Give that fine hair a big boost

VERY fine or thinning hair is a condition often associated with new mums or older women, but research shows that as many as 13 per cent of all women suffer from it.

According to Pantene Pro-V, by the time we reach 25 we've already lost more than 50 per cent of our original hair follicles.

More extreme thinness can be caused at any age due to bad diet, stress or the overuse of hairdryers, heated curlers and straighteners.

Diet is one solution to ending hair loss. Foods rich in Vitamins A, B6, B12 and folic acid are all linked with strong, healthy hair. Boost your locks with liver, fish oil, eggs and fortified milk. A lack of Vitamin C can lead to splitting and breaking. Try citrus fruits, berries, melons and peppers.

Iron, zinc and copper are also important - dig into seafood, seeds and nuts for copper and zinc, while spinach and bran are good sources of iron. People who smoke need twice as much Vitamin C. The new Full & Thick range from Pantene Pro-V offers a quick solution.

Most women with this problem avoid conditioner, but can safely use either the Full & Thick wash-out conditioner (£1.89) or leave-in conditioning foam (£3.99