Its smell is enough to give us the desires of sun, but what are the virtues of monoi oil for our hair and our skin? Read rather.
Straight from French Polynesia and more particularly of Tahiti, the monoi has been able to find its place in our bathroom for many years already. But if its scents are recognizable among all, we don’t always know exactly what it is! Explanations.
At the heart of the Polynesian tradition, the monoi (oil flavored in reo maohi) is a cosmetic and massage product used in body and soul care rituals. Tahitians say that a monoi massage brings power and protection. Before each show, the dancers coat the body of its intoxicating and shiny texture to heat their muscles and bring them strength. The monoi massage is provided from birth for its soothing and relaxing virtues, but also for its nourishing benefits for the skin and hair. The recipe is transmitted from generation to generation as a legacy guaranteeing a beautiful and serene life.
Monoi is first of all a family story, because each develops its own recipe in French Polynesiaby adding ingredients according to different uses. The base, however, does not change: Tiare flowerswith calming and sanitizing properties, which mammed in ultra -nourishing copra oil (the white pulp of coconut), at least 10 flowers per liter, just that! The whole is filtered then poured into glass bottles, where the mixture, you will surely have already noticed, can freeze when the temperatures drop – not everyone is lucky to live in Tahiti! You will then simply have to pass the bottle under hot water to enjoy this magic elixir.
Often copied, never equaled, the Monoi of Tahiti Since 1992 has been protected by an original designation (AO) since 1992 which will guarantee you a quality monoi, respectful of traditional manufacturing and the local economy. A good point!
Also note that there is a difference between a “pure monoi”, which will contain Tahiti monoi at least 90%, and a “monoi oil”, which will contain between 50 and 90% of monoi Tahiti.
You can then use the same monoi on your hair And on your skin, because it will be beneficial for both. Or how to save space in the bathroom! Many variations are now available, especially in mythical brands such as Tiki Tahiti Or HEI POAwith for example scent coconut, vanilla, or frangipane, gourmet as desired or Yves Rocher.
We only have to think of the long hair of the Tahitians to understand all the potential benefits of the monoi. Used regularly on damp hair, it will feed your hair deep and make it stronger, more shiny and smoother:
- On a daily basis: Apply a few drops of monoi on the tips, without rinse, to avoid forks.
- In treatment: Apply monoi mask to the whole hair, avoiding the roots, and leave to pose at least 30 minutes, and if possible overnight, surrounding it with a hot towel. Rinse completely with one or two shampoos.
- In prevention: To protect your hair from the aggressions of chlorine or sea salt, apply a few drops of monoi to lengths before bathing.
It is proven, the monoi of Tahiti has moisturizing qualities greater than those of sheathanks to its high content of essential fatty acids; It will therefore be particularly suitable for dry skins. For others, you can, if you wish, use it for slightly rough areas such as elbows or knees. On the other hand, it is not recommended to use it for the face.
Keep in mind that unlike urban legend, the monoi will not offer you sun protection – except for monoi -based products containing a SPF, like those offered by the Hei Poa brand.
Thanks to Naïki Lutz, spa manager of the taha’a island resort & spa
