haircut. The goal here is to create the illusion of density and fullness while downplaying — OK, concealing — problems. Layers (helped by products) perk up short-haired pixie and boyish cuts, while long bangs provide movement and extra width at eye level for lobs and bobs. "Bangs will look thicker if you start them closer to the crown," says celebrity stylist Ted Gibson. "If you prefer to skip bangs, do a haphazard, zigzag part rather than a defined straight one that exposes the scalp." Sparseness or short hairs at the top of your head may be caused by chemical breakage. A layered, shaggy bob and smarter color (see last tip) can disguise the problem while you wait for your hair to grow out. . And it's OK if it has a slightly undone feeling rather than a coiffed finish; just look at ! Flowers & Gifts 25% off sitewide and 30% off select items See more Flowers & Gifts offers > If you have a lob or bob, you can try giving it extra texture with a dry shampoo, a styling mist or a tinted aerosol root touch-up: First, spray the roots by lifting your hair section by section. Then use your fingers to gently "rough up" each finished section with a light, back-and-forth lifting movement. If you have wavy or curly hair, an undone bob with uneven edges and long layers will make thinning hair bloom — and summer humidity will aid the expansion. But avoid hair oils. Yes, they restore shine and smell divine, but they cling to hair that's fine, making it look skinnier. Color it. You know the way striped clothing adds heft to a woman's figure? By the same token, highlights and lowlights in two or more tones will add dimension to your hair, even if you're gray. Ask for balayage or ombré hand-painted highlights, with darker tones toward the roots. These are a fresh alternative to foils and allover color, and they won't stress weakened, fine hair. They will, however, add physical bulk to the hair shaft for a thicker look and feel — and that's what we all want, right? For more beauty and style tips for women 50-plus, check out and AARP's new , which is available for tablet. More on entertainment AARP NEWSLETTERS %{ newsLetterPromoText }% %{ description }% Subscribe AARP VALUE & MEMBER BENEFITS See more Health & Wellness offers > See more Flights & Vacation Packages offers > See more Finances offers > See more Health & Wellness offers > SAVE MONEY WITH THESE LIMITED-TIME OFFERS