Hair
Used specifically for the hair on a person's head, often sounding a bit more formal or technical than 'pelo'.
Refers to fine body hair or 'peach fuzz', not the hair on your head.
She has long, black hair.
I like your new haircut.
The baby has very little hair.
My dog has short hair.
In most of Latin America, 'pelo' is the most common, all-purpose word for hair. 'Cabello' is also very common but used almost exclusively for hair on the human head, often in a slightly more formal or cosmetic context (like at a salon).
Both 'pelo' and 'cabello' are used interchangeably in daily conversation for head hair, with 'pelo' being slightly more casual.
'Cabello' is frequently preferred over 'pelo' when talking about a person's head hair, though 'pelo' is also perfectly understood.
'Pelo' is the standard and most common term. 'Cabello' is understood but can sound more technical or poetic.
Similar to Latin America, 'pelo' is the most common word for hair on your head. 'Cabello' is also used but is less frequent in casual speech.
Using 'cabello' for animal hair. 'Cabello' is only for humans. For an animal, you must say 'pelo'. (e.g., 'El perro tiene mucho pelo,' not 'mucho cabello').
Forgetting that 'pelo' is masculine. Adjectives must match. Say 'pelo rubio' (blond hair), not 'pelo rubia'.
Using the wrong article. Always use 'el pelo' (the hair), not 'la pelo', because 'pelo' is a masculine noun.
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