Cabello vs. pelo
In Spanish, both 'cabello' and 'pelo' refer to hair, especially on a person's head. However, there are subtle differences in their usage and contexts that make them interesting to compare.
Cabello
'Cabello' specifically refers to the hair on a person's head.
Ella tiene el cabello largo y rubio.
(She has long, blonde hair.)
Prefiero usar un secador de cabello para peinar mi cabello.
(I prefer to use a hair dryer to style my hair.)
El producto está diseñado para fortalecer el cabello.
(The product is designed to strengthen the hair.)
Pelo
'Pelo' can also refer to the hair on a person's head, but it is a more general term that can refer to individual hairs, body hair, or even animal fur.
Tengo un pelo en mi sopa.
(I have a hair in my soup.)
Los perros cambian de pelo en primavera y otoño.
(Dogs shed their fur in spring and autumn.)
Su pelo es muy oscuro y grueso.
(His hair is very dark and thick.)
Summary
While 'cabello' and 'pelo' can both be translated into English as 'hair' in reference to the hair on one's head, 'cabello' tends to be used in contexts that emphasize the quality or treatment of someone's head hair, often appearing in more formal or specialized discourse. 'Pelo', on the other hand, encompasses a broader range of meanings, including individual hair, body hair, and animal fur, making it a more versatile but less specific term.