From earliest published records to high fashion.
Saleam T. Singleton/Mutaurwa
Meet Byrdie Boy andThe Method Malecreator Saleam T. Singleton.
Each month, he’ll be covering beauty topics through the lens of self-care and culture.
Saleam T. Singleton/Mutaurwa
When I sat down to start this column, I read every durag related article I could find.
A lot has been said recently, especially within mainstream and pop culture.
Its history is deep and mythological, all of the information was out there, but nothing felt personal.
Frazer Harrison / Getty
I can’t remember a time where owning at least one wasn’t the norm.
One of my first grooming experiences was tying down my hair after moisturizing and brushing.
You couldn’t keep your haircut fresh and neat if you didn’t use a durag.
It was an unspoken tradition, built around a simple piece of fabric.
It’s an item so widely available, but so personally defined.
I wondered how it has lasted so long, where it came from, and where was it going.
Frazer Harrison / Getty
What makes the durag so unique that it defines decades of Black American culture?
What is a Durag?
Years before the fashion industry took notice, it had become fashionable in the streets.
Steve Granitz/Getty
It’s All About Waves
Growing up, the goal was always to have the best waves.
Most of us had to train our hair to achieve that look.
I would wake up the next morning with shiny, spinning waves.
Johnny Nunez / Getty Images
Durags represented pride in natural hair, decades before hashtags existed.
This ritual continues today, with #wavecheck videos all over social media.
This has taken the style to new heights, turning into a friendly competition.
Valentina Frugiuele / Getty Images
Durags made it cool for Black men to care about the appearance of their hair.
However, pulling it off takes a swagger that can’t be borrowed.
Solange Knowles effortlessly wore a halo adorned durag to the 2018 Met Gala.
Before her, there was the rapper Cam’ron, who made pink durags a thing in the early 2000s.
They became more flamboyant during that era.
There are countless colors, prints, lengths, and fabrics available today.
Durags are customizable to match any look or attitude.
They manage to be street and punk at the same time.
Durags make a statement, but it’s more than just fashion.
They are a piece of history that has remained intact, allowing the wearer to express who they are.
The Verdict: Icon Status
Steve Granitz/Getty
Durags have always been a part of my life.
No one taught me how to use themit just came naturally.
I’m sure that speaks for many men and women around the world.
I also understand why they’re such a recognizable object of personal style.
They have an ever-evolving influence and a legacy that is being handed down to newer generations.
There are now festivals dedicated to them, with hundreds gathering in appreciation of the durag.
They can be mundane or street couture masterpiecesit’s always the same energy.
It’s the epitome of creating something from nothing.
That’s exactly what the culture is all about.
Its place in history can’t be erased.
This is why the durag is a true icon.
Durag Materials
Johnny Nunez / Getty Images
Durags can be made out of a few different materials.
If you’re looking for a material that offers great hair protection, look for silk or satin durags.
A clean durag is also good skincare, so avoid dirt and bacteria that can affect your skin.
