Can Wearing a Durag Cause Hair Loss?

Let’s address something I get asked about all the time: durags. 

For many of us with textured hair, durags and wave caps are a part of our day-to-day lives — like my man Dave E. whose collection ranges from silk and satin to velvet, in just about every colorway. And just like Dave, many gentlemen want to know: Can wearing a durag cause hair loss or does it help with hair growth?

Here’s the good news: While a durag itself doesn't directly help hair grow, it can actually be beneficial for maintaining the health of your hair — you just have to know what you’re doing! Let’s break down everything you need to know.

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New hair growth is super delicate. Covering your head while you sleep helps to preserve strands during these early stages, giving them a chance to grow healthy and strong. However, it's important to note that a durag itself doesn't cause hair to grow.

Sleeping on a cotton pillowcase (which many of us do) can create a lot of friction against your hair, leading to damage and breakage. You can protect the integrity of your hair by covering up with a durag at night, which is one of the side effects of wearing a durag that can be beneficial.

By wearing a durag after applying your hair treatment, you ensure that the product completely saturates your hair and scalp — in a sense, locking it in. We highly recommend pairing your durag with a plant-based, regenerative hair serum like MY Hair Repair Serum for best results.

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There is such a thing as overbrushing, which can put unnecessary stress on your hair strands and follicles, accelerating hair loss. If you can, get yourself a soft-bristled brush to use gently and sparingly.

Before putting on your durag or wave cap, take 2-3 minutes to massage your scalp. A few minutes in the morning and evening stimulate blood flow to the area, nourishing follicles with the nutrients and oxygen necessary for stronger, healthier hair growth.

Durags and wave caps have long been used to protect textured hairstyles — and now, we know they’re equally effective for guarding against hair loss. But remember, while they protect hair, durags do not directly promote hair growth.

Do you wear a durag? Do you find it helpful in terms of hair maintenance? Drop a comment below and let us know.