As women age, their locks and scalp are affected by a trio of tribulations - dryness, dullness and thinning. Dyeing, blow-drying and styling all contribute to the damage.

If your part is expanding or the thickness of your ponytail is shrinking, you're probably thinking that your hair is falling out, but that's not always the case. Thinning may be the culprit.

The diameter of the hair shaft diminishes as we get older, which means we might have the same number of follicles, but thinner individual strands will make it look like there is less volume.

Even if you see extra hairs in your brush or in the shower drain, you don't necessarily need to worry. Shedding around 100 strands a day is normal. If you seem to be losing more, see your doctor. The problem could be related to declining hormone levels, an iron deficiency or stress.

Once these problems have been ruled out, a 2 percent minoxidil solution (available over the counter as Rogaine) is an option. It's the only clinically proven, FDA-approved treatment for pattern baldness.

Although you can't permanently restore heft to the individual strands, there are plenty of ways to boost overall volume.

Start with a volumizing shampoo. Look for ingredients such as rice or wheat proteins, which thicken strands. Try Sally Hershberger Supreme Head Shampoo for Normal to Thin Hair ($9.50) or Pureology PureVolume Shampoo ($26).

Ditch the stiff, maximum-hold hairsprays because they can fracture the hair shaft when brushed out. Good Housekeeping recommends Pantene Pro-V Classic Hairspray Flexible Hold ($4) and Jonathan Finish Control High Shine Flexible Hairspray ($30).

You can disguise sparse areas with CRC Concealing Color ($28.50). For a fast, temporary fix, stipple the cream on with a brush to "blend" your scalp into your hair.

Keep in mind that dye or perming solutions penetrate thinner hair more rapidly.

To avoid excess damage, apply the dye just to the roots, and comb it through to the ends for only the last five minutes.

* On another matter: The search for a shortcut for messy garlic prep led to the prechopped stuff sold in jars, but its flavor is often musty. A far better solution is clean, fresh-tasting garlic paste in an easy-to-squeeze tube. Previously available only at specialty food stores or online, Amore Garlic Paste or S&B Prepared Garlic Paste generally are on most grocery shelves. Take care not to press out too much; a half-inch squeeze (about 1 teaspoon) equals one clove of minced garlic.