Dear Answer Angel Ellen: I have two jackets with zippers that don’t work because the little “handle” that you hold onto to pull up and down has broken off. I’m not skilled enough to replace the zippers myself (besides, they’re fine except for the missing handle issue) and the cost of paying a seamstress or the dry cleaner to replace a zipper is sky high.

I can’t use these items without a functioning zipper so is there another not-so-expensive solution I’m missing?

--Bella S.

Dear Bella: You can solve your zipper problems for the cost of a Starbucks. And you definitely don’t need any particular skills or tools. There are two basic types of replacement zipper handles (official name “pulls”). The first are made of metal and clip on to the little zipper nub (official name “slider”) where the pull used to be attached. The other is a sturdy piece of cord or plastic (it looks like a loop of string attached to a tab, usually made of plastic) that you thread through the slider. Picture the pulls that come on many backpacks. These are what I am talking about.

An Internet search for “zipper pulls” produces a wide array of colors of both types. They come in multi packs starting at under $10. Amazon.com and sewing/fabrics stores also carry them. For those with more skill than I can muster, there are repair kits for more complicated zipper issues in the $15 and up range.

Dear Answer Angel Ellen: This question about Joe Biden has nothing to do with politics and comes under the “style, beauty” part of your column. What is up with his weird stick-out hair at his back neckline?

--No name please

Dear No Name: I didn’t expect this question, that’s for sure. Joe Biden is not the first 2024 presidential candidate who comes to mind when the topic turns to hair!

Long ago, when I covered a much younger U.S. Sen. Joe Biden, it seemed pretty apparent that he had hair transplants at his front hairline. That process involves removing small “plugs” of thriving donor hair from the back of the head and transferring them into the skimpy front. The “weird stick-out hair” at his neckline presumably is because his barber keeps it longer to cover that denuded donor area.

Judging from more current photos, Biden has taken advantage of advancements in transplants to supplement and improve his front hairline to make it look denser and more natural. Having covered six U.S. presidents, it is my expert political opinion that this will not be a deciding issue in this year’s presidential race.

Angelic Readers

Many of you were eager to help Sue C. with her eyelashes that are short and skimpy as a result of chemotherapy.

Elena says, “Look no further. Liquid Lash Extensions Thrive Causemetics is the best mascara you can dream of (thrivecausemetics.com, $25). I put it on in the morning and it looks just as fresh at the end of the day. Also totally buildable, from a light touch to glam look. Nothing tops it, period.” From Laurel D.: “I would suggest PrimeLash from Prime Prometics (primeprometics.com, $28). It's advertised for older women, but it's a favorite of myself and my daughter. It elongates your lashes, without clumping and flaking. It is also on sale often.” Kathy L. also likes Prime Prometics mascara and says their PrimeLash Growth Serum ($41) “has definitely made my lashes longer and fuller.” She adds: “Good luck to Sue, feel good and look good!”

J. S. writes that R + F Lash Boost serum, applied once nightly “is the best” (rodanandfields.com, $170) and works for sparse eyebrows too. Debbie V. also is a big fan of the R + F boost serum. Mary W. writes, “I have skimpy lashes and I tried Clinique's new hi impact hi-fi full volume mascara (clinique.com, amazon.com, ulta.com, sephora.com, department stores, $27) and was pleasantly surprised that it noticeably increases lash length and density.” Another (anonymous) reader is a Clinique fan: “ When I was recovering from treatment, a Clinique rep told me about ‘mascara primer.’ Goes on like mascara, you wait a minute then use your mascara. It made a huge difference (lash building primer, clinique.com, $22).

From Robin S.: “Please suggest Lancôme Cils Booster XL Enhancing Lash & Mascara Base for Sue C. (lancome-usa.com, $30). It goes on white at first and applies micro fibers to lengthen and nourish whatever lashes you have. After 30 seconds, she can apply regular mascara and she should be pleased with the outcome. I hope it works for her!”

Peggy H. writes from experience. Twelve years after chemo she still has skimpy brows and no lower lashes: “I found that using eyeliner, smudged a bit, gave the impression of having lashes. I still use this trick to ‘replace’ my lower lashes. Just remember to go heavier on the outer edges of the eye. Also, amp up the other makeup to draw attention elsewhere. An eye-catching pair of earrings helps, too!”

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