When you think of durags, you think of hip-hop artists and rappers. You also think of the 2000s, when durags and basketball jerseys had their moment of vogue among the African-American community in America. Durags are hair accessories worn by both men and women. They've been around for a long time and were initially called "tie-me-downs" or "do-rags." Their origins are in America, specifically worn by black Americans to keep their hair covered, similar to hats. They later became a fashion accessory.
Durags are accessories made of fabric with ties attached to the sides, used to tie back hair and keep it in place, preventing frizz or to achieve a particular look or style, such as waves.
The history of durags is uncertain; however, in the United States, many slaves were required by law to cover their hair.
The name "durag" may have originated in the 1930s and 1940s, but like many other aspects of Black culture, wearing the durag was viewed negatively, associated with antisocial behavior that stigmatized Black women.
Durags have gone mainstream, with many hip-hop artists such as rappers 50 Cent and Eminem and well-known sports players such as Allen Iverson starting to wear them in the 1990s and early 2000s.
Durags are making a comeback thanks to American artists like rappers ASAP Rocky, ASAP Ferg, and recently Rihanna, who was spotted wearing a durag in Vogue. It's safe to say that hip-hop artists have made durags one of the most popular African-American fashion accessories.
ASAP Ferg
What is the Durag used for?
Durags are fashion accessories similar to turbans, hats, and more commonly known as turbans. Durags are worn by both men and women, though men are more likely to wear them, especially if they're trying to achieve a wavy look. The wavy hair style, created and worn primarily by Black women, uses the durag to hold the waves in place and prevent them from curling, especially at night.
Since durags have always been worn by African Americans, they were a natural and simple choice for this purpose. Durags are used to tie back hair to prevent frizz during the night; some people prefer satin caps, but if you have shorter hair, like a pixie cut or bob, a durag might be more ideal.
Solange Knowels Artist
What are durags made of?
Durags are typically made of polyester fabric, which is generally stretchy, lightweight, and breathable. Most durags, even though they're labeled as silk, are actually made of polyester.
Durags can also be made from other fabrics such as silk or cotton, but most durags on the market are primarily made from polyester.
What are Waves in Hair?
Waves are a very popular hairstyle worn by most black men, and the name comes from the shape the hair takes after being brushed and styled. Waves can take many forms, with the most popular being the 360-degree wave, but there are also 540-degree and 720-degree waves.
A wave workout is a routine that uses a combination of brushing techniques and styling products like creams, butters, and lotions to style hair into waves. This hairstyle is primarily worn by men of color.
Drake - Rapper
How to get Waves?
- Spray your hair with water, use a thick pomade and oil, and brush downward, starting from the crown of your head.
- Use the durag to tie the waves and secure them in place. To avoid lines on your forehead, if your durag has seams, try tying it upside down.
How to get 360-degree Waves?
Durags are used by men to achieve one of the most popular black haircuts, 360-degree waves. One of the most important aspects of achieving 360-degree waves is brushing your hair with a boar bristle brush. To maintain the waves, you need to develop a routine that includes conditioning your hair, washing it about once a week (opting for a co-wash if you wash your hair frequently), and purchasing a boar bristle brush, a wave cap, or a durag.
- Make sure your hair is cut evenly.
- Moisturize your hair using creams , pomades, lotions, butters, etc. (once or twice a week)
- Always start brushing forward from the top of the head out to the sides.
- For the sides of the head, start just below the crown, brushing in diagonal motions toward the cheeks.
- Tie your waves with a durag or wave cap
- Repeat these steps for a few minutes every morning
