Everything You Need to Know About Tamanu Oil, According to an Expert
When it comes to trending ingredients in the beauty world, we like to be the first to tell you all about them.
And the latest one we think everyone is going to be everywhere is tamanu oil. It's different than other hair oils you're used to and does so much more for your hair health than you'd expect. We took it to Luis Pacheco, the founder of TO112 and a celebrity haircare expert, and he gave us all the ins and outs of tamanu oil. Continue below to get a look at our full interview.
Sweety High: What is tamanu oil?
Luis Pacheco: Tamanu oil is cold-pressed from the tamanu tree nut. The tamanu tree originates from tropical Asia, which can be found in wet, tropical forests in Africa, East India, Thailand, Indochina, and more specifically in Polynesia. The oil has been used by the people of French Polynesia forever as it promotes shinier, healthier hair. It can be applied directly or combined with other oils; it is lightweight and absorbs quickly. All of the liquid TO112 products in the hair and body care collections are based on tamanu oil as the key functional ingredient to heal and nourish the hair and body. Its skin healing, anti-neuralgic (relieves nerve pain), anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial (demolishes and inhibits micro-organisms), antibiotic/antioxidant, and regenerative properties make it the oil to reach for when trying to recover from hair loss or damaged hair and scalp.
SH: What components does tamanu oil have that make it great for hair? What benefits does each of those components give to hair?
LP: The prized oil is highly regarded for its anti-inflammatory properties which help soothe scalp irritation and eliminate fungal infections when applied directly to the scalp in the form of a shampoo. The gentle yet effective cleansing properties are sought out to improve overall scalp health by eliminating dirt, sweat, and excess sebum from hair and skin.
When it comes to beauty, tamanu oil is the essential oil. We have included the oil in our conditioners because when applied to the mid-lengths and ends of hair, it encourages healthier hair growth by hydrating the strands and bringing out natural luster resulting in stronger, longer hair. It's a natural, lightweight oil that is absorbed quickly and easily, leaving no excess residue, gently conditioning the hair, and protecting it from damage without making it feel heavy, in turn, making hair more manageable.
SH: What makes tamanu oil so versatile for different hair types? What hair types is tamanu oil best for? Are there any hair types that aren't a match?
LP: Tamanu oil is suitable for all hair types. Its particles are smaller than more commonly known oils like argan oil, or coconut and olive oils which can sit on the surface of the hair and weigh it down leaving a greasy finish. Tamanu oil reaches into the hair's inner cortex to moisturize and strengthen from the inside out.
SH: What products with tamanu oil would you recommend for different hair types?
LP: We've customized various tamanu oil formulations for Fine hair types, Normal balanced hair and scalp types, Dry itchy scalp and hair types, and the most incredible biotin combination for Damaged hair and scalps. We've even formulated styling products with it because of its natural UV resistance properties (among others) to act as a surface protectant against the daily grind our hair is subject to from weather, environmental and styling stress.
SH: Is there anything else women should know about tamanu oil as a beauty ingredient?
LP: I've seen it work wonders on rashes, especially diaper rashes. A few drops on even the most sensitive skin aids in the healing process. It's really a miracle oil in my world. It's the reason I created TO112; I wanted tamanu oil to be part of all my daily cleansing and styling rituals!
Love hair health? Click HERE to get a look at the best hair oils to help with dry locks.