Mecha vs. madeixa vs. tufo
The Portuguese words mecha, madeixa, and tufo all refer to portions of hair, but they have subtle differences in meaning and usage.
Mecha
A2Mecha typically refers to a thin strand or lock of hair, often artificially colored or highlighted.
Ela decidiu fazer mechas loiras no cabelo.
(She decided to get blonde highlights in her hair.)
O cabeleireiro separou uma mecha fina para tingir.
(The hairdresser separated a thin strand to dye.)
Madeixa
B2Madeixa usually describes a thicker lock or tress of hair, often natural and flowing.
As madeixas longas e onduladas emolduravam seu rosto.
(The long, wavy locks framed her face.)
Ela amarrou suas madeixas num rabo de cavalo alto.
(She tied her tresses in a high ponytail.)
Tufo
B1Tufo refers to a small bunch or tuft of hair, often sticking out or growing in a clump.
O bebê nasceu com um tufo de cabelo escuro no topo da cabeça.
(The baby was born with a tuft of dark hair on top of its head.)
Um tufo rebelde de cabelo se recusava a ficar no lugar.
(A rebellious tuft of hair refused to stay in place.)
Summary
While mecha is often used for thin, colored strands, madeixa typically describes thicker, natural locks, and tufo refers to small clumps or tufts of hair. Mecha is commonly used in hairdressing contexts, madeixa in describing attractive hair, and tufo when referring to unruly or distinct patches of hair.