Choosing what hair type to purchase can be a little difficult at first, especially when you don’t know the specifics of the hair you are interested in. This article will help distinguish the difference between Malaysian and Peruvian hair, so you know which one best fits your lifestyle.
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Malaysian Hair vs. Peruvian Hair
Malaysian and Peruvian hair both have very nice qualities, however, there are some attributes that set them apart. Generally, if you want something low-maintenance, then Malaysian hair is the better option. If you want something you can style often, Peruvian hair is the better option. The main differences lie in their texture and ways of caring for the hair.
Some of the differences are:
- Malaysian hair lasts longer than Peruvian hair.
- Brazilian hair is generally less expensive than Indian hair.
- Peruvian hair is generally more curly than Malaysian hair.
- Peruvian hair is more lightweight than Malaysian hair.
- Malaysian hair is silky, and Peruvian hair is more coarse.
Maintenance differences are:
- Peruvian hair needs to be detangled more often.
- Malaysian hair is more sensitive to heat.
Some of the similarities are:
- They are both thick.
- They both need constant moisture.
- They both are naturally dark.
Qualities of Malaysian Hair
Malaysian hair is a soft and silky type of hair. It blends well with all hair textures and has a lot of natural shine. The hair is thick, but not thicker than Peruvian hair. Malaysian hair tends to be finer than Peruvian hair and has more of a wavy curl pattern.
Many people gravitate towards Malaysian hair because of its longevity, it can last for a full year. Although Peruvian hair is very thick, Malaysian hair is heavier than Peruvian – so wearing a lot of bundles will feel excessive. The colors of Malaysian hair are usually darker, usually a deep brown.
This hair is low-maintenance because the curls generally stay intact without the help of hair products. The price range for Malaysian hair is usually between $30 and $40 per bundle.
How to Care for Malaysian Hair
1. Brush Hair While Wet
This hair has the tendency to become dry and poofy. In order to get the most out of the curl pattern, you should brush the hair while wet in order to clump the curls together. Malaysian hair has more of a wave pattern, so if you brush the hair while it is wet, you actually help to define the curls. By brushing the hair while wet, you will help to reduce frizz, which keeps the hair’s natural shine intact.
2. Deep Condition
The key to healthy and defined curls is moisture. Deep conditioners/hair masks impart extra moisture into the hair that will last throughout the week. Using a deep conditioner is especially beneficial for Malaysian hair because it tends to dry out, so deep conditioning will help prevent that from happening.
When you deep condition your hair, apply a plastic bag or shower cap around it for about an hour. Covering the hair while the conditioner is applied will help it to penetrate the hair shaft more, giving it extra moisture.
3. Limit Straightening
If you want to get the most out of the curl pattern, you will need to limit the number of times you straighten the hair. Straightening the hair dries it out, and the curls do not come back the same after the heat has damaged them. The hair can also lose its luster and softness after excessively applying heat.
Using a straightener once or twice a month should be the maximum amount that you use heat. However, if you want to keep the curls looking the same way for as long as you wear the hair, you should not straighten the hair at all.
Qualities of Peruvian Hair
Peruvian hair is thicker hair that blends well with African American hair. It can come curly or straight, and either way has a lot of volume. Although it looks heavy and very thick, it is actually very lightweight. It can also come in darker and lighter colors.
It is slightly coarser than Malaysian hair, which blends well with the African-American texture. Many people choose Peruvian hair because of how comfortable it is to have on, so you can wear many bundles, but not even feel its weight.
The curl pattern of Peruvian hair is usually tighter than Malaysian hair and is very voluminous. The durability of Peruvian hair is also an advantage because it lasts for a long time and is easy to maintain. This hair holds curls and withstands heat very well. It is also very dense. Peruvian hair typically ranges from about $20 – $40 per bundle.
How to Care for Peruvian Hair
1. Use Shampoos Without Silicones
Shampoos that contain silicones can be very damaging to the hair over time. Silicones are synthetic polymers that are used in hair products in order to keep the hair hydrated and moisturized. However, studies have shown that they block out the evaporation of water, which can keep the hair from absorbing additional moisture.
Silicones are heavy, and while they may provide a protective layer for the hair and keep it from frizzing at first, they can also weigh the hair down. Silicones are harder to wash out, and over time that product can build up – making the hair dry. Your hair needs to be able to be completely clean if you want its soft and bouncy look to last.
Peruvian hair is lightweight hair, with bouncy curls, and silicones have a high likelihood of weighing the hair down and making it look limp. In order to ensure you will not accumulate product build-up, it would be best to buy a shampoo that does not contain silicones.
Alternatively, you could co-wash your hair as well. Co-washing is a method used to clean the hair, while not stripping the hair of the moisture that it needs.
The method of co-washing is simply using a conditioner to clean your hair. Shampoos are great for the day that you want to do a deep clean, but co-washing is great for removing product buildup. Usually, after a week or even a couple of days of using styling products, your hair will start to get stiff and in need of a fresh start.
Co-washing will not only re-moisturize your hair but also cleanse your hair and scalp enough to hold you over for the next wash day. You should co-wash as needed, it really depends on what your lifestyle is and how frequently you use products.
If you are wearing Peruvian hair in its natural, curly state, then co-washing will help keep those curls bouncy and fresh.
2. Detangle and Moisturize
When you neglect to get rid of any knots and tangles in the hair, it will begin to mat. The best way to ensure you are not regularly combing out knots is to detangle your hair at least every other day.
A leave-in conditioner is a great product to bring moisture into the hair and easily comb through it. Leaving in a moisturizer will also keep the hair from tangling and will sustain healthy hair and curls. A detangling brush can also help keep the hair follicles from being pulled out, and enhance the curl pattern at the same time.
3. Heat Protectant
Using a heat protectant is one of the best ways to protect hair that you are applying heat to. Although Peruvian hair has a high heat tolerance, it will still look better and last longer if you protect the hair before applying heat.
A heat protectant is simply something you apply to the hair to create a protective layer from the heat. The product has to be able to withstand high temperatures, while also imparting moisture into the hair.
There are heat protectant sprays you can buy, but there are also natural products you can use as well. Argan oil and coconut oil are some of the best natural heat protectors – but you don’t want to use too much or your hair will smoke.
