Durag, also known as do-rags, have a long and somewhat of a dark history. If you do a little research you’ll find that durags were common during the 19th century. At the time, African Americans wore durags, but not by choice.
Rather, durags were a way to identify slaves and laborers—an indicator that the wearer was poor. And while this negative taint would hold for a while, things started to change during the early nineteen-hundreds.
In 1930s things started to change for the durag. Apart from the Great Depression of the era, the Harlem Renaissance was also in swing at the time.
During this censorious point of development for black culture in America, the durag became recognized as beneficial for preserving hairstyles, and it started to gain popularity.
And in 1960s, the durag gained it popularity as a fashion statement. The Black Power Movement played a basic role in how the durag made a “statement.”
In decades, the durag remained popular in some parts of the country and in groups, while falling out of style in others.
So many notable black people have worn durags throughout the years, from rap stars to athletes. Styles extent from the durags on their own to wearing them under fitted caps.
Nevertheless, due to some negative stigma connected to durags, the NFL banned players from wearing them (as well as bandanas) in 2001 to “improve the image” of players. The NBA installed a homogeneous policy in 2005.
Though the reasons behind these decisions are questionable, they haven’t stopped durags from gaining it popularity over the past few years. Many of the superstars are wearing them today, for their practical, cultural, and stylistic uses.
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Benefits of Durag
1. Help in Keeping Waves: Long lasting Unisex Durags for your waves and fashion statements. Buy one of these, for that pirate look/niggas style.
Durag Pictures
It does not only preserves the brushing but through consistent wearing, gives the effect of “waves” wherein your hair creates a radial effect from the crown.
2. Helping During Exercising
Despite the sports controversies in the history of durags, they are still an excellent option when it comes to exercising or other athletic activity. Wearing it helps keep long hair out of the way when moving around.
In addition to that, durags can help absorb some of the sweat from your forehead. Since sweat in your eyes is a distraction and can irritate your eyes, the durag is an excellent workout accessory.
3. Improving Hair Textures
It is natural for our hair to lose moisture throughout the day, which can leave coarse hair looking and feeling dry.
Gratefully, a lots of products can help with these problems, and durags can enhance the effect.
4. Maintaining Braids
Braids can also have the same problems that 360 waves do, such as becoming frizzy over time. Stray hairs start to work their way out of the twists, which isn’t enjoyable with all the time it takes to put them together.
Durags work great for keeping braids together, especially when sleeping at night. And anything that helps maintain your preferred hairstyle is a bonus.
5. Straightening Hair
Some people prefer to straighten out their hair, but going through regular perms can damage your hair. High temperature break down proteins in the strands, which isn’t something you want your locks to go through.
Using a durag to tie down your hair helps keep it straight, reducing the number of perms needed and keeping your hair in good shape for longer while still looking stylish.
6. Protect Hair From Sun Damage
Much like the damage caused by perms, extended amounts of time spent in the sun can also make your hair dull. For those who spend a lot of time outdoors or like sunbathing, durags can limit how much exposure you have to the sun.
If you want to use a durag to protect your hair from the sun, though, you’ll need to use a light-colored one to reflect the light away. Dark colors absorb more heat, which defeats the purpose of using a durag for preventing sun damage.
7. Protection From Helmets
Biking helmets and the like are meant to protect our heads from damage in the event of an accident. However, when you ride for an extended period, sweat and other oils from the scalp tend to build up—and they don’t always smell pleasant afterward. That buildup can also be uncomfortable.
A durag adds an extra layer to catch sweat before it can get into your helmet and start causing discomfort, so they’re a good fit for bikers.
8. Keeping Your Hairstyle
We’ve talked a lot about using durags to keep different styles intact for longer, but you can use it on a short term basis, too. If you’re traveling to an event and you don’t want wind, rain, or anything else to mess up your style, a durag can keep things in place until you arrive. Take off the durag, and you’re ready to go!
How To Tie A Durag
With all the benefits of wearing durags, they’re pretty versatile while also looking stylish. But if you’re planning on wearing one, how do you do it?
Depending on the style of durag you pick out, and what you want to use it for, it’s possible to tie durags in a few different ways. We’ll first go over the basic style for everyday use, and then the best method for when you want to secure 360 curls when going to bed.
Tying For Everyday Use
To get started, you want to line up the durag on your head correctly. The best place is to make sure the front edge rests between your eyebrows and hairline, completely covering up your hair.
If you have sideburns, they’re okay to stick out from the sides. Also, pay attention to lining up the durag with the center of your head so that it’s even.
