Cafuné
Etymology
Brazilian Portuguese. Its origin is generally traced to an African language brought to Brazil during the slave trade, most often to Kimbundu, a Bantu language of Angola. The exact source word is debated, so dictionaries usually label it "of African origin" rather than pinning it down precisely.
noun · /kah-foo-NEH/
The act of tenderly running your fingers through someone’s hair.
What it names
That specific gesture of affection — gently stroking or combing a loved one’s hair with your fingertips.
Example
She fell asleep on the couch while he gave her cafuné.
Related idea
English “petting” or “stroking” are broader; cafuné is specific to hair and to tenderness, close to a caress but narrowed to one gesture.