IS one of the few beauty ingredients, if not the only one, to be known all over the world and identified with its place of origin: the Monoi is the largest product exported from French Polynesia and is a beauty secret not only for soft skin but also for dry hair and in need of hydration.
Monoi, from Tahiti, the nourishing and moisturizing beauty ingredient
Originally from French Polynesia, for centuries it has been used by local women to keep their hair strong and flowing: “In Tahitian mono’i it means “perfumed oil, sacred oil” and is obtained letting the Tiare flowers, the Tahitian gardenia, macerate in coconut oil. This particular type of preparation makes Monoi an oleolite to all intents and purposes »he explains Marilisa Franchini, cosmetologist.
Its particular formula makes it suitable for both the epidermis and the hair. «The vegetable fatty acids and the anti-oxidants contained in the botanical extract of the Monoi play a fundamental role in protecting the hair, counteracting the damaging and drying effects of sun, wind and salt “.
The Monoi is therefore a natural remedy, «a real shield for the hair which protects and nourishes in depth, restoring hydration and preserving its shine and softness. In addition to giving it a sensual and intoxicating fragrance, ”he explains Gaia Merini, Senior Trainer PFDC.
The restructuring properties of monoi
Present in haircare products, the particular properties of monoi are due to coconut oil, which represents 99% of the formula: “Coconut oil has a particular chemical structure, that is, without double bonds: it takes up less space and penetrates more easily into the cuticles of the stems, adhering more easily to the hair ».
«Its particular consistency allows it to be more easily absorbed thus carrying out a real conditioning action on the hair, making it shinier, nourishing it from the inside so as to reduce the frizz effect and slow down the appearance of split ends »explains Franchini.
How to use it on the hair
Due to its particularly rich formulation, monoi must be used with care. Being an oil in fact it is not suitable for normal and oily hair, especially when used alone, as it leaves them too greasy. Conversely, it is essential for particularly dry hair that needs nourishment: «In this case it can be used pure by applying the ointment also directly on the scalp or spread on the single strands».
Monoi is particularly suitable in summer to protect against damage caused by chlorine and salt, but it is indicated if skin imbalances occur that cause excess sebum or dandruff. In this case, in fact, it acts by deeply nourishing the skin, so as to eliminate dryness, characteristics that make it suitable for dry and brittle hair as well as for curly ones.
Protective and nourishing
It also acts as a heat protector: in fact, a few drops are enough to apply before styling and drying to protect against damage from hair dryers and plates.
One last feature? «It intensifies the effects of the formulas dedicated to hair. Even if you do not choose the pure formula but a product with monoi inside, the effect on the hair is very protective and nourishing, suitable for both dry, wet and colored hair »concludes Gaia Merini.
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