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How to Achieve Intense Hair Moisturisation with Mongongo Oil

Achieve intense moisture for dry and damaged hair with the mongongo oil recipes shared in this article plus it makes a great hair styling oil.

Mongongo (a bit of a mouthful to pronounce) oil is a new one I’ve been looking at for a while. I tried it out recently for a hairstyle and loved the results.

Mongongo oil is a fantastic oil for hair if you live in a dry and/or humid environment. Additionally, the oil also provides intense hydration for dry hair. 

If you have chronically dry hair, then mongongo oil is one of the oils you should add to your hair care stash. 

5 Ways to Use Mongongo Oil on Hair for Intense Hydration

In this article, I will be sharing the benefits of mongongo oil, how to use mongongo oil on hair and where to buy the best mongongo oil. 

What is Mongongo Oil?

The mongongo nut is aka manketti nut can be found in wooded hills and among sand dunes.

The nut is native to Southern parts of Africa like Namibia, Zambia, Botswana, Malawi & Zimbabwe.

The mongongo nut is part of the staple diet in these areas. The pulp within the fruit is eaten while the nuts are roasted later on. 

Mongongo oil is cold-pressed from the mongongo nut. It’s a bright yellow color with a mild nutty smell. 

Traditionally, mongongo oil is used to moisten the skin during dry winter months. 

Mongongo oil is also used as a moisturizer to protect the hair from the harsh elements in those regions. It’s one of the key ingredients in Ouidad Mongongo Oil Multi-Use Curl Treatment.

Ouidad Mongongo Oil Multi-Use Curl Treatment. Mongongo oil for hair styles

Benefits of Mongongo Oil for Hair

1. Protects Hair

Mongongo oil contains significant amounts of healthy fats, linoleic acid as well as alpha eleostearic acid.

These healthy fats can form a protective film when the oil is applied to hair. 

2. Strengthens Hair

Mongongo oil also contains hair strengthening minerals such as calcium, iron, zinc, thiamine, riboflavin, magnesium, copper, and nicotinic acid.

3. Softens Hair

Mongongo oil is rich in vitamin E. It softens, nourishes, and moisturizes dry and dull hair. 

4. Stable Shelf Life

The antioxidant content of mongongo oil gives it a stable shelf life, which means it lasts longer than a lot of other natural oils.

Mongongo Oil Recipes for Hair

Mongongo Oil Deep Conditioning Treatment

Mongongo Oil Heat Protectant

  • If you are going to blow dry, spread 3 – 5 drops of mongongo oil across your palms and work through your damp hair before blow-drying.
  • After blow-drying, apply a few more drops for added shine and luster. 

Twist Out with Mongongo Oil

The results were lovely when I took down the twists using this method. Take a look at below. I rarely wear my hair in twists outs so this was a big deal for me:-

twist out with mongongo oil

Mongongo Oil Twist Out

Mongongo Oil UV Protection

The eleostearic acid content in mongongo oil reacts with UV light, producing polymerization and providing a protective layer on the hair.

Apply a few drops to your hair to finish off a style and protect your hair from the harsh rays of the sun and environmental pollutants. 

Where to Buy Mongongo Oil?

Authentic mongongo oil is a bit on the pricey side but worth every penny. Best recommendations below:-

Shea Terra Organics Kalahari Mongongo Oil

Shea Terra Organics Kalahari Mongongo Oil

Au Natural Organics Mongongo Oil

Au Natural Organics Mongongo Oil

Mongongo Oil Hair Products

Have you tried mongongo oil yet? How did you use it? Share your recipes in the comments section below. 

Pin it for Later – Mongongo Oil Recipes for Hair

Mongongo Oil Recipes for Hair

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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

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