Strengthen Weak and Damaged Hair with Monoi Oil

These monoi oil recipes for hair strengthen and revitalize weak and damaged hair. Monoi oil also softens and nourishes hair from root to tip.

What is Monoi Oil?

Monoi oil is derived from pressed coconut oil infused with the flowers of the tiare, an exotic gardenia originating from Tahiti. Monoi means “scented oil”.

Monoi oil is used widely among French Polynesians as a skin and hair softener.

Monoi oil’s origins can be traced back over 2,000 years to the Maori tribe, the indigenous people of New Zealand. 

The resulting oil after the pressed coconut infusion is light and fragrant.

Authentic Tahitian monoi oil follows a specific process from handpicking the tiare flowers to production. Monoi oil became a popular commercial product in 1942. 

What is the Tiare Flower?

The tiare flower is the official flower of Tahiti. These flowers grew in my mother’s garden when I was a kid.

I used to pluck them and fold the leaves around the stem then tuck it into my hair because I loved the fragrant smell so much. I found out the name of the flower later on.

Traditionally, the Tiare flower was used for mild illnesses such as colds, headaches, rashes, wounds, and sunburns.

The flowers are also used to create a welcome necklace for visitors to the region. 

Where Does Monoi Oil Come From?

The short video below shows the monoi tiare manufacturing process in Tahiti. 

Is Monoi Oil Good for Your Hair?

Monoi oil shares the same properties as coconut oil, but it has been enhanced a little bit.

It’s an excellent oil to use on hair and acts as a frizz fighter as well as a tool for sealing moisture into the hair.

Monoi oil has been used for centuries by Tahitian women to nourish their hair.

They also use it to protect their hair against harsh elements such as rain, harsh winds, and salt concentrations from the islands.

So yes, monoi oil is definitely good for your hair. 

Benefits of Monoi Oil for Hair

1. Monoi Oil is Pure Oil

Pure monoi oil is made from coconuts grown on the coral islands of French Polynesia, which yield a high-quality lightweight oil.

The Tiare flowers are handpicked and subsequently infused to produce the Monoi oil.

2. Rich in Medium-chain Fatty Acids

The medium-chain fatty acids content softens hair, eliminates frizz, and provides a complete hair treatment that nourishes hair from root to tip.

3. Revitalizes Dry and Weak Hair

Incorporating enhanced benefits of coconut oil as well as the active ingredients in the tiare flowers, monoi oil is perfect for effectively treating damaged hair and weakened hair ends. 

How to Use Monoi Oil for Hair

Monoi Oil Hair Conditioning Balm  

Ingredients

• 4oz cosmetic tin like this one
• 2 oz shea butter or cupuacu butter
• 2 tablespoons of monoi tiare oil
• 5 drops of vitamin E oil

Directions

• Place the shea butter or cupuacu butter in a bowl and place over a bigger bowl of hot water. Allow to soften but not melt completely.
• Add the monoi tiare oil and the vitamin E oil. 
• Whip with a fork and pour into the cosmetic tin.
• Place in the refrigerator for a few minutes to set.

Use the conditioning balm for styling your hair. Apply to damp hair and use for shiny, frizz-free twist outs and braid outs. 

Cosmetic Jar for DIY Products

Monoi Oil Hair Serum

Ingredients

• 4oz bottle 
• Monoi tiare oil
• Castor oil 
• Olive oil
• Avocado oil
• 5 drops of vitamin E oil

Directions

• Pour monoi tiare oil halfway up the bottle.
• Add in equal parts of castor oil, olive oi, and avocado oil to fill up the bottle
• Add the vitamin E oil. Close and shake. 

Use this serum as a sealing oil, to protect your hair when you go swimming, to add shine to your hair after blow-drying or flat ironing. 

Monoi Oil Damaged Hair Treatment

• Apply monoi oil to your hair and use it as a pre-poo treatment for 45 minutes before shampooing and deep conditioning your hair. You can also leave-in the pre-poo overnight.
• You don’t need too much of it. 1 tablespoon should be enough for your whole head of hair. Less if you have type 1 – type 3 hair. 

Monoi Oil for Hair Growth

Monoi oil treats weak hair, promotes softness, eliminates frizz, and helps create defined hairstyles. It’s not an oil I would recommend specifically for hair growth.

You can mix monoi oil with hair growth oils to enhance the benefits, however. See the hair loss archives for more on hair loss oils.

Related Hair Growth Resources

Where to Buy Monoi Oil?

Pure monoi oil should contain “Cocos nucifera” and “Gardenia tahitensis” in the list of ingredients.

The percentage of monoi used in the oil should also be mentioned on the label.

Some companies add fragrance to it but you can get it without the fragrance. Below is the most popular recommendation for monoi oil:-

Monoi Tiki Tahiti Tiare Oil

Aromatika Monoi de Tahiti Oil

Interesting Fact About Monoi Oil

There is an annual monoi oil event in Tahiti named Monoï Here.

According to The Monoi Institute, the event is for gathering “mamas” from the different archipelagos, scientists, the cosmetic industry, and spa professionals to meet with the public.

Monoi Oil Hair Products

• Carol’s Daughter Monoi Oil Hair Mask
• Carol’s Daughter Monoi Repairing Split End Sealer
• Carol’s Daughter Monoi Oil Repairing Sacred Strengthening Serum
• Design Essentials Coconut Monoi Nourishing Leave-In Conditioner
• Hask Monoi Oil Nourishing Shampoo
• Hask Monoi Oil Nourishing Conditioner
• Hask Monoi Coconut Oil Nourishing Deep Conditioner

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Aromatika Monoi de Tahiti Oil

Interesting Fact About Monoi Oil

Abi is a curly hair expert who delved into the world of natural oils after severe hair loss issues. Through her research, study, and testing, she was able to regrow her bald spots & a healthy head of hair. She is the founder of Healthy Natural Hair Products & Ade Ori Hair Care, and the author of the highly-rated Healthy Hair Care Series. She continues to study hair science, Ayurveda, and natural and healthy solutions for hair and skin. Learn more about our Editorial Guidelines…