How To Put On A Durag

To put on a durag, place it over your head with the centre seam aligned, bring both ties behind your head, cross them, wrap them around your forehead and back again, then secure them without tying too tightly. The aim is a smooth, comfortable fit with the fabric sitting flat against your hair.

This guide shows a simple seven-step method. There is more than one way to tie a durag, so use the method that feels secure without creating uncomfortable pressure.

How to Put On a Durag in 7 Steps

1. Prepare your hair. Brush or arrange your waves, braids, locs or other hairstyle before putting the durag on so you do not have to keep readjusting it underneath.
2. Place the durag over your head. Position the centre of the durag along the centre of your head and pull the front edge to a comfortable position just above your eyebrows. Make sure the crown and sides of your hair are covered.
3. Hold one tie in each hand. Pull both ties back evenly so the durag sits flat rather than twisting to one side.
4. Cross the ties behind your head. Keep the ties flat as they cross. Avoid rolling them into narrow cords, which can create unnecessary pressure.
5. Bring the ties around the front. Wrap each tie around the side of your head and across your forehead, again keeping the fabric as flat as possible.
6. Take the ties back behind your head. Cross or wrap them once more depending on the length of your durag, then check that the crown and tail are sitting smoothly.
7. Secure the durag comfortably. Tie the ends at the back with a knot or bow. It should feel secure but not painfully tight. Adjust or retie it if you feel excessive pressure or discomfort.

How Tight Should a Durag Be?

A durag should feel secure enough to stay in position but should not cause pain, headaches, numbness or strong pressure. Tighter is not automatically better. Keeping the straps flat and using a comfortable amount of tension is more important than pulling as hard as possible.

How to Avoid Durag Lines on Your Forehead

Keep the ties flat rather than twisted, spread wider straps where possible and avoid overtightening. If the durag leaves a deep or uncomfortable mark, loosen and retie it.

Putting On a Durag for Waves

If you are wearing a durag as part of a wave routine, brush your hair into your preferred wave pattern before wrapping. The durag then helps keep the hair covered and the brushed pattern contained between sessions. For the full routine, read our guide to getting 360 waves and explore our Wave Brushes.

Putting On a Durag with Braids or Locs

Arrange your braids or locs so they sit comfortably beneath the fabric before tightening the ties. Do not force a bulky hairstyle into a durag that is too small. The right fit should cover the hairstyle without uncomfortable pulling.

Watch a Taelor Boutique Customer Tie a Durag

There is no single correct tying style. We asked a Taelor Boutique customer to show how they tie theirs:

Durag Tying FAQs

Which way does a durag go on?

Place the centre of the durag over the centre of your head, with the front edge above your eyebrows and the tail extending down the back. The ties should sit on either side ready to wrap around your head.

Should the seam of a durag be on the outside?

Durag construction varies by product. Check the way your individual durag is made and position it so the fabric sits smoothly against your hair.

Can men and women wear a durag?

Yes. Durags are unisex and can be worn by men and women.

What type of durag should I choose?

Choose based on the finish, fit and style you prefer. Taelor Boutique's core Silky Durags use premium satin and polyester for a smooth finish, while our Velvet Durags use premium velvet and polyester for a softer, textured finish. You can also browse our full Durags collection.