Ask the Image Expert Sherry Maysonave is the founder and president of Empowerment Enterprises, one of America's leading communication-image firms. Sherry conducts corporate seminars and coaches executives, professionals, and politicians in achieving excellence in communication and image. She is also the author of Casual Power: How to Power Up your Nonverbal Communication and Dress Down for Success Thinning Hair Question: I am an 29 year old female executive in high tech industry. My hair has become very thin over the past few years and I feel that affects my image a lot. I have short and (to some extent) wavy hair and it is cut in layers. If I use hair products (like mousse) and dryer, my hair looks better, but I am afraid if the heat and the chemical products are damaging my hair more. If I could wear my hair as knot (or french roll etc.) where people can not see the thickness, that would be nice. But I do not know how to do those as my hair is very short. How can I style/wear my thin hair which will improve my image? R Answer: Congratulations on achieving executive-level status at 29 years of age. You must have worked very hard. The high tech industry is notorious for long hours and high stress. Some of this may be contributing to your hair thinning problems. I don’t think you could wear your hair up as it sounds too short and layered as it is cut now. Have you considered getting a hair extension that would enable you to wear your hair in other styles, including up? If you are interested in pursuing that option, speak to a reputable hairdresser about ordering one for you to ensure that you get a high-quality one that matches your hair color and type. Hair extensions are quite common today; you should be able to find one that works well. Even if you were to grow your hair long enough to wear in an up-do style, the constant tension of hairpins, bands, and clips can also cause thinning. It seems your easiest option is to wear your hair short and layered as you are. Take a look at cutting back on your shampooing schedule. Most people do not need to wash their hair every day, unless they have excessively oily hair. Otherwise, you can shampoo it every other day or even every third day. This would allow you to use the mousse and gel products with a blow dryer without creating more thinning or dryness. Look for a mousse or volumizing product that does not have alcohol in it, as those are better for your hair and less drying. Have you considered using some of the Rogaine products for women? I have heard they are excellent, but you must use them consistently over a period of time to see results. Also, do you take any vitamins, specifically a good quality multivitamin? With thinning hair, you want to avoid getting too much Vitamin A as that alone can cause baldness, but other vitamin supplements can really help to diminish hair-thinning problems. Look for one with cell salts, which most multivitamins do not include in their ingredients. My research shows that generally a person is deficient in a particular cell salt, vitamin, or mineral when they have thinning hair issues. This is true for stress related hair loss or genetic factors. Lastly, if you are otherwise healthy with no history of cancer, you may want to consider taking a HGH supplement (Human Growth Hormone) which supposedly helps with new hair growth and overall cell renewal. It can be found in specialty stores and mail-order health catalogues. Best of luck to you, Sherry Maysonave Also see: How much makeup should I wear at work? Ask your image questions Personal Power: A case study from 'Casual Power'