What is Monoi Coconut Oil?
Monoi oil is considered the “sacred oil of the Polynesians”, and has been used by Polynesian women for thousands of years to pamper and protect their hair from the harsh effects of the sun, wind, and sea. It is cultivated by soaking Tiare flowers (Tahitian Gardenias) in coconut oil for about a month. This produces a light, floral scent oil with incredible moisturizing properties, making it highly beneficial for both the skin and hair. Monoi oil contains no sulfates, parabens, silicones, phthalates, or anything synthetic.
Benefits of Monoi Oil for the Hair and Scalp
Monoi oil will help heal past damage and also help to prevent new damage from heated tools, chemical treatments, and the environment. Similar to the benefits of coconut oil, Monoi penetrates deep into the hair shaft, helping the cuticles lay flat and stay smooth, which results in smoother and shinier hair. It also helps stop protein loss which in turn helps stop breakage, allowing your hair to grow longer, stronger, and healthier. Lastly, monoi oil contains vitamin E which helps hair’s elasticity and overall strength.
In clinical studies from the Monoi Institute, it was recorded that the Monoi de Tahiti improved the general appearance of the hair by protecting and strengthening the hair fibers, and “helped to improve the shine and overall look of the hair. Hair fibers were revitalized and keratin scales were more compact and presenting in a homogenous surface” which you can see in the photo to the right (1).
Because of its moisturizing properties, Monoi oil’s benefits extend to the skin where it increases hydration both immediately and in the long-term, helps relieve dry and itchy skin, and can even be used to heal sunburn, eczema, and skin rashes. This makes it great for hydrating and treating a dry scalp – and when the scalp is healthy, your hair is healthy.
Monoi Oil in Hair Products
Considering all the benefits of monoi oil, hair care brands like Ojon, Carol’s Daughter, and HASK have been incorporating this miracle oil into their products. Personally, I’ve been battling with a dry scalp and hair due to the Winter weather, so I was on the lookout to try out one of these products, which brings me to the HASK Monoi Coconut Oil Nourishing Hair Care set. They were kind enough to send me some products, so I decided to put this oil to the test, and share my results!
The HASK Monoi Coconut Oil Nourishing Hair Care Set
The HASK Monoi Coconut Oil collection includes a shampoo, conditioner, deep conditioner, and shine treatment. Each product is infused with monoi oil, providing you with moisturization from start to finish as you cleanse, condition, and treat your hair. At the same time, the formulas are lightweight and fast-absorbing. Here’s a brief description of each product in the set:
- Monoi Coconut Oil Nourishing Shampoo – This shampoo gently cleanses leaving even the most lifeless locks refreshed and revived. Ideal for all hair types.
- Monoi Coconut Oil Nourishing Conditioner – This conditioner helps protect against damage by softening and strengthening, leaving even the most lifeless and frayed hair soft, smooth and detangled.
- Monoi Coconut Oil Nourishing Deep Conditioner – An ultra-restorative treatment that will revitalize all hair types.
- Monoi Coconut Oil Shine Treatment – This lightweight, alcohol-free instantly absorbing oil provides beautiful shine with no oily residue.
My Review
First thing I noticed while using the HASK Monoi Coconut Oil set is just how amazing it smells, and it lingers too, for hours. On top of that, after using all the products together – the shampoo, conditioner, and oil – (with the exception of the deep conditioner) I noticed a dramatic difference in my hair. I rarely rave about hair care systems – I find that more often than not, their claims and benefits simply fall ‘flat’ for me (pun intended!). However, with this one, I was blown away when I looked in the mirror after my hair had finished air drying. For one, my hair came out looking super shiny, straighter than normal (usually there’s a slight wave and a ton of frizz), smoother, and softer. There was an overall glossiness to it. Secondly, I noticed that my hair had extra volume – and a lot of it. There was even a little lift at the roots! They’re right when they say the oil is lightweight – some conditioners can really weigh down my hair but this one didn’t. I can definitely see why the Polynesian women would use the ‘magical’ monoi coconut oil, and why HASK decided to put it in their products.
And finally, the big defining moment – the scalp test. If you follow my posts, you’re probably aware by now that I struggle with a very dry scalp, especially in the wintertime. I was crossing my fingers that this ‘moisturizing’ hair care set might do the trick. If the monoi coconut oil helped my hair as much as it did, I thought, just maybe, it could do some wonders to my scalp. So I took to the mirror, lifted up my hair, and oh my goodness – Not. One. Flake. I couldn’t believe it!
My Process
Now, I must rewind back to the process I followed in the shower since I created a more ‘intensive’ treatment the way I applied the products. First, I of course used the shampoo (which foams amazingly well for a sulfate free shampoo). I actually thought I had gotten the products mixed up a first because the shampoo was so creamy and rich. So after rinsing out the shampoo, I generously applied the conditioner all over my hair and then thoroughly coated my scalp. I then let the formula sit on my scalp and hair and absorb for a good 3-4 minutes while I washed my face, shaved my legs, washed up…and finished the rest of my shower routine. Then I rinsed it out with warm (not piping hot) water. I followed it up with again, a generous (2-3 quarter size amounts) of the hair oil treatment. I know, that’s a lot of product, but my hair is very long! Still, it didn’t weigh it down and instead left my hair weightless.
Final Thoughts
Overall, I’m loving the HASK Monoi Coconut Oil hair care line. In addition to the amazing floral fragrance, the shampoo, conditioner, and oil do an amazing job of moisturizing my hair and scalp. The end result is straight, smooth, soft and silky hair that feels so lightweight and airy. I’d recommend this set to anyone, and especially to those who suffer with dryness in your hair and scalp. You can find HASK’s hair care products at stores like Walgreens and Target, as well as online on Amazon.
Have you tried monoi coconut oil in your hair care routine?
