Fall is here, and with the winter approaching shortly, a common symptom for naturally curlies is having a dry, itchy scalp.
It can be a case by case situation depending on the severity as well as texture type and lifestyle. Dry scalp–and dandruff–can happen due to a number of reasons such as changes in weather, hormones, eczema and psoriasis, diet, allergic reactions to name a few. Luckily, there are a variety of trusty remedies you will find right in your own kitchen or bathroom cabinet.
Jojoba & Tea Tree Oil
For a serious clean
An easy yet effective method to help with dryness is the use of jojoba oil because it is the closest oil to mimic the sebum that the scalp produces and is not particularly heavy, making it a universal ingredient found in many hair care products including shampoos, conditioners, and stylers.
Tea tree oil is a miracle worker for dry scalp and dandruff due to its anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-inflammatory properties. It is effective because it removes dead skin, dirt, fungus and bacteria from the scalp to reveal healthy hair follicles.
Both oils can be used differently but together they pack a 2-in-1 punch. Mix a quarter to half dollar-sized amount of jojoba oil into your palms with 2 drops of tea tree oil. Spread evenly between your palms and then massage into the scalp. This can be done 30 minutes prior to shampooing or as an overnight treatment before cleansing the scalp.
Alternatively, you can add several drops of tea tree oil to your shampoo bottle. After applying your shampoo, leave it on for 5 minutes then rinse it out.
Apple Cider Vinegar Spray
For pH balance
Apple cider vinegar (ACV”> has become a huge staple in the natural and curly hair community because it balances the scalp’s pH levels, removes build-up from the scalp and hair, and adds shine to dull curls. Incorporating a regular ACV rinse is helpful but you may also create a spray for more manageability.
Mix equal parts of ACV and water into a spray bottle. For a small spray bottle, ¼ cup of each works well. If your scalp is sensitive, you can use a higher ratio of water to ACV. Create sections and spray until the areas are saturated. Then, massage well into the scalp. Leave on for a few minutes then rinse well. Rinse well and continue with conditioner if desired.
Banana & Avocado Hair Mask
For deep relief
For a more tropical approach, try a DIY hair mask with banana and avocado. Both contain a high amount of antioxidants, potassium, vitamin C and B6. Additionally, avocados are full of monounsaturated fatty acids which moisturize and strengthen damaged hair. Besides the amazing scent this mix provides to your hair, it offers deep relief from a itchy scalp.
To make this mask use ½ of an overripe banana and ½ of an avocado and mash well into a bowl using a fork. For better results, mix in a blender so the consistency is extremely smooth. Trust me on this–otherwise you will be rinsing your hair out forever.Smooth the mask through the scalp and hair and leave on for 20 to 30 minutes. Rinse well and then continue with your wash routine.
How do you relieve your itchy scalp during the colder seasons?
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If there’s one thing that 2024 gave, and to be clear, it gave many things, it was head-turning hair moments and drops that expanded the haircare industry. There were new innovations in hair tools and technology, big celebrity drops (cough Cécred and Fenty Hair), more products moving towards sustainability, and prioritizing hair health. When it came to haircuts, colors, and styles, the goal was main character energy.
There was a bigger move towards creating hair looks that weren’t only trendy but timeless. Celebrities and influencers continued to use major award shows, red-carpet moments, concerts, and album releases to debut fresh and innovative approaches to their styles that had everyone running to the salon.
Let’s look back at how 2024 became a standout year for outstanding looks that we all loved.
Platinum Blonde
Photo by Michael Buckner/Billboard via Getty Images
Platinum blonde was everyone in 2024. Whether it was Beyoncé ushering in a new era of Country with Cowboy Carter, Camila Cabello transforming from her signature dark tresses, or the pop princess Sabrina Carpenter, platinum blonde was a mainstay hair color this year.
Old Hollywood Bob
Photo by Amy Sussman/Getty Images
Low maintenance looks like the Old Hollywood Bob was on the menu all year, and here’s why: it blends nostalgia and chicness. Ice Spice turned heads at the BET Awards when she went from her signature copper curls to channeling this stunning style. Sydney Sweeney, Zendaya, and Elsa Hosk are just some women who opted for this sleek, shiny, and voluminous trend.
Nostalgic Updos
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Updos have always been a pivotal hairstyle for any evening look, but we transition from sleek styles to more effortless styles that embrace volume. Most notable celebrities like Lori Harvey, Meg Thee Stallion, and Kim Kardashian channeled 90s icons like Pamela Anderson to create a “messy upo” that showcased texture and body.
Braided Topknots
Photo by Taylor Hill/Getty Images
Braids never go out of style, but how we innovate them does. The topknot has always been a signature style that is easy and effortless, but braided topknots helped elevate the updo. Marsai Martin, Jennifer Lopez, and Issa Rae were just a few of the beauty mavens who sported this look in 2024.
Nothing Like Natural
Photo by Kayla Oaddams/WireImage
Calling all naturals. Ditching the wigs, weaves, and extensions and putting your natural coils, curls, and waves front and center were all apart of the healthy hair conversation in 2024. Rihanna, Beyoncé, and Simone Biles made headlines by giving fans a peek behind the scenes and letting us see their real textures.
Nara Smith Bob
Photo by Stuart C. Wilson/Getty Images for the Business of Fashion
Nara Smith became a social media darling in 2024, but it wasn’t just for her signature voiceovers. The bob made a big comeback, and her one-length style is chic, effortless, and reflects the luxury glam that we all wish to channel.
Single Braid Ponytail
Photo by Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images)
If you’re a ponytail girlie, then you know dressing it up can help add dimension and personality to the classic style. The key to a single braid ponytail is ensuring your hair is slick in the front and then using extensions or weaves to really add length that you can wear to the front or back. Gabrielle Union, Zendaya, and Selena Gomez made this no-fuss hairstyle a fan favorite.
Bombshell Blowouts
Photo by ANGELA WEISS/AFP via Getty Images
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Sabrina Carpenter was the espresso on everyone’s lips in 2024, and it wasn’t just because of her catchy tunes. Her voluminous, blonde bombshell hairstyle quickly became the talk of the town, and many influencers and stylists shared their tips on how to style and maintain this Marilyn Monroe-esque look.
The Wet Look
Photo by Leon Bennett/Getty Images for EBONY
Who would have thought that making your hair appear wet (on purpose) would be so popular? The wet look. What’s great about this style is that it can be achieved with any hair texture, as seen by beauty queens like Coco Jones, Kim Kardashian, and Megan Fox. The secret to this style lies in a perfect combination of products like gel, glossing spray, and serum.
Pastel Hues
Photo by Araya Doheny/Getty Images for Revolve
There aren’t many times when we get new hair colors that make us do a double-take, but this was definitely a head-turner. Megan Fox set the internet ablaze by debuting a series of pastel hues in blue and pink that ignited new hairstyles for the festival season.
Voluminous High Ponytails
Photo by TheStewartofNY/GC Images
The higher the hair, the closer to…perfection. Sky-high ponytails are elegant, timeless, and give snatched a whole new definition. Keke Palmer, Taraji P. Henson, and Laverne Cox showed how versatile this hairstyle is, whether you’re storming the streets of NYC or slaying the red carpet.
Flipped Bob
Photo by Bruce Glikas/Getty Images
Sophistication was an integral part of how people approached their hair in 2024. The flipped bob was a short style that took over the summer due to its softer finish and upward flick reminiscent of 60s GOGO girls.
Powerful Pixies
Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images
Pixie cuts have taken over the fall season. This style reflects sheer confidence and is perfect for putting your face front and center. Whether you’re aiming for old-time glamour like Audrey Hepburn or sexy sirens like Halle Berry, pixies are great for those wanting to go short.
Baby Bangs
Photo by Stephane Cardinale – Corbis/Corbis via Getty Images
Baby bangs or micro bangs are often known for being super blunt, short, and can be worn across all textures. Zendaya turned heads with this style during Fashion Week, and we’ve seen even more celebrities like Oliva Rodrigo, Julia Fox, and Zoë Kravitz following suit.
Cloudy Curls
Photo by Daniele Venturelli/WireImage
Cloud curls have taken over the fall season since they are cut and are designed to complement your hair’s natural texture and movement. The “cloud” effect comes from embracing the halo effect or frizz that gives a youthful look. Yara Shahidi is the queen of cloud curls and is a great example of a celebrity who continually serves in this fanciful style.
Textured Updo
Photo by Sean Zanni/Patrick McMullan via Getty Images
Your natural texture is beautiful, and that’s why we saw more celebrities aiming to ditch the heat tools and creating updos with their curls, coils, and waves intact. A little mousse and hairspray went a long way for celebrities like Tyla, Jordyn Woods, and Anna Taylor Joy, who used their natural tresses to create jaw-dropping styles.
Which hairstyle took your breath away in 2024? What are you looking forward to in 2025? Let us know in the comments.
