Monoi is usually sold as a body oil for the beach, but plenty of men use it too: on a beard, after shaving, on dry hands, or as a light everyday scent in place of cologne. Here is how monoi works as a simple men's grooming oil, which scents suit it best, and how to use it without overdoing it.
The short answer
Monoi oil is refined coconut oil infused with fresh tiare flowers (Tahitian gardenia) for days in French Polynesia. A few drops can be worked through a beard to soften the feel and add a soft scent, or smoothed onto skin after a shower. For men who don't want a floral scent, Santal (woody) and Coco (mellow coconut) are the usual picks.
Which monoi scent for men?
| Scent | What it smells like | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Santal | Warm, woody sandalwood over coconut | Beard, everyday scent, no florals |
| Coco | Mellow, nutty coconut with no florals | Anyone who wants a subtle, non-floral scent |
| Tiare | The classic floral smell of Tahiti | Men who like a beachy, island scent |
| Tamanu | Light tiare with a warm, nutty note; a richer oil | Dry hands, elbows and heels |
Our scent guide covers every option.
How to use monoi on a beard
- Start with a clean beard that is dry or just towel-damp.
- Warm two or three drops between your palms. If the oil has turned solid, stand the bottle in a bowl of warm water for a few minutes first.
- Work it through the beard from the cheeks down, then smooth what is left on your palms over the ends.
- Comb or brush it into shape. Add one more drop only if it still feels dry.
A short beard needs very little. A longer one may take a few more drops, but start small: too much oil looks shiny rather than groomed.
Other ways men use monoi
- After a shower: a few drops on damp arms, shoulders and legs. See how to use monoi oil on skin.
- Hair: a drop or two on the ends of longer hair. See monoi oil for hair.
- A light scent: Santal on the wrists and neck wears like a soft, woody fragrance. Not sure you'll like it? Read what sandalwood smells like, or layer it under cologne using our tips on making a scent last longer.
- Dry hands and heels: Tamanu monoi is the richer choice.
- In the shower: pair the oil with a matching monoi soap; the Santal bar ($6) is the one with no florals.
A few things to keep in mind
- Monoi is fragranced. If you have sensitive skin, try a small amount on your inner arm first and wait a day.
- Monoi is not a sunscreen. If you will be in the sun, use a sunscreen as directed on its label.
- Keep it out of your eyes, and use less than you think.
- Not for cooking. Monoi is a cosmetic for skin and hair.
A gift for him
A bottle of Santal or Coco with a matching soap is an easy gift for a man who doesn't usually buy grooming products. Each 4 oz oil is $15 and each soap is $6. More ideas in our monoi gifts for him guide.
Buy from the official U.S. importer
monoi.com is run by Hawaiian Resources Co. in Honolulu, the official U.S. importer of Monoi Tiki Tahiti, made by Parfumerie Tiki in Tahiti since 1942. We ship every order from Hawaii, and orders of $30 or more ship free in the U.S. (any two $15 oils get you there).
Shop all Monoi Tiki Tahiti oils →
FAQ
Can I use monoi oil as beard oil?
Yes. Two or three drops worked through a clean beard is usually enough to soften the feel and add a light scent.
Which monoi is best for men?
Santal if you want a woody scent with no florals, Coco if you want a subtle, non-floral coconut scent, and Tiare if you like the classic smell of Tahiti.
Is monoi oil greasy on a beard?
Only if you use too much. Start with two drops warmed in your palms and add more only if needed.
Why does my monoi turn solid?
Monoi is made from coconut oil, which the Monoi Tiki Tahiti label says turns solid below 68°F (20°C). Stand the bottle in warm water and it melts again.
Keep reading: Sandalwood body oil: Santal monoi · Tahitian coconut body oil: Coco monoi · What is monoi oil?