I was extremely excited when I first learned about the benefits of using natural coconut oil on my skin and hair! And, I’ve been using food-grade, natural, coconut oil as a hair and skin conditioner for a few months now with excellent results.

My skin is softer, and my dark hair is sleek and shiny. Oh, and some people think I smell quite lovely, too. You can’t beat that yummy coconut fragrance.

The benefits of using Coconut Oil – a product ignored and misunderstood for hundreds of years in the Western world (but not in the East) – are good. So you can imagine my delight when I read about French-Tahitian Monoi Oil in one of my favorite magazines. Oh, yes! I made a snap decision step-up my game and try something new.

First, a bit of background: In its purest state, Monoi de Tahiti is the result of macerating the tiare flower, an indigenous Tahitian gardenia, in refined coconut extract for at least 10 days, slowly infusing the oil with botanical nutrients a delicate, natural floral scent.

Monoi has played a prominent role in the Polynesian way of life for centuries, ancestral rites, in traditional medicine, local pharmacopoeia or in their personal care. Monoi continues to play a role in the rich Polynesian culture, today.

Unlike pure coconut-oil, I was unable to find Monoi oil in a non-cosmetic formulation. Okay, so it’s not for use in cooking.

A variety of cosmetic Monoi oil products is sold in trendy stores like Neiman Marcus and Saks starting at $60 and higher for 3 to 4 fl. ozs. These are packaged beautifully, and some brands are offered with a tiare in the bottle.

If you’re like me, a bargain always beats a luxury shopping experience. In that case, you can try Monoi Tiare Tahiti, which carries the Appellation d’Origine, a prestigious award granted to it by the French Government by Decree n. 92-340 in 1992. The Appellation d’Origine signifies that the product contains genuine Monoi de Tahiti. Monoi de Tahiti was a first for a cosmetic product to receive this French award that represents recognition of unique local expertise combined with the unique qualities and characteristics of the Polynesian soil. You’ll find Monoi Tiare Tahiti online for just $10 to $20, and the beautiful Tahitian gardenia is included, as well.

Monoi de Tahiti is truly a product of the tropics, and because natural Monoi contains no emulsifiers to keep it in a liquid state, it solidifies at temperatures below 68 F (20 C). This is perfectly natural. If it happens, simply run warm water over the container until the oil liquefies again.

So how did it work on my skin and hair? I am not sure if I will give up my daily coconut regimen, but, as a skin and hair conditioner, Monoi certainly works.

Monoi is made with highly refined coconut oil. As a skin moisturizer, it is lighter, and easier to massages into your skin. Thirsty skin absorbs Monoi quickly, and it leaves only a soft glow. Monoi feels fantastic on my skin, and the gardenia fragrance is positively divine.

Like coconut oil, Monoi de Tahiti is also an excellent hair conditioner. Pour a small amount into the palm of your hand and rub it into your hair. Shampoo the oil out after waiting 10 to 15 minutes. The oil penetrates the hair shaft and bonds to proteins to repair damaged hair, eyelashes, and brows, and actually fortifies them against breakage.

My hair looks and feels fantastic after using Monoi oil. (I have to confess that I also found myself dabbing a little into my hand and using my fingers to sweep away a few unruly wisps during the day. You can’t do that with pure coconut oil, which is thick and fibrous.)

Over all, I found Monoi oil to be an excellent skin and hair conditioner and moisturizer. And, it is the perfect product to carry in my purse for use during the day.