Texturism and Black Men: Duke, S-Curl, and Black Men’s Identity
Sun Jan 25 2026
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Hair isn’t just style; it’s code, history, and identity. In this episode on texturism and Black men, we sit down with Darius of Premium Fade League to explore how styles like Duke and S-Curl shaped Black men’s identity, masculinity, and ideas of what looks “professional” or “clean.” From the 70s through the 90s and into today, we unpack how texture became tied to acceptance and survival.
Darius shares his personal journey, barber-chair insights, and the technical truths behind fades, waves, porosity, density, and grooming standards that disproportionately police Black men. We also examine how corporate rules, pricing, and maintenance reinforce texturism, and why understanding motivation matters more than altering texture.
If you care about Black hair, Black men, texturism, and identity, this conversation offers clarity, language, and perspective.
Stay connected with Darius by following his social media accounts below:
Instagram: @premiumfadeleague
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@dariusnelms
Books Available: Amazon
Support the show
Do you have a story to share that’s worth our listeners hearing, please fill out the Listener Letters Form and tell us your story! We would love to hear from you!
Don't forget to follow Kinetra on Instagram @_hairwhatimsaying_ and check out her website Hair What I'm Saying for more.
Please leave a review and rate the show. Let us know how we are doing!
Support the Hair What I’m Saying Podcast
💛 From the bottom of my heart, thank you for being part of this community.
buymeacoffee.com/hairwhatimsaying
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Send us a text Watch on Youtube! Hair isn’t just style; it’s code, history, and identity. In this episode on texturism and Black men, we sit down with Darius of Premium Fade League to explore how styles like Duke and S-Curl shaped Black men’s identity, masculinity, and ideas of what looks “professional” or “clean.” From the 70s through the 90s and into today, we unpack how texture became tied to acceptance and survival. Darius shares his personal journey, barber-chair insights, and the technical truths behind fades, waves, porosity, density, and grooming standards that disproportionately police Black men. We also examine how corporate rules, pricing, and maintenance reinforce texturism, and why understanding motivation matters more than altering texture. If you care about Black hair, Black men, texturism, and identity, this conversation offers clarity, language, and perspective. Stay connected with Darius by following his social media accounts below: Instagram: @premiumfadeleague Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@dariusnelms Books Available: Amazon Support the show Do you have a story to share that’s worth our listeners hearing, please fill out the Listener Letters Form and tell us your story! We would love to hear from you! Don't forget to follow Kinetra on Instagram @_hairwhatimsaying_ and check out her website Hair What I'm Saying for more. Please leave a review and rate the show. Let us know how we are doing! Support the Hair What I’m Saying Podcast 💛 From the bottom of my heart, thank you for being part of this community. buymeacoffee.com/hairwhatimsaying