Monoï: coconut oil and tiare flower
Monoï oil is a traditional Polynesian preparation in which fresh coconut oil is steeped with Tahitian tiare flower petals. The flower's delicate scent and oily compounds are drawn into the coconut oil and give it the silky feel for which the oil has been loved for centuries. You receive a classic Najel recipe, solid in a cool room and turning liquid in the warmth of your hand.
Where do you use the oil?
You can apply monoï on both skin and hair. As a body and face oil after a bath or shower, on slightly damp skin, it helps keep moisture in. On hair, worked into the ends in a small amount, it softens dry, split strands and adds shine. It is also a nice companion in a small pot at the beach or in the sauna.
How do you use it comfortably?
The oil is solid in a cool room, so simply take the pot in your hands; the warmth of your fingers melts it in minutes. A few drops are enough for the inside of both forearms or for your hair ends. When the room is warmer, the oil is already liquid and can be smoothed gently onto the skin.
Storage and shelf life
Keep monoï at room temperature, away from direct sunlight. The pot should be tightly closed so the scent lasts long. You can store an unused pot for months, because the coconut oil base naturally retains its freshness. The pale colour and the soft scent from the flower petals are natural features.
Why have it at home too?
Najel is a family rooted in Aleppo and the Mediterranean, that also takes native Polynesian recipes seriously. You receive a slice of exotic bathing culture that gives a short pause even in everyday life. It is also a complete gift, because the floral scent appeals to almost everyone.