Does Wearing a Durag Cause Hair Loss? (The Truth)

Last updated: February 2026 by Darius Washington, Black Men’s Grooming Editor

I have been wearing a durag almost every night since I was 14 years old. That is over 15 years of overnight compression, wolfing sessions, and wave maintenance. My hairline is exactly where it was when I started. So when someone asks me, “does wearing a durag cause hair loss?” my first answer is personal experience: no, it does not. But personal experience is not science, and this question deserves a real answer with real evidence. So let me give you both.

The short answer is this: a properly worn durag does not cause hair loss. The durag itself is a piece of fabric. It is not pulling your hair out. But, and this matters, wearing a durag too tightly over months or years can contribute to a condition called traction alopecia, which is hair loss caused by sustained tension on the follicles. The difference between “durag causes hair loss” and “improper durag use can stress follicles” is the difference between blaming the car and blaming the driver.

This guide covers the science, the myths, proper technique, the real causes of hair loss in Black men, and when you actually need to see a doctor.

If you are already worried, jump to the warning signs section to check whether your current routine is causing damage.

The Science: What Actually Happens When You Wear a Durag

To understand whether a durag can cause hair loss, you need to understand two things: what a durag does to your hair physically, and what the research says about tension and hair follicles.

What a Durag Does Physically

A durag is a fitted head covering with a cap section, two tails, and a rear flap. When you tie it, the cap compresses your hair flat against your scalp. This compression is the entire point; it trains wave patterns, distributes product, and protects hairstyles.

The key word is compression, not tension. Compression pushes hair downward against the scalp. Tension pulls hair away from or along the scalp. A properly tied durag primarily compresses. It does not yank, pull, or tug at individual hairs. The smooth interior fabric (silk, satin, or the satin lining on velvet durags) allows hair to lay flat without catching or pulling.

Compare this to tight braids, cornrows tied with extension hair, or a ponytail pulled back hard. Those hairstyles create sustained directional tension on specific areas of the hairline. A durag distributes pressure evenly across the entire surface of the head. The mechanics are fundamentally different.

What the Research Says About Tension and Hair

The medical term for hair loss caused by sustained tension is traction alopecia. This condition has been studied extensively, particularly in populations that wear tight hairstyles.

A 2016 study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology reviewed 31 years of traction alopecia research and identified the primary risk factors: tight braids, cornrows with extensions, weaves, locs pulled into tight updos, and certain religious or cultural head coverings worn extremely tightly (Billero & Miteva, 2016). The study noted that hairstyles creating “sustained and repetitive tension at the follicle” were the driving cause.

Notice what is not on that list: durags. No dermatological study has identified durags as a primary cause of traction alopecia. The reason is the mechanical difference I described above. Durags compress evenly. Traction alopecia is caused by focused, directional pulling.

That said, there is a caveat. If you tie your durag extremely tight, to the point where it is pulling at your hairline and temples, you are creating tension. Not compression. Tension. And sustained tension over months can stress follicles in those areas. This is not the durag’s fault. It is a tying technique problem.

Traction Alopecia: The Real Risk (And How to Avoid It)

Since traction alopecia is the primary concern people have about durags, let me break this condition down fully.

What is Traction Alopecia?

Traction alopecia is gradual hair loss caused by prolonged, repetitive pulling force on hair follicles. It is not genetic. It is not hormonal. It is purely mechanical. If you remove the tension, the hair typically grows back, as long as the follicles have not been permanently scarred.

The condition most commonly affects the hairline (temples and edges) because this is where tension from hairstyles tends to concentrate. It progresses in stages:

1. Early stage. Small bumps or pustules around the hairline. Tenderness when touching the affected area. The hair is still present but the follicles are inflamed.
2. Moderate stage. Noticeable thinning at the temples and along the front hairline. Broken hairs of uneven length. The affected area may look patchy.
3. Advanced stage. Smooth, shiny patches of bare scalp where hair no longer grows. At this point, the follicles may be permanently scarred and unable to produce new hair.

The good news: traction alopecia is 100% preventable and, in early stages, 100% reversible. You just have to remove the source of tension before permanent damage occurs.

How Tight Durags Can Contribute

Let me be honest about the specific scenario where a durag can contribute to traction alopecia, because pretending there is zero risk would be irresponsible.

If you consistently tie your durag in a way that creates a band of tight pressure across your forehead and temples, and you do this every night for months or years, the sustained tension in those areas can stress follicles along your hairline. This is most common when:

• The tails are pulled extremely tight before tying
• The knot sits directly on the hairline at the forehead
• The durag is a stiff material that does not conform to the head (cheap polyester)
• The wearer never takes breaks from daily wear
• The durag is worn 20+ hours per day during intense wolfing sessions with no rest days

The critical factor is tension at the hairline, not compression on the top of the head. A durag tied with moderate, even pressure that compresses the top of the hair without yanking at the hairline poses minimal risk. A durag tied like a headband with all the tension concentrated at the forehead is a different situation.

How to Avoid It Completely

Follow these rules and traction alopecia from a durag becomes a non-issue:

1. The one-finger test. After tying your durag, slide one finger between the fabric and your forehead. If it fits with slight resistance, the tension is correct. If you cannot fit a finger, it is too tight. Loosen immediately.
2. No deep forehead creases. Remove your durag after 30 minutes. If there is a deep, red line across your forehead, you are tying too tight. A light impression is normal. A deep crease is a warning.
3. No headaches. If wearing your durag gives you a headache or temple pressure, it is too tight. Period. No wave pattern is worth a headache.
4. Rest your hairline. If you wear your durag all day during wolfing, give your hairline a 2-3 hour break. Take the durag off while eating dinner, watching TV, or relaxing. Let the blood flow normalize.
5. Use quality materials. Silk and satin durags conform to your head shape and distribute pressure more evenly than stiff polyester. Slippery Customs Silk Durag and Veeta Superior Silk Durag are my go-to picks for comfort and proper fit.
6. Alternate tying positions. If you usually tie the knot at the back, try tying at the front sometimes, or vice versa. This prevents the same spot on your hairline from bearing constant tension.
7. Keep the front edge at the hairline, not above it. The front of the durag should sit right at where your hair begins, not pulled down onto your forehead or pushed up above your hairline. This natural positioning minimizes hairline tension.

Myths vs. Facts: Setting the Record Straight

The internet is full of bad information about durags and hair loss. Let me address the most common claims.

Myth: “Durags suffocate the scalp and kill hair follicles.”

Fact: Hair follicles get their oxygen and nutrients from blood supply inside the scalp, not from the air outside. Wearing a durag does not cut off blood supply or oxygen to your follicles. Your scalp is not breathing through the fabric. The idea that covering your head “suffocates” your hair has zero scientific basis.

Myth: “Wearing a durag every day will make you go bald.”

Fact: Millions of men wear durags daily and maintain full, healthy heads of hair. Daily durag use with proper tension is not a risk factor for hair loss. Baldness in men (androgenetic alopecia) is genetic and hormonal. It is driven by DHT sensitivity at the follicle level, not by what you wear on your head.

Myth: “Durags pull out hair because they are tight.”

Fact: Compression is not the same as pulling. A durag pushes hair downward against the scalp. It does not yank hair outward from the follicle. The only scenario where a durag creates pull is if it is tied so tightly that the front edge drags against the hairline. This is a user error, not a product defect.

Myth: “Silk durags prevent hair loss better than velvet.”

Fact (partially): Silk durags do create less friction against the hair, which means less breakage. But breakage (hair snapping off along the shaft) is not the same as hair loss (the follicle stopping production). Silk reduces breakage. It does not prevent genetic hair loss. That said, if your concern is preserving the hair you have, silk is the better daily-wear material. I recommend checking out the best durags for waves for material comparisons.

Myth: “You need to air out your hair or it will fall out.”

Fact: Your hair does not need “air” to grow. Hair growth is determined by the health of the follicle, which depends on blood supply, hormones, and nutrition. There is no scientific evidence that keeping your head covered affects growth rate. That said, giving your scalp a break from any head covering (hats, durags, helmets) periodically is common-sense hygiene. It allows you to check your scalp, wash properly, and let sweat evaporate.

Myth: “If you see hair in your durag after removing it, the durag is pulling hair out.”

Fact: Humans shed 50-100 hairs per day naturally as part of the hair growth cycle. These shed hairs get trapped in the durag and are visible when you remove it. This is normal shedding, not hair loss caused by the durag. If you were not wearing a durag, those same hairs would be on your pillow, in your shower drain, or on your shirt collar. Shedding only becomes a concern if you are consistently finding significantly more hair than usual.

Real Causes of Hair Loss in Black Men

If you are experiencing hair loss, the durag is almost certainly not the cause. Here are the conditions that actually drive hair loss in Black men, backed by dermatological research.

1. Androgenetic Alopecia (Male Pattern Baldness)

This is the most common cause of hair loss in all men, including Black men. It is genetic, driven by sensitivity to dihydrotestosterone (DHT) at the hair follicle. DHT causes affected follicles to shrink over time, producing thinner and shorter hairs until they eventually stop producing visible hair altogether.

Pattern: receding hairline starting at the temples, thinning at the crown, eventual connection between the two areas. This follows the Norwood scale, the standard classification system for male pattern baldness.

Treatment: minoxidil (topical, available over the counter), finasteride (oral, prescription), and hair transplant surgery. Important note: most clinical studies on these treatments have underrepresented Black participants, so efficacy data is less robust for textured hair. A dermatologist experienced with skin of color can help navigate treatment options.

2. Traction Alopecia

As discussed above, this is caused by sustained tension on hair follicles from tight hairstyles. In Black men, the most common causes are tight cornrows (especially with extensions), tightly pulled locs, and chronically tight braids. Studies estimate that traction alopecia affects up to 30% of women of African descent who wear tight hairstyles regularly (Khumalo et al., 2007, British Journal of Dermatology). Data specific to men is less available, but the mechanism is identical.

Pattern: thinning along the hairline, temples, and edges. May be asymmetric if one side of the hair is pulled tighter than the other.

Treatment: remove the tension source, topical minoxidil to stimulate regrowth, steroid injections for inflammation. Early intervention is critical because scarred follicles cannot recover.

3. Central Centrifugal Cicatricial Alopecia (CCCA)

CCCA is a form of scarring alopecia that disproportionately affects Black individuals. It starts at the crown and spreads outward in a centrifugal (radiating) pattern. The exact cause is not fully understood, but research suggests a combination of genetic predisposition, hair care practices, and possibly an autoimmune component.

A 2019 study in the New England Journal of Medicine identified a genetic variant (PADI3) associated with CCCA, suggesting a hereditary component (Malki et al., 2019). Chemical relaxers, hot combs, and tension hairstyles may accelerate progression in genetically susceptible individuals.

Pattern: thinning or baldness starting at the crown and expanding outward. The affected scalp may look shiny or feel firm to the touch.

Treatment: early diagnosis is critical because CCCA causes permanent scarring. Topical or injected corticosteroids, doxycycline, and hair transplant for advanced cases. See a dermatologist immediately if you notice unexplained crown thinning.

4. Alopecia Areata

This is an autoimmune condition where the body’s immune system attacks hair follicles, causing round patches of hair loss. It can affect any area of the scalp or body. Alopecia areata is not caused by grooming practices and has nothing to do with durags.

Pattern: sudden, round, smooth patches of hair loss on the scalp. The patches are typically the size of a coin but can merge into larger areas.

Treatment: corticosteroid injections, topical immunotherapy, and newer JAK inhibitor drugs like baricitinib (FDA-approved for alopecia areata in 2022).

5. Telogen Effluvium (Stress-Related Shedding)

Severe stress (physical or emotional) can push a large percentage of hair follicles into the resting (telogen) phase simultaneously. Two to three months after the stressful event, those hairs shed. This causes diffuse thinning across the entire scalp, not patterned loss.

Common triggers: major surgery, severe illness, emotional trauma, rapid weight loss, nutritional deficiencies (especially iron and vitamin D), and certain medications.

Pattern: diffuse thinning, noticeable increase in hair shedding (more hair in the shower drain, on pillows, in your durag).

Treatment: address the underlying cause. Once the stressor is removed, hair typically regrows within 6-12 months without treatment.

6. Nutritional Deficiencies

Your hair needs specific nutrients to grow. Deficiencies in iron, vitamin D, zinc, biotin, and protein can contribute to hair thinning and increased shedding. A 2019 review in Dermatology and Therapy found that iron deficiency is particularly common in patients presenting with hair loss (Almohanna et al., 2019).

If you are dieting aggressively, skipping meals regularly, or eating a highly restrictive diet, your hair may pay the price before any other symptoms appear.

Comparison Table: Hair Loss Causes in Black Men

Look at the “Related to Durags?” column. Only one condition even has a conditional relationship, and it requires the durag to be worn improperly. Everything else is completely unrelated to what you put on your head.

Proper Durag Tying Technique for Hair Safety

Since the only durag-related risk is tying too tight, let me walk through the correct technique. If you want the full guide with photos, check out the complete durag tying guide. Here is the hair-safety-focused version.

Step-by-Step: Safe Tying Method

1. Center the seam. Place the durag on your head with the center seam running from your forehead straight back to the crown. The front edge should sit right at your natural hairline. Not above it, not below it. Right at the line where your hair begins.
2. Hold, do not pull, the tails. Grab both tails and bring them behind your head. Do not yank them tight. Hold them with moderate tension, enough to feel the cap snug against your hair but not enough to feel pressure at your temples.
3. Cross at the back. Cross the tails over each other above the flap. The crossing point should be at the back of your head, not at the nape of your neck.
4. Wrap forward with controlled tension. Bring the tails forward toward your forehead. As you wrap, keep the tension consistent. Do not cinch tighter as you go.
5. Tie with a flat knot. Tie the tails in a flat knot (not a ball knot) at the back or front. A flat knot distributes pressure better and does not create a pressure point against your skull.
6. One-finger test. Slide one finger between the durag and your forehead. If it fits with slight resistance, the tension is perfect. If you cannot fit a finger, retie with less tension.
7. Smooth the flap. Tuck or smooth the rear flap down against your neck.

What Proper Fit Feels Like

A correctly tied durag should feel like a firm handshake: secure enough that you feel it, gentle enough that it is not uncomfortable. You should be able to:

• Raise your eyebrows without the fabric pulling
• Turn your head without the durag shifting significantly
• Wear it for 30+ minutes without any headache or temple pressure
• Remove it without seeing deep red lines across your forehead (light marks that fade in 5 minutes are fine)

If you fail any of these checks, the durag is too tight.

Material Matters for Safety

The material you choose affects how much tension you need to keep the durag in place:

• Silk. Naturally grippy against hair. Requires less tension to stay in place. Best for daily wear because you can tie it loosely and it still holds. Slippery Customs Silk is my top recommendation for comfort.
• Velvet. Heavier fabric with strong grip. Stays in place with minimal tension. Great for compression but can get warm overnight. Lux Velvet Premium offers heavy compression without needing a tight tie.
• Satin. Moderate grip. Slightly slippery compared to velvet, which means some people overtighten to compensate. If your satin durag keeps slipping, switch to silk or velvet instead of tying harder.
• Cheap polyester. The worst for hair safety. Stiff, does not conform to head shape, and often requires overtightening to stay in place. If you are wearing a $2 gas station durag that feels like a plastic bag, upgrade. Your hairline will thank you.

Warning Signs: How to Know If Your Durag is Causing Damage

If you have been wearing a durag for years with no issues, you are almost certainly fine. But if you have recently noticed changes along your hairline, here is what to look for.

Red Flags

• Persistent hairline redness. If the skin along your forehead where the durag sits is consistently red, tender, or irritated, the tension is too high. Occasional light marks that fade in minutes are normal. Redness that persists for hours is not.
• Small bumps at the hairline. Folliculitis (inflamed hair follicles) can develop where the durag creates friction or traps sweat against the skin. Small pimple-like bumps along the front edge of your hairline are a sign.
• Hairline recession that matches durag placement. If your hairline is receding specifically where the front edge of the durag sits, and the recession follows a straight, unnatural line, traction may be a factor. Natural male pattern baldness typically creates a more gradual, M-shaped recession at the temples.
• Broken hairs at the edge. Short, broken hairs along the front of your hairline (that are clearly snapped, not baby hairs) indicate tension or friction damage.
• Headaches after removing the durag. Persistent headaches centered at the temples after durag use suggest the temporal arteries are being compressed. This is too tight.

What to Do If You See Warning Signs

1. Immediately loosen your tie. Retie with the one-finger-test method described above.
2. Take a break. Go 2-3 days without wearing a durag to let your hairline recover. Use a satin pillowcase for overnight hair protection during this break.
3. Switch materials. If you are wearing polyester or a stiff fabric, switch to silk. Less tension needed to keep it in place.
4. Assess your whole routine. Is the durag the only source of tension? Or are you also wearing tight cornrows under the durag? Combining multiple tension sources accelerates damage.
5. See a dermatologist if thinning persists. If you have taken a break, loosened your tie, and still see thinning, the cause may be something unrelated to your durag. Get a professional evaluation.

How a Durag Actually Helps Your Hair

I have spent most of this article addressing the “does it cause damage” question. Now let me flip the script and talk about how a durag actively benefits your hair. Because it does, and this is the part the myth-makers always leave out.

Moisture Retention

Textured hair, especially 4B and 4C, loses moisture faster than straighter hair types because the tight coil pattern makes it difficult for natural sebum to travel down the hair shaft. Every night you sleep without a silk or satin barrier, your cotton pillowcase absorbs the oils and moisture from your hair. You wake up drier than when you went to sleep.

A silk durag creates a moisture seal. The oils and products you applied stay in your hair instead of transferring to your pillow. Over weeks and months, this makes a significant difference in hair softness, elasticity, and breakage prevention. If you are working on growing 4C hair, moisture retention is everything.

Breakage Prevention

Hair breakage (strands snapping off along the shaft) is not hair loss (follicles stopping production), but it looks and feels similar because your hair gets thinner. Cotton pillowcases create friction that causes breakage on textured hair. A silk or satin durag eliminates this friction almost entirely.

Over the course of a year, the difference in retained length between someone who sleeps in a silk durag and someone who sleeps on a cotton pillowcase can be measurable. You are not growing hair faster. You are losing less of what you grow.

Wave Pattern Development

This is the obvious benefit. Compression from a durag trains 360 waves, 180 waves, and deep wave patterns. Without a durag, wave training is essentially impossible. The hair needs compression to hold the brushed pattern while the curls set.

Product Distribution

When you apply wave grease or a scalp oil before putting on your durag, the compression pushes the product into even contact with your hair and scalp. Without compression, product tends to concentrate where you applied it and leave other areas dry.

Style Protection

Braids, twists, fresh cuts, and curl patterns all last longer when protected by a durag overnight. The compression keeps everything in place instead of allowing your hairstyle to shift and frizz while you sleep.

Durag Hygiene: The Overlooked Factor

If you are concerned about your scalp health while wearing a durag, hygiene is actually more important than tension. A dirty durag can cause problems that people mistakenly attribute to the durag itself.

How Often to Wash Your Durag

Wash your durags at least once a week. If you sweat heavily or apply a lot of product before wearing one, wash more frequently. Product residue, sweat, oils, and dead skin cells accumulate on the fabric and can:

• Clog pores on your forehead and scalp, leading to acne and folliculitis
• Create a breeding ground for bacteria and fungus
• Transfer old product back onto freshly washed hair
• Cause an unpleasant smell

Washing Instructions by Material

• Silk durags. Hand wash in cool water with a gentle detergent or baby shampoo. Do not wring. Lay flat or hang to dry. Never put silk in the dryer.
• Velvet durags. Hand wash in cool water. Gently squeeze out excess water. Air dry. The velvet exterior can flatten if machine washed or dried with heat.
• Satin durags. Hand wash or delicate cycle in a mesh laundry bag. Air dry.
• Polyester durags. Machine washable on gentle cycle. Air dry for best longevity, though polyester can handle low-heat drying.

Rotation Strategy

Own at least 2-3 durags and rotate them. This ensures you always have a clean one available while the others are drying. A $30 investment in three quality durags protects both your hair and your scalp health for months.

Building a Scalp-Healthy Routine with Durags

Here is a weekly routine that maximizes the benefits of durag use while minimizing any risk:

Daily Routine

1. Morning. Remove durag. Check for any redness or marks (they should fade within 5 minutes). Brush waves if you are training. Apply light moisturizer or hair serum if your hair feels dry.
2. Evening. Wash face and hairline area. Apply wave grease, pomade, or hair oil to your hair. Brush in your wave pattern (for wavers). Tie durag with moderate, even tension. One-finger test. Go to sleep.

Weekly Routine

• Wash day (1-2x per week). Shampoo with a quality shampoo for textured hair. Condition. While your hair is damp, apply your leave-in or oil. Brush waves. Tie durag.
• Durag wash day. Hand wash your used durags. Switch to a fresh one from your rotation.
• Scalp check. Once a week, take a close look at your hairline in the mirror. Compare to photos from previous months if possible. Any noticeable changes should prompt a tightness adjustment.

Monthly Check-In

Take a photo of your hairline once a month with the same lighting and angle. This creates a visual record. Gradual changes are hard to notice day by day but become obvious when you compare photos from two or three months apart. If you see consistent recession, consult a dermatologist.

When to See a Doctor

Not every case of hair thinning requires a doctor visit, but certain signs should prompt you to make an appointment.

See a Dermatologist If:

• You notice sudden, patchy hair loss (possible alopecia areata)
• Your hairline is receding faster than expected for your age and family history
• You have persistent scalp itching, burning, or tenderness
• You see smooth, shiny patches where hair no longer grows (possible scarring alopecia or CCCA)
• Hair loss is accompanied by fatigue, weight changes, or other systemic symptoms (possible thyroid or nutritional issues)
• Over-the-counter treatments (minoxidil) have not helped after 6 months of consistent use

Finding the Right Dermatologist

This matters. Look for a board-certified dermatologist who has experience treating patients with skin of color. The Skin of Color Society maintains a directory. You can also ask your barber for recommendations; many barbershops have relationships with local dermatologists who understand Black hair and scalp concerns.

Why does this matter? Because conditions like CCCA and traction alopecia present differently on darker skin. A dermatologist unfamiliar with textured hair may miss early signs of CCCA or misattribute traction alopecia to male pattern baldness. Representation in your healthcare matters just as much as it does in your barbershop.

What Barbers See (And What They Tell Me)

Growing up in my uncle’s shop in Atlanta, I have heard every barbershop theory about durags and hair loss. Here is what experienced barbers actually observe.

The barbers I have talked to over the years, and I have interviewed over 100 for this site, consistently say the same thing: the durag is not the problem. The problem is guys who tie their durags like they are trying to shrink-wrap their skull. One barber in Decatur told me he can spot a too-tight durag habit just by looking at the hairline. “There’s a line,” he said, “a straight line right across the forehead where the fabric sits. Normal hairlines don’t recede in a straight line. That’s tension.”

He is right. Male pattern baldness creates an M-shaped or U-shaped recession. Traction alopecia from a tight durag creates a straight-line recession that mirrors the front edge of the fabric. If your barber points this out, listen. They see hundreds of hairlines every week. They know what tension damage looks like.

The other thing barbers notice is scalp health issues from dirty durags. Folliculitis (infected hair follicles), dandruff buildup, and scalp acne are more common in guys who wear the same unwashed durag for weeks. “Wash your durag like you wash your clothes,” one barber told me. Simple advice. Most guys ignore it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does wearing a durag cause hair loss?

No. A properly fitted durag does not cause hair loss. The durag itself is a piece of fabric that compresses hair against the scalp. It does not pull hair from follicles. However, tying a durag excessively tight over long periods can contribute to traction alopecia, a form of hair loss from sustained tension. Use the one-finger test to ensure proper fit: you should be able to slide one finger between the durag and your forehead.

Can sleeping in a durag make your hair fall out?

No. Sleeping in a silk or satin durag actually protects your hair by reducing friction and retaining moisture. Cotton pillowcases cause more hair damage than a properly tied durag ever will. The only risk is if you tie the durag so tightly that it creates pressure on your hairline all night. Tie it snug, not strangling, and you will be fine.

How tight should a durag be?

Snug enough to stay in place and compress your hair flat, loose enough that you can slide one finger between the fabric and your forehead. If you feel a headache, temple pressure, or see deep red lines after removing the durag, it is too tight. Adjust immediately.

What causes hair loss in Black men?

The most common cause is androgenetic alopecia (male pattern baldness), which is genetic and hormonal. Other causes include traction alopecia from tight hairstyles, CCCA (central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia), stress-related telogen effluvium, alopecia areata, and nutritional deficiencies. If you are experiencing hair loss, see a dermatologist experienced with skin of color for proper diagnosis.

How do I know if my durag is causing damage?

Watch for persistent redness along the hairline where the durag sits, small bumps at the hairline (folliculitis), thinning that follows the straight line of the durag’s front edge, broken hairs at the edges, and headaches during or after wearing. If you see any of these, loosen the tie, take a 2-3 day break, and consider switching to a softer material like silk.

Does a durag help hair grow?

A durag does not directly stimulate hair growth. What it does is protect existing hair from friction, breakage, and moisture loss. By preventing breakage, a durag helps you retain more of the growth you are already getting, which makes it appear that hair is growing faster. Actual growth rate is determined by genetics, nutrition, scalp health, and hormones.

Bottom Line

The idea that wearing a durag causes hair loss is a myth that persists because people confuse correlation with causation. A man who wears a durag and notices hair loss assumes the durag is responsible. But in nearly every case, the actual cause is genetic, medical, or related to other styling practices; not the durag.

Key takeaways:

• A properly worn durag does not cause hair loss. No dermatological study has identified durags as a primary cause of alopecia.
• Tying a durag too tight can contribute to traction alopecia, but this is a technique problem, not a product problem. The one-finger test prevents this.
• The most common cause of hair loss in Black men is genetics (androgenetic alopecia), not headwear.
• A silk durag actually benefits hair health by retaining moisture, reducing friction, and preventing breakage.
• Wash your durags weekly. Dirty durags cause more scalp issues than tight ones.
• If you notice persistent hairline changes, see a dermatologist experienced with skin of color. Do not self-diagnose.

Keep wearing your durag. Keep training your waves. Keep brushing. Just tie it right, keep it clean, and let the myths stay in the comments section where they belong. If you need a quality durag that fits properly, check out my best durags for waves roundup. And if you are ready to start your wave journey, begin with the complete 360 waves guide.