How to Wear a Durag: The Complete Style Guide

Black Model Printed Head Scarf Beauty Red Lipstick
Photo: Shutterstock.com

Are you trying to figure out how to wear a durag correctly? If yes, you should check out our guide here to learn more about tying a durag.

The durag was historically portrayed in misleading depictions by mainstream media. Now, however, times are changing with the rise of a huge fashion wave. The black community has succeeded in destroying the negative stereotypes associated with the clothing.

Rihanna herself wore a durag on the British magazine cover of Vogue. This is a step forward to show the world about the wonders of the garment and its history to people of color. It helps that the durag is also a fashionable piece of clothing you can wear on any occasion.

If you want to learn how to wear a durag, then look no further. We have a guide to help you dress up in style. This is how you put on a durag and the different ways you can go about it:

Why Do People Wear Durags?

What is a durag? A durag, also known as wave cap, protects the hair patterns on your head. This is to keep styled hair from getting messed up while sleeping or wearing hats. It’s also an easy and sure way to get trendy and cool 360 waves!

Alternatively, people wear durags to express themselves and their identity. The clothing represents the reclamation of identity for people of color. Wearing one is as much a statement of pride as it is an appreciation for such stylish clothing.

Wearing one can also boost the growth of the dreadlocks and waves on your head. The top durag for waves helps avoid frizzing and keeps your locks neat throughout the day. The cap keeps your curls from springing back after combing your hair.

So why do guys wear durags? It’s because the durag is not just a fashionable piece of clothing, but also one steeped in identity and pride.

Female Model Purple Durag
Photo: Shutterstock.com

How to Wear a Durag

Before wearing a durag, here are a few good tips you can follow to look your best.

Firstly, when tying a durag, the ties should be lying flat and smooth on your forehead. This is not only more practical, but it looks way better than wrapping it willy-nilly!

If you are sleeping with the durag on, secure it with a headband so it won’t get undone. This makes sure that all your hard work won’t slip off in the middle of the night.

It’s easier to use any type of mirror you have at your home to help you tie your durag. If a mirror isn’t accessible, feel it out yourself to see if you placed it properly. If you are a beginner, you are likely to create some mistakes so it is best to practice first.

How to Put on a Durag

Knowing how to wear a durag is easy once you have the hang of it. Turn the durag inside out so the seam is on the outside. You do this to smoothen the durag and ensure that there are no weird bulges formed when you wear it.

Place the durag on your head and align the center seam with your nose. The edge of your durag should settle over your eyebrows or at the center of your forehead, depending on your preference. Ensure that your hairline is completely covered or your durag won’t stay on your head for too long.

Take the ties of your durag in separate hands and lead them over the space above your ears. Afterward, wrap your head from the back and cross the ties in front of your head to form an x. Finally, tie a knot behind your head to secure the whole thing.

This is optional but you can fold or tuck the flap inside the knot. If you want to let the flap hang on your neck, you are free to do so.

 

 
 
 
 
 
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The May 2020 issue of @BritishVogue was created prior to the pandemic which has subsequently brought the world almost to a halt. But, as the Editor-in-Chief of a magazine that prides itself on entertaining, delighting and distracting even under the most difficult of circumstances, I am thrilled to announce the inimitable @BadGalRiri as our May 2020 cover star. Rihanna is a woman I am lucky enough to count among my closest creative collaborators. And did I ever imagine that I would see a durag on the cover of Vogue? No, reader, I did not. Although this potent symbol of black life – of self-preservation, resistance and authenticity – has an important place in popular culture, it is rarely viewed through the prism of high fashion. Yet, here we have the most fabulous, aspirational and beautiful durag, worn by a woman who is breaking every boundary she comes up against. How exciting. See the full story and interview by @AfuaHirsch in the new issue, on newsstands and available for free digital download Friday 3 April. #Rihanna wears all @Burberry by @RiccardoTisci17 and a @StephenJonesMillinery durag. Photographed by @StevenKleinStudio and styled by moi, with hair by @YusefHairNYC and @NaphiisBeautifulHair, make-up by @IsamayaFfrench using @FentyBeauty and nails by @RedHotNails. With thanks to @JillDemling.

A post shared by Edward Enninful, OBE (@edward_enninful) on

 Side Tie Durag

 Another popular option is tying the durag so it hangs along the side of your head. The procedure is the same as the normal durag style from the start, up until the part where you wrap the ties over your forehead.

After wrapping the ties, stop at the side of your face where you want to put your knot. Tie the knot there as with the original tie. This results in the durag resting on your head, but with the knot prominently displayed.

Front Tie Durag

If you prefer to wear a front tie durag, you have to follow a procedure similar to the side tie durag. The procedure is more or less the same with the normal durag style until the crossing of the ties.

After crossing the tie over each other behind your head, grab the ends to the front of your forehead. Tie the ends together into a knot and you’re done.

There are so many ways you can tie the knots on your durag. Though this will depend more on your personal preferences when it comes to style. Don’t limit yourself to a simple knot so try out different knots and how you can fold the flap!

African Woman Tying Hair Scarf
Photo: Shutterstock.com

Durag-Esque Bandana

First off, put the bandana on a table or your lap so it is much easier to fold it. Hold the opposite ends and fold them to form a triangle. Remember the bigger the triangle, the shorter the flap will be when you put it on.

With the triangle facing you, place the bandana over your head. It should look like a durag on your forehead with two ties on the sides of your face. Pull the ends to the back of your head and tie it.

Pull the flap down to remove the visible creases on the bandana. After smoothing it out, tighten up the knot behind your head. You can now adjust your makeshift durag in any way you like.

Discover More Fashion Tips Today

These are one of the different styles and materials you can use on durags. Remember this guide whenever you want to refresh your mind on how to wear a durag properly!

But wait, there’s so much for you to learn. Why don’t you read more of our blog posts? We have more stylistic content and fashion guides like this so be sure to check them out today.


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