Mongolian vs. Brazilian Hair: Decoding the Ultimate Choice for Gorgeous Locks!

Hair extensions have become an extremely popular way to transform your look. With so many options on the market, it can be tricky to decide between Mongolian vs. Brazilian hair. Both provide luxurious, natural-looking locks, but have distinct characteristics. This guide will compare the origins, textures, pros, cons, and more to help you determine the best choice for your needs.

Introduction

The hair extension industry has exploded in recent years. According to research, the global market size was valued at $2.08 billion in 2020, and is projected to grow to $3.18 billion by 2028. With increasing demand for convenient and versatile styling solutions, hair extensions give people the chance to experiment with volume, length, color, and texture.

When shopping for extensions, hair quality is paramount. You want hair that mimics natural hair as closely as possible for a seamless look. Mongolian and Brazilian hair are two of the most popular types known for their soft, silky texture and longevity. But they have distinct differences in terms of origin, appearance, maintenance, and cost.

Overview of Mongolian Hair

Mongolian hair comes from Mongolia and northern China. It’s usually hand-collected from female donors with little chemical processing.

Characteristics

• Texture: Very straight and smooth
• Thickness: Medium to thick
• Color: Naturally dark brown or black

Mongolian hair is lightweight yet strong. It has minimal frizz or tangling. The cuticles remain intact, giving it a natural shine and luster. People love Mongolian hair for blending seamlessly with various hair types from straight to curly.

Cultural Significance

Hair holds cultural importance in Mongolian tradition. Many believe hair represents life force, wisdom, and prosperity. People only cut their hair for symbolic rituals. Mongolian hair is not shaved or chemically treated, which retains the quality.

Pros

• Extremely durable and long-lasting
• Easy to style – takes heat very well
• Maintains soft, glossy look over time
• Can be permed or dyed with minimal damage

Cons

• Limited to mostly straight textures
• Often costs more than other types
• Supply can be limited

Overview of Brazilian Hair

Brazilian hair comes from Brazil and Peru. It’s chemically processed to remove cuticles and make hair smoother.

Characteristics

• Texture: Wavy to curly
• Thickness: Medium to thick
• Color: Dark brown to black

Brazilian hair is versatile, blending with all hair types. It has natural movement and bounce. The curls add volume and fullness to any style. It also withstands heat styling and chemical processing.

Cultural Significance

Brazilians take pride in their beautiful, natural Brazilian hair. Many integrate extensions to enhance their lush waves and curls. It’s become part of the culture to have long, voluminous locks.

Pros

• Curls add volume, bounce, and versatility
• Soft texture that mimics relaxed African American hair
• Absorbs moisture well
• Available in wide variety of natural colors

Cons

• Can be more high maintenance
• Repeat chemical processing damages cuticles
• Not as strong as virgin hair

Comparing Mongolian vs. Brazilian hair

Factor	Mongolian Hair	Brazilian Hair
Texture	Very straight	Wavy to curly
Thickness	Medium to thick	Medium to thick
Styling versatility	Excellent for straight styles	Excellent for curly styles
Durability	Extremely durable	Less durable over time
Price	$80-$130 per bundle	$50-$100 per bundle

When choosing between Mongolian and Brazilian hair, consider:

• Hair type: Mongolian best matches straight hair while Brazilian complements curls
• Styling habits: Mongolian withstands daily heat styling better
• Maintenance: Brazilian needs more moisturizing to reduce frizz and tangling
• Budget: Mongolian costs more upfront but lasts longer

Popular Misconceptions

There are a few common myths about Mongolian and Brazilian hair that are simply not true:

• Myth: Mongolian hair is always better quality.
  • Fact: Brazilian hair can also offer soft, natural texture when properly maintained.
• Myth: Brazilian hair gets matted and tangled very quickly.
  • Fact: With proper care, Brazilian hair lasts several months with minimal tangling.
• Myth: Mongolian hair blends well with all hair types and textures.
  • Fact: Mongolian hair excels with straight hair. For curlier hair, Brazilian is better.
• Myth: Brazilian hair is just for African American hair types.
  • Fact: Brazilian hair works for any ethnicity and hair type. The curls provide versatility.

Ethical and Sustainable Sourcing

It’s important to buy from vendors who ethically source hair without exploitation:

• Certifications – Look for fair trade certification to ensure fair wages and ethical practices.
• Traceability – Reputable vendors can trace hair back to the donor to verify humane conditions.
• Sustainable sourcing – Choose companies using practices to renew hair donations and minimize environmental impact.

Educated consumers can make socially responsible choices and promote positive industry change.

The Verdict: Which Hair is Right for You?

When deciding between Mongolian and Brazilian hair, consider your specific hair type, styling regimen, and budget.

Mongolian hair is a great investment if you want straight, glossy locks. It’s easy to style, holds curls remarkably well, and lasts a long time.

Brazilian hair provides beautiful bounce, volume, and versatility. It integrates seamlessly into curly and wavy styles with the right care.

Whichever you choose, proper maintenance is key to maximizing the longevity and beauty of your extensions. Take time to learn the best practices to care for your new luscious locks! With the right hair, you’ll have heads turning wherever you go.

Caring for Your New Locks

Once you’ve selected either luxurious Mongolian or voluminous Brazilian hair, it’s essential to learn how to properly care for your new tresses. Taking time to maintain and nourish the hair will enhance longevity and sheen.

Daily Care

• Use a wide-tooth comb or brush starting from the ends to prevent tangling
• Sleep with a silk bonnet or pillowcase to avoid friction
• Use hydrating masks or leave-in conditioners to boost moisture
• Protect hair from chlorine, salt water, and direct heat exposure

Washing Tips

• Shampoo and condition every 2-3 weeks with sulfate-free products
• Avoid over-washing, which causes dryness and shedding
• Detangle gently with a wide-tooth comb while conditioner is on
• Let air dry when possible to minimize heat damage

Styling Recommendations

• Always use a heat protectant spray when blow-drying or using hot tools
• Set tools to low or medium heat to decrease risk of damage
• Switch up high-tension styles like ponytails to prevent stress areas
• Touch up curly textures with curl creams or moisturizing gels

Taking a bit of extra time to nourish and protect your extensions will maintain their beauty and longevity.

Transform Your Look

Hair extensions allow you to experiment with fun colors, textures, and styles:

• Add bold pops of color – try ombré, highlights, or vivid fashion shades
• Go for extra length and volume – achieve waist-length hair or ultra-full locks
• Switch up textures – mix straight and curly or wavy extensions for dimension
• Update your look instantly – no need to wait for damaged hair to grow out!

Explore different installation methods like clip-ins, tape-ins or sew-ins to find your perfect fit. With proper maintenance, you can recreate your style again and again.

Final Takeaways

• Mongolian and Brazilian hair offer natural-looking versatility to amplify your personal style
• Understand the origin, textures, and traits of each hair type
• Take lifestyle, preferences, and budget into consideration
• Learn proper maintenance and styling methods to get the most wear
• Be a conscious consumer – support ethical and sustainable hair vendors
• Have fun and flaunt those luscious locks! You’ll be sure to turn heads!

Whether you choose sleek Mongolian hair or bouncy Brazilian hair, embrace the chance to enhance your beauty. Whichever extensions you pick, take good care of them and they’ll become a staple of your glamorous style.

FAQs

Which is more durable, Mongolian or Brazilian hair?

Mongolian hair is widely regarded as more durable and longer-lasting than Brazilian hair. Since it’s often ethically sourced with minimal processing, the cuticles stay intact allowing Mongolian hair to better withstand heat styling, chemical treatments, and frequent handling.

What’s the price difference between Mongolian and Brazilian hair?

Due to its premium quality and limited supply, Mongolian hair tends to be more expensive, averaging $80-$130 per bundle. Brazilian hair has a lower price point, averaging $50-$100 per bundle.

Are there specific care routines for Mongolian and Brazilian hair?

Both benefit from gentle, infrequent washing, using conditioner and masks to boost moisture and reduce friction and shedding. However, Brazilian hair needs more intensive hydrating treatments to counteract chemical processing damage. Mongolian hair requires less intensive conditioning.

Do Mongolian and Brazilian hair react differently to styling tools?

Mongolian hair stands up very well to daily heat styling. The intact cuticles allow it to take high heat. Brazilian hair is more prone to heat damage over time due to chemical processing. Lower heat settings should be used.

Can I color or bleach Mongolian and Brazilian hair?

Both can be colored or bleached. However, virgin Mongolian hair will better retain softness and integrity. Bleaching and coloring Brazilian hair weakens it more over time, so take extra precautions.

References

https://www.sishair.com/difference-between-brazilian-and-mongolian-hair/
https://reshinehair.com/blogs/news/brazilian-peruvian-malaysian-mongolian-hair-which-one-to-select
https://diamonddynastyvirginhair.com/hair-types/
https://aligracehair.com/blogs/news/differences-between-brazilian-malaysian-indian-peruvian-hair
https://www.sheshappyhair.com/blogs/hair-blog/brazilian-vs-malaysian