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.

Seeing Red

If you've ever considered going ginger, there has never been a better time. Red is big this fall, and with tons of hues to choose from, there's something for everyone in this hot color spectrum. We've put together a little redhead photo inspiration for you to help you choose your favorite look...

A few things to know about going red: fiery hues can fade faster than other tones, so regular maintenance - both at home and in the salon - are a must. You might benefit from a tinted shampoo to refresh your tone (just like lavender shampoo for blondes, there are similar products for redheads). And because all color processes are drying, be sure to rehydrate for softness, shine, and strength. John Masters Organics Lavender Avocado Intensive Conditioner is perfect for daily use, and won't weigh down fine strands. For a more intense treatment, try their Honey and Hibiscus Hair Reconstructor line. And their Shine On doubles as a moisture mask and styling product.

If you're thinking of taking the plunge, save some photos of shades that you like, and schedule a time to talk to your stylist about what will work best with your skin tone and hair type. Moko's consultations are free, so give us a call and talk to a stylist about your own red transformation! 215-922-6656

Braids

They're everywhere. Starlets, fashion bloggers, runway models, and average Joe's alike are going postal for plaits. And with good reason - braids are easy, versatile, instant style. Have you gone one day too long without washing? A braid can fix that. Got a wedding out of town, far far away from your stylist? A DIY braided up-do will save the day. Are you too busy for a blow out, but you don't want to look like a slob? Weave a braid into that mop and you're good to go!

Have you been dying to try this trend, but don't know where to begin? It's true, some of the gorgeous braid photos you see on Pinterest are a bit too complicated to pull off with only two hands. So we've collected a few totally do-able braids for you to try on yourself at home.

Fast, easy, and feminine, an over-the-shoulder braid will pull your look together in a time crunch. Going to an Olympic watch party? Try a tight, athletic Katniss-inspired rope. Want to look effortless while running errands? Pull on the plaits to make a softer, thicker braid. And if you've got a layered cut, like Minka Kelly below, allow the ends to stick out for an artfully disheveled look.  

 

Looking for a quick way to pull your hair up? Try a braided bun. It's so simple: pull your hair into a ponytail, then braid the length and coil into a bun. Secure with bobby pins, spritz on a little hairspray, and you're done! For a more dressed-up take, try coiling an over-the-shoulder braid into a bun to one side of your head, and tug on the pieces to soften. 

 

Braiding small sections throughout your hair creates a youthful, boho vibe. Dab pomade on the ends to help hold loose braids together, or pin strands into place for a little more control. To put you pretty complexion on display, braid a section next to your face and tuck it behind your ear.

Pin a plait across your crown like a headband. Create a braid that starts behind your ear, work in the direction that you want the braid to lay, and pin into place. If you're feeling experimental, replace the traditional weave with a rope braid (it's as simple as twisting two sections together).

Adding a braided detail to a do-it-yourself updo will turn a simple style into something special. Draw attention toward your face by choosing a section along your hairline. Create two braids on either side of a center part, or part to the side and make one braided strand. And if your hair is long enough, try wrapping the braids into the back of your style.

Ready for something more challenging? Experiment by dividing hair into braided sections, and pinning them around your crown. For Ashely Olsen's milkmaid braid, secure pieces on top of your head. Or take a cue from Nicole Ritchie's self-styled look and create something artfully careless. As with any braid, tugging pieces loose will create a deliberately messy look and camouflage mistakes.

Don't forget the bonus of braiding: those pretty, natural-looking day after waves. Sleep in your style, and spritz on a lightweight product like John Masters Organics Sea Spray for texture without the weight. 

And for more ideas, check out our Pinterest board Bangs Braids Brows, which we've loaded up with idea photos to inspire your style.

 

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If you're looking for a tutorial on braiding, or just want to be styled by a pro, come see us at Moko on First Friday, August 3rd from 6:30-8:30PM. We'll be demonstrating braids on site all evening, as well as offering bang trims and brow consultations (all for free!). So grab your girls and head on over - we'll braid your crew and send you out to gallery-hop the night away in a chic new braided style!

Brows

If you aren't convinced of the importance of maintaining your brows, consider this: they say the eyes are the windows to the soul. Don't you want a chic set of drapes over your most important facial feature?

At a loss on how to style your brows (yes, you can style them!), or even choose the right shape to complement your look? We've got you covered with gorgeous photos and helpful tips that will bring you up to the minute on the best brow trends of 2012.

Thick 

Strong brows are bold, feminine, and eternally stylish.
Still recovering from over-plucking? Dab aloe vera on your arches
to stimulate new hair growth. Doutzen Kroes, Hilary Rhoda, Keira Knightley,
and Camilla Belle all have stunning thick brows.

Messy

Brush up brows with a mascara wand spritzed with hair spray
for a youthful and romantic or artfully grungy look. Wearers of the wild hair include
Lily Collins, Natalia Vodianova, and Arizona Muse.

Dark 

Contrasting brows are mega-popular in magazine editorials. Steer clear of Groucho
Marx territory by sticking to your natural shape, and choosing a color carefully.
For guidance, see Rihanna, Scarlett Johansson, Beyonce, or Agyness Deyn.

Groomed

For a perfectly groomed arch, use brow wax to shape and shine, and never over-pluck.
Brow glamazons include Angelina Jolie, Megan Fox, Jessica Lowndes, and Hayden Panettiere.

Bleached   

Edgy and bold, light brows will allow your facial features to take center stage.
This is not a DIY project - always leave bleaching to a salon professional.
Chanel Iman, Lara Stone, Claudia Schiffer, and Rooney Mara have all worn the look well.

Made Up 

Treat your brows like an accessory with bright color, unique pencilling,
or a sparkling applique. See recent runway shows by Chanel,
Balenciaga, and Alexander Wang for ideas.

If you like what you see, but aren't sure what works best for you, come by and see us at Moko on August 3rd for our First Friday event, Bangs Braids Brows. We'll be offering free brow consultations to help you make the right decision, as well as complementary braiding and bang trims. Come hang out with us, and let us update your look!

Bangs Braids Brows - First Friday, August 3rd from 6:30-8:30PM at Moko
55 N 3rd Street between Market and Arch

Bangs

What's not to love? Fringe is making a huge comeback for fall, and with so many lengths, textures, and styles to choose from, you have no excuse not to hop on the bandwagon. We want to help you choose the right fringe for your face, so we surveyed the trends and put together a collection of our favorite bangs for the season.

The Heavy 

Versatile and trendy, this model-off-duty favorite will draw attention to your eyes.

Abbey Lee Kershaw, Zooey Deschanel, Irina Lazareanu,
and Katie Holmes all wear a thick bang.

The Baby

Channel your inner Betty Page with a retro baby bang, a la Rosario Dawson,
Katy Perry,or Shannyn Sossamon. Or, cut them just above the brows for
a look with less impact, like Rashida Jones.

The Side-Swept

Pretty brows and eyes will pop with a side bang. Think of it as a 'one-shoulder dress'
for your hair. Cameron Diaz, Emma Stone, Carrie Underwood,
and Keira Knightley look lovely with a side-swept style.

The Grow-Out

This trendy boho-chic style that looks amazing even if you're not actually trying to grow them out. See Alexa Chung, Nicole Richie, Ashley Olsen, and Sienna Miller for ideas.

The Asymmetric
For a unique look that will set you apart from the crowd, try an asymmetric bang.
Hayley Williams rocks an edgy version, while Haley Bennett
and Christina Aguilera opt for a softer angle.

To style bangs, blow dry straight out of the shower while they are still very wet, and brush them in the opposite direction that you want them to lay for added body (side-to-side if you wear them straight forward.) Try flat-ironing just the top layer of hair for a boost of shine, and finish with a dab of product on the ends to help hold the style and add texture.

Talk to your stylist about the look you want to customize your fringe to fit your face shape and hair texture. Our stylists recommend bang trims every 4-6 weeks. Resist the urge to do it yourself! There's no reason to scrimp - at Moko, clients receive free bang trims. So leave it to the pros!

If you're thinking about taking the plunge, come by and see us at Moko on August 3rd for our First Friday Event, Bangs Braids Brows. Consult with a stylist, or have your bangs trimmed, free of charge! We'll also be providing complementary brow consultations and hair braiding. Bring a friend, stop by, and get styled!

Bangs Braids Brows - Friday, August 3rd from 6:30-9:30PM at Moko
55 N 3rd Street, between Market and Arch