Brazilian hair and Indian hair are two very different hair types, but each has lovely characteristics.
Brazilian Hair vs. Indian Hair
Indian hair tends to run longer than Brazilian hair. Brazilian hair tends to be more curly in general than Indian hair. Indian hair is easier to maintain than Indian hair. Brazilian hair is less expensive than Brazilian hair.
If you are the type of person that likes to style your hair regularly, then Brazilian hair may be a better choice for you. If you are someone who requires low maintenance, and want to take a more natural approach, then Indian hair may be the better choice for you.
Indian Hair
Indian hair is very long and thick. It is more lightweight than Brazilian hair and is very versatile. The texture of Indian hair is wavier and can blend with any hair type. Indian hair is less prone to tangling and is silkier than Brazilian hair.
Indian hair usually comes very healthily because of the way it is usually taken care of by its donors, which makes it the highest quality of hair. It is usually a naturally dark color. It is also easy to style and comb through. Indian hair is one of the most expensive hair types and typically ranges between $40-$100 per bundle.
Best Ways to Care for Indian Hair
1. Avoid Hot Water
When washing or rinsing Indian hair, you should avoid using hot water. Hot water tends to over-strip the hair, which causes it to dry out faster. When you wash and rinse with cold or lukewarm water, the hair will retain its moisture and glossiness.
Using hot water over time can cause the hair to be frizzy afterward as well. Using cooler water will help the strands to stay in place.
2. Use Natural Products
When it comes to any type of hair, it is best to use products that are as natural as possible. Artificial ingredients such as silicones and parabens can cause damage to the hair and weigh the hair down.
However, if you use natural ingredients, the hair will stay soft and flexible, and will look its best. There are many ingredients for homemade hair masks that can restore moisture and shine into the hair. Using natural moisturizers, such as oil, will also help to give it shine and body.
3. Protective Style
Braiding the hair is a form of a protective style. You should braid the hair when you are not wearing it in any particular style, and before you go to bed. Protecting the hair from the elements will keep it looking its best, and will make it easy to style.
You also do not need to use a leave-in conditioner every day for this hair. Using a leave-in daily will just create buildup and make the hair harder to style.
Brazilian Hair
Brazilian hair is coarse and is also very dense. It is usually purchased as curly hair, and it is not uncommon for it to contain several curl patterns. Brazilian hair looks very natural and is more durable than most hair types. The hair is also more coarse than Indian hair, which makes it look closer to African-American hair.
There is usually a natural luster attributed to Brazilian hair, so if you want more shiny hair, then that would be the route to go. Brazilian lasts for a long time, but not as long as Indian. Also, Brazilian hair requires slightly more maintenance than Indian. Brazilian hair typically ranges from about $25 – $45 dollars per bundle.
Best Ways to Care for Brazilian Hair
1. Deep Condition
When wearing Brazilian hair, you want to keep that natural shine, and moisturized curls in place for it to look its best. However, after styling throughout the week, the hair can tend to get dry.
Fortunately, there is a way to revive those curls and restore shine through deep conditioning the hair at least once a week. Deep conditioners impart extra moisture into the hair that will last throughout the week.
After applying a deep conditioner, it is best to cover the hair with a shower cap and let it sit on your head for at least an hour. When the shower cap is on your head, it will create a steamy effect inside and help the deep conditioner penetrate the hair shaft.
Brazilian hair thrives off of moisture, so making sure that moisture stays in the hair as much as possible will ensure that it lasts longer and looks better.
2. Night Protection
Protecting Brazilian hair at night will prevent matting and dryness. One great way to protect your hair, especially if you are wearing a weave, is to use a silk or satin bonnet. You can lose a lot of moisture in the hair as you’re sleeping, so applying a soft covering that does not absorb moisture is beneficial.
Applying a silk or satin bonnet on top of your head before you go to bed will keep the hair from rubbing against your pillowcase – which can cause breakage – and hold in moisture throughout the night. A good silk bonnet costs between $10-$15.
3. Oils
Oils work so well to keep Brazilian hair soft, moisturized, and shiny. The best way to apply oil onto the hair is while it is wet. When the hair is wet it can absorb the oil better. You also do not need to use a lot of oil.
If you make Brazilian hair too oily, it can become weighed down and dirty very quickly. A small amount goes a long way. There are several oils you can use, one being avocado oil. Avocado oil is loaded with fatty acids which help soften the hair and impart shine.
Argan oil also imparts moisture and shine, and is very lightweight which means that it will not weigh the hair down too much.
The Final Word
Though these two hair types do not have a lot in common, if you know what you want for your style, it can be easy to choose between them.
