Today’s post is sponsored by Mirum. As always, all opinions are my own. Thank you so much for supporting the brands that make Diary of a Debutante possible!

Fall is finally here, and I couldn’t ask for better weather right now in Columbia. The air is crisp, the leaves are turning, and all 200 of my mums are finally blooming! Literally the only negative to the changing weather is that the dryness isn’t doing my scalp any favors. I have long dark hair, so an unhealthy scalp starts to show quickly, which is why I’ve made some necessary updates to my fall hair care routine. In addition to embracing second (and third) day hair, I started using Dove Dermacare hair products last month, and my scalp and has never felt better. My hair feels strong and nourished after every shower, and I haven’t seen a flake in weeks.

If you’ve got similar fall hair woes, look for Dove Dermacare products at CVS. They’re available in a few different formulas, including Invigorating Mint, Dryness and Itch Relief, Clean and Fresh, and Soothing Moisture. I absolutely love the scent of Dove Dermacare Scalp Soothing Moisture Anti-Dandruff Shampoo, so it’s been my go-to. Its pH balanced formula contains a blend of soothing oils that nourishes the scalp and tackles dandruff for manageable, flake-free hair. Oh, and if you buy 3 Dove haircare products at CVS from 10/7-10/13, you’ll get $5 in CVS ExtraBucks® Rewards. Pretty sweet deal!

Again, another component of my fall hair routine has been embracing second and third-day hair. My hair will never look or feel healthy if I wash and blow dry it every day, especially not in the dryer months. So, I wanted to share one of my favorite new second-day hairstyles with y’all in today’s post! It’s called a Topsy Tail Ponytail, and it’s so easy, you guys! This tutorial is intended for women with long hair, although it will work on medium-length hair, as well. It shouldn’t take you more than 5 minutes, and you’ll be amazed how simple it is!

Topsy Tail Ponytail Tutorial

To get started, make sure you’re using a nourishing shampoo and conditioner, like Dove Dermacare, to avoid a visibly dry scalp— and, more importantly, flakes. My favorite is Dove Dermacare Scalp Soothing Moisture Anti-Dandruff Shampoo, and it’s available at CVS for under $7! Also, this particular hairstyle will also look better if you start with second-day curls like mine. This will give your topsy tail ponytail a little bit more volume and texture. You can find a tutorial for these soft flat iron curls here.

To create this simple topsy tail ponytail, you’ll also need some elastics. If you have darker hair like mine, I recommend picking up some black ones. The clear ones stick out like sore thumbs.

To start, pull your hair back into three even-sized ponytails positioned at the top and middle of your crown and nape of your neck.

Starting with the top ponytail, poke your fingers through the hair in front of the elastic to create a pocket of space. You made need to loosen the ponytail to do this, which is fine. You can tighten it back up later. Next, while holding the pocket open with one hand, flip the ponytail up and through it.

Lastly, thread the ponytail all the way through and gently pull apart the twist with your fingers to hide any visible parts of your scalp.

After threading the higher ponytail through each pocket first, repeat this step for the second and third ponytails, as well. If your topsy tails look uneven or too far apart, create some symmetry by either scrunching them towards your scalp or loosening them with your fingers. If parts of your scalp show, gently pull apart the topsy tail with your fingers to conceal it. 

And before you know it, you’re done! Here’s what the finished product will look like. You can start off with your ponytails closer together for a more dramatic look, as well. 

So pretty, right? And SO simple!

So, when you’re mapping your fall hair care strategy, try to keep two things in mind: a nourishing shampoo and an arsenal of cute second and third-day hairstyles, like this simple topsy tail ponytail. Also, don’t forget to check out Dove Hair products at CVS! Remember, when you buy 3 Dove Hair products at CVS from 10/7-10/13, you’ll get $5 in CVS ExtraBucks® Rewards. I don’t know about y’all, but for me, every little bit of savings helps this time of year. Christmas is only two months away– eek!

More Easy Hairstyles for Long Hair

My friends Ashley and Teresa also recently posted two super cute (and easy!) hairstyles for long hair. They’re both perfect for fall and work great with 2nd-day hair. Head over to their blogs for the easy hairstyle tutorials and to learn more about their experiences with Dove Dermacare!

Check out Ashley’s easy half-up hair style tutorial here.

Check out Teresa’s gorgeous fall curls hair tutorial here.

Happy fall, y’all! If you have any questions about this hair tutorial or my experience with Dove Dermacare, feel free to shoot me an email or leave me a comment! I’m by no means a professional hairdresser, so I understand when hair just doesn’t turn out the way it’s supposed to. I’m happy to help in any way I can!

Disclosure: ExtraBucks® Rewards offer limit of ONE (1) per household with card.