Durag : History & Significance

Posted on Nov 18, 2022

A symbol of identity, resistance, and style — the durag (or do-rag) is much more than a simple fashion accessory.

This piece of fabric, tied around the head, carries a rich and complex story deeply rooted in African-American culture and the evolution of urban fashion.

But where does the durag really come from?
Why has it survived through the centuries — from cotton fields to haute couture runways?
And most importantly, what does it represent today?

Let’s dive into the fascinating history of this now-iconic accessory.

🪶 What Is a Durag?

A durag is a fitted headscarf, usually made of satin, velvet, or silk, worn to protect hair, maintain “waves,” or simply add a stylish touch to an outfit.

Traditionally associated with Afro-textured hair, it helps prevent frizz and keeps curls defined.
Today, it has also become a symbol of cultural pride and fashion identity — proudly worn by artists, athletes, and a whole generation embracing their roots.

👉 Discover our collection of men’s durags

🕰️ History and Origins of the Durag

You’ve seen them for years — worn by your favorite rappers, athletes, cousins, or maybe even yourself.

The origin of the durag dates back to the 19th century, when it was used by African-American workers and enslaved people to keep their hair in place.

Made from simple fabric, it helped protect the hair during long hours of labor.

By the 1930s, during the Harlem Renaissance, the durag evolved into a styling tool, helping to preserve waves, curls, and pressed hairstyles popular in urban Black communities.

Later, in the late 1960s, the Black Power Movement gave the durag a powerful new meaning — it became a symbol of identity and resistance, celebrating African heritage and challenging Western beauty norms.

durag eminem

By the 1970s, athletes, Rappers, and young African-Americans started wearing durags all day long, not just to sleep.

They became available in a variety of colors and were soon a staple of everyday streetwear.

The durag became so popular that even the NFL banned players from wearing them and bandana, claiming it was to avoid “gang associations.”

However, many saw this as an unfair racial bias against Black players.

✊ The Durag and Black American Culture

In the 1970s and 1980s, the durag transcended its practical use to become a social and political statement.

Young Black men proudly wore it in the streets and in music videos as an emblem of cultural strength.

Yet, this rise also brought controversy.

In the 1990s, institutions like the NFL and some universities banned durags, citing “professional image” reasons.

But for many, these rules reflected deeper issues of discrimination and cultural stigma.

Despite the backlash, the durag didn’t disappear — it became an even stronger symbol of authenticity, pride, and empowerment.

🎧 The Durag in Fashion and Music

During the 1990s and early 2000s, the durag exploded into pop culture thanks to icons like Jay-Z, Nelly, 50 Cent, and Eminem.

On stage, in music videos, or on the red carpet, the durag became an unmistakable mark of urban cool and confidence.

Later, figures like Rihanna, A$AP Rocky, and Solange brought the durag into high fashion, transforming it from a streetwear staple into a luxury statement — proudly featured on runways and in glossy magazines.

Today, the durag represents both a fashion statement and a cultural legacy, celebrating Black aesthetics while asserting a bold modern identity.

💈 Who Invented the Durag and Why?

There isn’t a single inventor of the durag — just like you can’t pinpoint who invented the comb.

The use of a scarf or cloth to protect hair and prevent frizz took off in the 1970s.
However, Darren Dowdy, president of So Many Waves, claimed that his father, William J. Dowdy, was the first to mass-produce it in 1979 as part of a grooming kit.

He called it a “tie-down” rather than a durag, and its purpose was simple:

“To keep the hair laid down and prevent it from reverting to its natural, tightly curled state.”

Thus, the durag became essential for maintaining certain hairstyles — especially the now-famous waves.

💈 How and Why to Wear a Durag

Beyond symbolism, the durag serves a practical haircare purpose.
It protects your hair from breakage, locks in moisture, and helps achieve those signature 360 waves — perfectly defined and circular.

Quick tips:

💤 Wear your durag overnight to maintain your waves or braids.
🪞 Choose silk or satin for smoothness and protection.
✋ Tie it snugly but not too tight — compression is key, not tension.

👉 Discover our premium durags in silk , velvet, and satin

Did you know? The spelling durag vs do-rag is still debated! Some prefer “do-rag” (short for “hair do rag”), but most of us — including here at RoyalBandana — stick with durag

💬 Fun fact:

Did you know there’s actually a bit of debate about how to spell durag?
Some people write it do-rag, referring to the “rag” — the cloth used to protect a hairstyle.

Others, like us here at RoyalBandana, prefer durag — a sleeker, more modern version that reflects how the word has evolved in culture and style.

Whatever you call it, its purpose stays the same: to keep your waves perfectly laid.
The method to achieve those flawless 360 waves varies for everyone — it depends on your hair texture, the stiffness of your brush, and even whether your hair is wet, damp, or dry.

The real secret? Consistency, regular brushing, and a properly tied durag.

Want to learn more? Check out our complete guide 👉 How to Wear a Durag Like a Pro

💫 The Durag Today: Between Heritage and Modernity

Today, the durag has conquered the world.

No longer confined to one culture, it continues to represent strength, pride, and heritage.

From New York to Paris, from London to Tokyo, people wear durags for both fashion and identity.

The durag says:

“I know where I come from. And I’m proud to show it.”

From a symbol of survival to a statement of style, the durag stands as one of the most powerful examples of cultural reappropriation in modern fashion.