Q. Will taking vitamins make my hair stronger and thicker?

A. Although vitamins aren’t going to regrow hair, they can definitely help to make your hair healthier. Biotin and other B vitamins as well as vitamin E, vitamin C and calcium are great for your hair. Try to get these vitamins and minerals directly from food sources, and take supplementary vitamin pills as necessary.

Q. Are there any home beauty treatments that will help my dry, damaged hair?

A. Try mixing together some of your favorite fruits and use them as a deep conditioner. Citric acid in fruit adds body and manageability, while antioxidants protect your hair. Blend half of a banana with yogurt plus any combination of berries or melons. Apply generously to hair and leave in for at least 15 minutes before rinsing with cool water.

Q. Can herbs help my thinning hair?

A. Nettle tea has been shown to add volume to hair. Nettle is a common herb in the Mediterranean; you can find nettle tea leaves sold online. This tea is used for everything from skin problems to arthritis. Boil a pot of nettle tea; then allow it to cool off. Pour it through your hair. For best results do not rinse it out.

Q. Can smoking cause damage to my hair?

A. You should stop smoking for your overall health, anyway, but believe it or not, smoking can damage your hair. It can cause your capillaries to contract, restricting blood flow to your hair follicles. With less blood reaching your hair, fewer nutrients are able to fortify it.

Q. My hair is thinning — can I still dye it?

A. The chemicals in hair color can damage thinning hair, causing breakage. Be sure to use a hair dye that is nutrient rich and hydrating. Also follow up with regular conditioning treatments for color-treated hair to keep your hair looking and feeling its best.

Q. What’s the best brush to keep my hair healthy and prevent hair loss?

A. Steer away from cheap brushes with plastic bristles. Instead, purchase two brushes — one for dry hair and one for wet. On dry hair use a flat, boar-bristle brush. For damp hair pick a brush with soft, rubber bristles that are widespread.

Q. I don’t have time to air-dry my hair; what’s the best way to blow-dry my hair without damaging it?

A. If you absolutely can’t wait for your hair to air-dry, use a diffuser on your blow-dryer to reduce the damage. And though you may have heard the recommendation of using your hair dryer on its lowest setting, that may not always be the best-case scenario. If it takes 45 minutes to dry your hair on low, that’s too much time for your hair to be exposed to heat on a daily basis. Instead, turn it up to high and get it done in 10 minutes. Blot (don’t rub) your hair dry with a soft towel before you begin blow-drying.

Q. Can stress affect my hair or cause hair loss?

A. Managing your stress is very important for your mental and physical health. Some studies show that stress can also be a factor in hair loss. Yoga, meditation and other stress-relieving techniques might not necessarily rejuvenate your hair growth, but they certainly can’t hurt. Take 15-30 minutes a day to relax and escape from the everyday pressures of life.

Q. How can I get my lifeless, dull hair to look good again?

A. First thing you need to do is get regular haircuts. Even if you are growing out your hair, you should get it trimmed every six to eight weeks. Regular cuts get rid of split ends, which make hair look frizzy and dull. Talk to your stylist about which products are best for your hair type. For dull, dry hair use a regular conditioner daily and a deep-conditioning treatment every other week. Avoid using too many sprays and gels, which can coat the hair and make it look even duller. A small amount of serum or spritz can go a long way, allowing you to manage your hair while maintaining its shine.