Even before the days of Lady Godiva, lustrous hair was linked to good health, fertility and femininity. But, according to Chicago plastic surgeon Steven Dayan, MD, "at least 40 percent of women over age 40 start to have hair loss." For these women, "the goal is to restore the universal indicators of beauty: shine, smoothness, luminosity and volume," says New York City dermatologist David Colbert, MD. Silver foxes will be glad to know that haircolor is less important when it comes to communicating vitality.

Pleasantly Plump

Help for thin strands starts in the shower with a thickening shampoo and conditioner, like Dove Oxygen Moisture Shampoo and Conditioner. Next, while hair is wet, add a volumizing spray (try Garnier Fructis Full & Plush Mega Full Thickening Lotion) or mousse (such as Redken Stay High 18 High-Hold Gel to Mousse) from roots to ends, says Lona Vigi, Nexxus New York Salon Care celebrity stylist. Then blow-dry your hair away from your face to give it swing. "Movement is really important. It makes your hair look full and stylish," Vigi says. Need more help? Coloring your hair increases the diameter of the hair shaft. If you're thin on top, zigzagging your part is another way to give the illusion of more hair. Partial wigs and clip-in extensions can also create fullness (try Euronext Premium Remy 18-Inch Clip-In Extensions).

Sparkle and Shine

Avoid overshampooing and excessive blow-drying, which strip the hair shaft, making it appear dull and ragged. You can also try a weekly deep conditioner (Nexxus New York Salon Care Emergencée Reconstructive Treatment is a good one) to help replenish lost moisture and stave off breakage, says Vigi. On dry hair, apply a shine spray (we like Herbal Essences Wild Naturals Illuminating Dry Oil Spray) "just from the midshaft to the ends."

To Dye For

If you decide to color your hair, "it's key to mix in highlights a couple of shades lighter to give it dimension," Vigi says. "One solid shade can look like a helmet." Are you more of a natural woman? Completely silver hair looks gorgeous when the cut is modern and bouncy.

Swimsuit, Melissa Odabash, $258. Earrings, Giles & Brother. Necklace, Tory Burch.

Hair: Domingo Quintero for Serge Normant at John Frieda Salon/Jed Root Inc. Makeup: Christina Reyna for Sephora Pro Collection at Ray Brown Represents. Manicure: Roseann Singleton at Art Department using Dior Vernis. Set design: Lisa Gwilliam for Jed Root Inc.