Best Salon in Old City for Non-Ammonia Color & Balayage.

 At MOKO, we receive many questions from pregnant mothers, natural enthusiasts, and general salon searchers about our haircolor line. Yes, We are an organic-based salon, meaning we do our best to find and use the most sustainable products available. We are also pragmatists when it comes to haircolor. Our main haircolor line, Chi, is ammonia-free. Chi was one of the first innovative hair companies to venture into the non-ammonia color market. We also love their transparency, Chi lists trace amounts of PPD in their ingredients (an irritant to some with chemical sensitivities) even though, by federal standards, they are not required to. We used to use Organic Colour Systems from the UK - they claimed to not have PPD - but- yep - they did!

So, We love using our Chi non-ammonia haircolor and ammonia-free lighteners , specifically used for clients requesting subtle highlights. However, There is no way possible to use an organic lightener for clients wanting very light highlights or balayage. It just doesn't exist. So, at MOKO, We are pragmatists and use the best products available, that are buffered and ensure the integrity of your hair is maintained. We will even use a patented Olaplex Formula, which boasts a scientific molecular structure that protects and strengthens the hair, during your lightening process - no lie!

But wait....I thought you said MOKO was organic? Yes, We use shampoos, styling products, and services that are the most natural/organic that we can possibly source via scouring ingredient lists and ratings on Environmental Working Group's (EWG) website. We are organic pragmatists.

Monique the owner subscribes to this philosophy and allows her stylists to find their best way toward realistic organic beauty (how to approach and explain their choices to clients). If you ever have a question, just ask. 

And ooh, For those Organic beauty detectives out there: the ones who are passionate about asking questions about our haircolor and ingredients. The ones who swear that Whole Foods has 100% organic, non- chemical haircolor and henna - hey- we hear you - but here it goes:

The only true 'natural' henna is red henna. That's right! The other colors all contain iron and metals that build up on the hair. This is why some henna enthusiasts have hair that becomes brittle or wiry, at some point. Just like chlorinated hair (it's really the metals in pool water that coat the hair), It simply is not as 'natural' as you think.

What about those boxed colors at Whole Foods?They are not natural, either. Maybe natural based. All haircolor needs some type of chemical in it to work. 

For example, a leading haircolor company, Goldwell, tried to test an all natural haircolor in Germany - many years ago. Yes, it eventually worked. However, Women needed to sit under a dryer for 5 hours or more, for the color to work. Sound like you - if so - maybe this color exists somewhere - but not in the US.

So, that's it. MOKO strives to best the best organic salon in Old City and Philadelphia, at large. This is not just based on the products we carry, but our overall approach to be as transparent, as possible, in our mission and information brought to you!

Cheers,

Love Moko!

Smashing Pumpkins

Each fall, we all go nuts for everything pumpkin, indulging in flavored coffees, pastries, and cocktails, lighting candles, and spicing up our home decor with vibrant orange hues. Pumpkins seem to be synonymous with autumn, a perfect complement to the moments of cozy relaxation we crave as the weather cools down.

So, I think everyone can agree: pumpkins are awesome! Here at Moko, we love the big orange squash for more than just its delicious taste and aroma. Pumpkins are also highly beneficial to your skin, hair, and overall health, especially during the dry, cold winter months.

Pumpkins are chock-full of all kinds of healthy goodies - vitamins (A, C, and E), minerals (zinc, potassium), and antioxidants (leutin, xanthin, carotenes). They also work as an excellent natural exfoliant and humectant (meaning it moisturizes and helps other products absorb) that's gentle enough not to irritate sensitive skin. This combination makes pumpkin a natural powerhouse for your complexion, with anti-aging, anti-inflammatory, and acne control benefits.

Photo: Whitney Hubbard/ moko

Knowing all the amazing things that pumpkin can do, we had to find a way to feature it in our skincare services at Moko. And so we introduce The Smashing Pumpkin Mask, a soothing, restorative treat for stressed skin (and psyches) made from locally-sourced, organic, gluten-free ingredients. The 30-minute service includes a gentle cleanse before the warm mask is applied, along with a relaxing hand massage with warm jojoba oil while you soak up all the benefits that pumpkin has to offer.

So while you're sipping those lattes and lighting candles, think about pumpkin for your skin this season as well. Give Moko a call to find out more about what pumpkin can do for you. 215-922-6656


* The Smashing Pumpkin Mask is available for a limited time only. A great gift for someone special.

The Essentials of Oils

If you cringe at the thought of putting oil on your face, it's probably because you equate oil with greasiness and acne. But natural oils are extremely beneficial to your skin, and are especially useful as the weather starts to turn cold and dry. 

High-quality, refined oils are balancing and replenishing, promote elasticity in the skin, and won't clog pores.Since the molecules of essential oils are so small, they absorb very easily and penetrate deep, which means they have a much stronger effect than creams. And a little oil goes a long way - smooth a few drops on your face, neck, and decolletage after cleansing, and through the ends of your hair the night before you shower. You can even add a a little oil to your regular moisturizer for an extra boost of hydration.

We're oil addicts at Moko. Our Intelligent Nutrients Anti-Aging Serum is a deliciously scented blend that includes argan, geranium, carrot, and ylang ylang oils, among others. We also love John Masters Organics Pomegranate Facial Nourishing Oil, which mixes pomegranate with olive and rosewood, and has a pick-me-up aroma. And John Masters Organics 100% Argan Oil is a highly refined and luxurious treat for both hair and skin. 

If you're still hesitant, or want a little guidance on how to incorporate oils into your skincare routine, come by to ask us questions and sample a few drops of our highest-quality organic options.