5 Ways Monoi Oil Can Revitalize Your Hair Care Routine
You’ve probably heard of argan oil, and you might even be curious about the ever-present jojoba oil (pronounced huh-hoe-buh, btw!). But there’s a new oil making its zeitgeist debut. Introducing monoi oil. It’s taking over the beauty spotlight on social media as more and more people discover the benefits of monoi oil. Why? Because monoi oil is packed with protein-building nutrients and nourishing properties for both hair and skin that are too good to sleep on. Keep reading to see what dermatologist Aanand Geria, MD, has to say about this hydrating oil.
Meet the Expert
Aanand Geria, MD, is a board certified dermatologist based in Verona, New Jersey.
What Is Monoi Oil?
“Monoi Oil is an infused perfume oil that has been a remedy for centuries [in Tahiti],” says Dr. Geria. Often used by Polynesians, monoi oil is created by combining buds or petals of tiaré flowers (AKA the Tahitian gardenia flower) with coconut oil. “With its anti-inflammatory properties and rich in vitamin E, it's highly moisturizing,” he adds. It can be used on hair and for skin, and since monoi oil also minimizes irritation, it’s safe for sensitive skin, too.
5 Monoi Oil Benefits for Your Hair
1. Nourishing.
Monoi oil is most well known for its nourishing properties for both undamaged and damaged hair, says Dr. Geria. Nourished hair is healthy hair, and healthy hair will always look its best.
2. Reduces Protein Loss.
Your hair needs strong protein loss to stop split ends from forming and breakage from happening. Monoi oil can help maintain those important proteins that keep your hair strong and resilient.
3. Delivers Nutrients.
Your hair needs nutrients to keep shedding at bay and to encourage it to grow to longer lengths. Monoi oil can impart its nutrient-rich makeup onto hair strands directly.
4. Restores Moisture Loss.
Heat damage, the environment, and the changing weather can all strip moisture from your hair. Adding monoi oil into your routine can help replenish this and give your dry hair life again.
5. Helps the Overall Appearance of Hair.
This includes helping your “hair grow, shine brighter, and reduce split ends and frizz,” says Dr. Geria. Basically, monoi oil is the beauty secret to a gorgeous head of hair.
How to Use Monoi Oil for Hair
You can find monoi oil built into existing hair products, but you can also DIY it into your hair care routine easily. First, pour a small amount of oil into the palms of your hand, and massage it into your scalp and all the way through the hair shafts to the tips like you would any hair oil or hair mask. “Let it soak for 10 to 15 minutes, giving your hair enough time to absorb all the nutrients,” he says. ”Then wash your hair as you regularly would with shampoo, followed by a conditioner.”
Can I Use Monoi Oil on My Skin, too?
According to Dr. Geria, monoi oil is safe to use on your skin. “It’s highly saturated in rich fatty acids [and] contains ant-imicrobial properties that fight against harmful bacteria and fungi, which can cause skin infections such as acne, cellulitis, and folliculitis,” he says.
If you have psoriasis or eczema, the oil’s anti-inflammatory properties can help soothe irritated skin. It can even be used on wind burns and sunburns. “Remember that monoi oil contains fragrance, which could irritate some skin types,” says Dr. Geria. “When introducing this into your skincare regimen, do a patch test before applying it to the entire area.”