Monoi Oil: The Polynesian Secret To Beautiful Hair

Tahitian Monoi Oil has been used by Polynesian women for more than 2,000 years as a beauty remedy for hair and skin. The name Monoi (pronounced mah-noy), means "sweet scented oil" in Mahoi, the traditional language of the French Polynesians.

Tahitian Monoi Oil is a blend of highly refined Nucifera coconut oil and Tiare extract.

Tiare is the Tahitian Gardenia used for its aromatherapy healing properties.

The Tiare is "macerated" into the coconut oil using an ancient Polynesian method. Tahitian Monoi Oil has been produced commercially since 1942 and the real stuff has the French Government's "Appellation of Origin" -- Guarantee of Origin.

Polynesian women are legendary for their beautiful skin and hair, and many credit Monoi oil as their secret. Many use it as a face and body moisturizer and for hot oil hair treatments. I decided to try it out for myself.

The first thing I noticed when I opened a bottle was the incredible aroma. It's hard to explain -- sort of like warm vanilla mixed with sweet flowers. I fell in love immediately! The scent was so incredible, actually, that my husband, who usually doesn't like strong perfumes, commented that I "smelled yummy"!

I poured a little of the oil into my hands and rubbed it in. It sank in almost immediately and didn't leave a greasy finish. The literature I read on Monoi called it a "rich, non-greasy emollient/moisturizer that penetrates quickly into the skin and acts as a natural barrier against dehydration." I found this to be absolutely true.

Since I didn't have time for a hot oil treatment the evening I received my Monoi, I decided to work a bit into my hair's ends before heading off to bed. According to the directions, Monoi is so rich that "less is definitely more".

I made sure not to soak my hair in the oil, but to apply about a dime-sized amount to my ends.

I was surprised that my hair didn't look greasy when I woke up in the morning, like it usually does when I use jojoba or shea butter the same way. Instead, it was very soft and shiny, and the oil washed out very easily. The bottle promised immediate results upon the first application, which I didn't believe at first. But I have to say that my hair looked and felt gorgeous after using the Monoi oil overnight.

I have since used it as a hot oil treatment, according to the instructions: "Warm your Monoi bottle under hot tap water until it is quite warm. Apply generously all over your hair, especially if it is dry, dull or chemically damaged. Cover your hair with a plastic cap and with a towel to create a warming effect which will help the deep-conditioning process. Leave on for 30 minutes. Then wash your hair thoroughly and see for yourself the difference."

In addition to using it as a hair conditioner, I've been using the Monoi Oil as a moisturizer on my face and body. My skin has never felt greasy with the Monoi; only soft and velvety.

The Most Luxurious Hair Treatments

In the mood to have a professional pamper your long hair? If so, the August 2000 issue of Elle Magazine features some of the most luxurious hair treatments we've ever heard of. Most include some sort of scalp massage with moisturizing oils that are meant as much for mental relaxation as hair health.

Aromatherapy Cleansing Treatment

The stylist sprinkles Aveda calming or invigorating oils onto a wet towel, warms the towel, and wraps it around the shampoo bowl. The client rests against the bowl, enjoying the fragrance, while the stylist performs a neck massage and scalp stimulating scrub with Aveda's Sap Moss Shampoo and Rosemary Mint Conditioner.

Japanese Oil Healing

The stylist custom-blends a variety of healing Japanese oils and combs the mixture into the client's hair. A steam machine helps the oils penetrate the hair shaft for 20 to 30 minutes.

Shirodhara Ayurvedic Treatment
The client reclines on a massage table while a "Shirodhara" funnel is stationed six inches above her head. The funnel emits a stream of warm oil and herbs on the client's "Third Eye" in the middle of her forehead. The stylist works the oil back onto the client's scalp and through her hair to the ends. The oil remains on the hair for three hours before being washed out.

Hibiscus and Aloe Vera Treatment

The stylist works fresh aloe vera into the client's muscles and fresh hibiscus extract into the scalp. Following a reflexology treatment, the client soaks in an outdoor bath infused with fresh flowers. Finally, the hair is rinsed and braided with hibiscus flowers.

Hair Decadance: Avon's Four Seasons Spa Treatment

Editor's note: Sadly, The Avon Salon & Spa has closed.
Still, we hope this article will still give you an idea of the kind of
hair-friendly spa services that are possible.

The Avon Salon & Spa in New York has introduced a delightfully decadent hair treatment. Lasting a full 90 minutes, this service is for the truly hair obsessed who won't settle for a run-of-the-mill deep conditioning.

The first step is a hair and scalp analysis so the salon technician can determine the best formula to enhance your hair's shine, strength and color.
She then mixes an essential oil blend - rosemary, sage and eucalyptus are popular ingredients - to balance the scalp. The blend is thoroughly worked in with a shiatsu scalp massage.

Once the client is fully relaxed, it's time to infuse the hair with moisture. Another blend of rosemary, sage, juniper berry and lemon is painted on the hair from root to tips. Hair is then twisted and secured in preparation for the special treatment mask. Depending on your hair's condition, the technician applies either a protein mask for fragile, chemically-treated hair, or a hydrating mask for curly or excessively dry hair.

On top of this mask, the technician applies the most unique and fragrant part of the treatment: real lemon and orange slices are pinned onto hair to enhance blonde tones, and tea or coffee grains are painted on to deepen brunette hues.

The client is left to relax under steam heat for 30 minutes as the entire treatment penetrates the hair and scalp. Hair is then washed with a soothing milk shampoo and coated with the last step, a rich, smoothing sesame mask.

Avon Senior Stylist George Crittenden created the treatment to give women a "blank slate" of healthy hair that will withstand home hair care for about two weeks.