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Ladies, allow me Rihanna to present the ‘doobie wrap,’ alternately known simply as a doobie or a wrap. Now if you’ve ever frequented a black or Hispanic hair salon, you probably already know what this is. But if not, allow me to explain.
Many minority women spend hours–literally, hours–in a salon once every week or two weeks getting their hair straightened. Whether straightened chemically or naturally, it’s an arduous process so preserving that straightness is of the utmost importance. Enter, the doobie. It’s a technique in which the hair is wrapped around the head and then secured with bobby pins–and perhaps, even a silk scarf or bonnet for added protection–to keep the hair as straight as possible for as long as possible. We chill at home with our hair wrapped; we sleep in our wraps; that’s just how our hair stays straight. It’d been a hairstyle confined to salons and bedrooms for years until Rihanna took it mainstream last night.
Upon first seeing Rihanna walk the red carpet yesterday, I was like “Oh no, who forgot to take Rihanna’s wrap out?!” But then it became clear the hairstyle was intentional and thus even more amazing. Because up until now so many minority women have been made to feel doobies were only appropriate in the privacy of a salon or their own home. But hey, if Rihanna can wear a doobie on the red carpet, surely I’m wearing mine to the grocery store tonight. Thanks, Riri!
In other news, check out gift ideas for everyone on your list, early Black Friday sales and cute makeup ornaments.
