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

Hair Chalking

Have you heard of it? 

Celebrities, designers, and fashion bloggers everywhere have been playing with this cheap, do-it-yourself, non-permanent way to experiment with the pastel hair color trend. 

We were first inspired when one of our employees came in with a fresh color streak in her bangs. We had to try it out for ourselves, and quickly got our hands on a box of rainbow chalks from the art supply store around the corner.

We had so much fun chalking each other that we decided to put together a couple tutorials, so that you can learn how to chalk your own hair at home. 

Chalking can be done dry or wet - dry chalking works best on light hair colors, and can be brushed out easily. Wet works best if you have dark hair, or if you would like your chalk color to last a few extra days on light hair. It will stay in your hair until you shampoo. 


Choose which type of chalking you'd like to try, and follow one of our tutorials below:

Dry Chalking

 

And you're finished! It's really that easy!

If you have light hair, and you want your chalk color to last until your next shampoo, you might want to try the wet chalking technique, demonstrated below. 

Adding water to the chalk dust will create a dye - too weak to stain dark hair, but strong enough to color lighter hair for a few washes. If you're feeling bold, go for it! Otherwise, be sure not to wet your light hair when you're chalking, and try to brush as much chalk out of your hair before you shampoo. 











Wet Chalking

Take our advice on a couple points:

You might want to use a pair of gloves and lay down a towel or some newspaper, because chalking can get very messy (as we learned the hard way).

Go easy on the styling products. Chalk mixed with gel or pomade will become very greasy and can rub off on your clothes or skin.


Chalk pastel can stain your clothes, so be extra careful if you have long hair. Brushing the excess chalk from your hair will help keep things spic and span.

Chalk pastels can sap needed moisture from the ends of your hair. Don't chalk too often, and be sure to condition your hair! We recommend John Masters Organics Lavender and Avocado Intensive Conditioner - it will leave your locks soft and replenished, without adding weight.

Chalked hair looks amazing when styled! Play with braids and buns, or add curls. Heat can help lock in the color without staining your hair, so consider running a curling or flat iron over your chalked sections.


Have fun! And if you like your results, send us your photos at mokobeauty at gmail dot com

***

If you live in the Philadelphia area, we'll be hosting a First Friday event on July 9th from 6:30-8:30PM, and will be offering hair chalking demonstrations all evening! Come by if you'd like us to chalk your hair for you! We'll even be selling packs of our favorite colored chalks for you to take home!

Melissa's Fun Skin Care Tips

Rice Water


The simple act of boiling rice for dinner can help you brighten your complexion!  Rice water contains high amounts of PABA, a natural form of sunscreen and Ferulic acid, a protection boosting antioxidant.  Allantoin, a chemical compound which retains moisture and encourages repair is also present.  Simply splashing the cold water onto your face and letting it air dry will leave you toned and radiant.

minimal beauty

We had some great fun on our recent shoot with photographer Alex Difiori. Our model Ariel's hair was wrapped in a tissue set, using a combo of products: Lulu Organic's hair powder, John Master's Shine, and Intelligent Nutrient's hairspray. Our Old City fav's: Minima provided the space and Sugarcube gave us some fun clothes to play with.

model: Ariel Leon Coeur
photographer: Alex Difiori
styling: Sarah Muhl/ Monique Mason
hair: Monique Mason
makeup: Kelley Hughes
Location: Minima

 

 

the price of feather hair extensions

Please take a moment to read this informative article about the popular feather hair extension trend and the effects it's having on the farming industry.  Our very own front desk jockey-Sarah Muhl researched and composed this educational piece for Very Glossy Magazine in hopes of spreading awareness about these feathers and how unethical the trend has become.

You can read the full article here
GET INFORMED!

Moko and Max green

Jolene Hart from Organic Beauty View spreads the word in this wonderful article about her discovery of moko and one of our favorite haircare brands, Max Green...

"During Fashion Week I expect to make lots of cool discoveries: new designers, makeup tips, style inspiration- you get the idea. But surprisingly, my favorite finds of the week happened to take place after I left NYC. My current home, Philadelphia, offers a number of trend-setting, organic beauty hotspots that feel quite ahead of the curve. A short walk from my apartment lands me at Juju Salon & Organics(one of Elle’s Top 100 Salons for 2009), an organic spa and salon duo, or Tierra Mia Organic Nail Spa, the nation’s first nail spa to use exclusively water-based polish, or at Moko (my latest discovery), a hip, green salon staffed by stylish, eco-conscious and organic-loving ladies in Philly’s Old City neighborhood. I was excited to find that Moko stocks a carefully curated collection of organic and natural beauty products; it’s a place where even a seasoned beauty writer can pick up a few new favorites. Which brings me to my next discovery: Scalp Rescue shampoo and conditioner from Max Green Alchemy. Even if you’re reading this post miles from the City of Brotherly Love, you’ll want to take note: Max Green shampoo is a must-try! Instead of sodium lauryl sulfate, it contains a coconut-based surfactant that lathers like a conventional brand- without the corrosive and hormone-altering health risks. And its conditioning partner contains the healing essential oils of tea tree, lemon tea tree, lavender, rosemary, geranium and macadamia seed oil to smooth hair without flattening. The staff at Moko swears by the set, especially for customers who haven’t yet acclimated to the non-foaming quality of SLS-free shampoos. I’ll definitely be using this line to convert organic hair care skeptics! Both the Max Green Alchemy Scalp Rescue shampooand conditioner smell softly herbal and, after my shampoo with Max Green at Moko, they left my long locks shiny and bouncy (the true test). I now know what I’ll be buying next time my shampoo bottle turns up empty!"
Writer :: Jolene Hart

 

Green on Display

Want to gain some insight into how moko was born and the materials used to transform our space from a retail store into the beautiful organic salon it is today? This article in the Philadelphia Inquirer features local businesses that were built or remodeled using eco-friendly materials and resources.  There is a lot to consider when modernizing a turn of the century store front.

Read the full article here

Good Life

Check out our first feature in Philadelphia Magazine,

Debut: Moko

By Ashley Primis

No wonder Monique Mason, owner of Old City newbie Moko, describes her gleaming, weeks-old shop as “holistic” — many of her services, from the 45-minute scalp therapy treatment ($55) to the Kelley Hughes-performed 90-minute ayurvedic balancing facial ($120), incorporate aromatherapy and massage. But Mason wants to make sure you take that newfound restored, relaxed, balanced and pretty feeling home with you, so she’s dedicated as much of her teensy space to selling top-notch organic and ­natural beauty products — like these soaps from 4mula, a nationally adored, Bella Vista-based, sweet-smelling bath and body line — as she has to those beautifying treatments. That makes this oasis more than just a spa, salon or shop — it’s an instant ­addiction.
55 North 3rd Street, 215-922-MOKO.

PHOTOGRAPH BY JEFF FUSCO

Coming Clean

wowee-what a sweet review from aroundphilly.com...

"Monique Mason’s new beauty haven, Moko, feels like our favorite Old City shops – eclectic wares artfully arranged within tiny storefronts staffed by extreme extroverts – but, like all the rest, it’s just different enough to stand out. For starters, the spa and beauty destination is eco-friendly, only stocking all-natural products on its very-limited shelf space. They’re the same tried-and-true lotions and potions used in Moko treatments like the ayurvedic balancing facial, which uses a blend of Indian herbs and essential oils to get skin back to good, and the detox scalp treatment, perfect for summer to rid tresses of nasty product overload. But before the pampering can begin, aesthetician Kelly Hughes meets with each client to analyze their diet, stress level and sleeping patterns before tailoring each service to meet their needs. You’ll want to lie about your obsession with chocolate croissants and how you wake up in cold sweats about work but do yourself a favor and fess up. She’s there to help."

Visit Philly

Moko is now listed on Visitphilly.com.  Tell all your out-of-town relatives and friends that we would love to service all their hair and skincare needs during their visit to Philadelphia.  Whether you need a quick brow shaping, or a fancy blow-out for a night on the town, moko is here to take care of your beauty needs organically.
Check out our listing here, and call to book your appointments today!

Feather Extensions are Not Moko-friendly

Dear Clients,

Moko would like to make an official statement about feather extensions. We made the hard decision to not carry them a few weeks ago, and now we are making it official. We know you loved them - so did we.

We loved all of the feather colors we saw on the runway. We had researched them all over the web, chose high quality 'cruelty-free' feathers, and actually started bundling our own feather combinations for clients.To put simply, we were doing really well as' word of mouth'' spread about moko's feather collection. Further, we got great press and every day the phones rang with more questions about feathers.

What happened?

News hit about the beauty industry depleting  feather resources because of the popularity of the feather trend - it didn't seem logical to us that sourcing  feathers in hi-volume  was a 'cruelty free' process. So, we decided to do more research and read one of the leading manufacturer's account of how these birds lives were cut short for their plummage and how their plight sadly ends by being gassed with carbon dioxide - we could read no more. 

So, while we are sad that we won't be sporting some trendy feather colors this summer, we are more happy to uphold our philosophy. At Moko, we have very high eco-friendly standards and product criteria. Hurting animals strictly for their plummage doesn't fit in with our vibe. 

We hope you understand and thank you for your support.

Love,

Moko

summer mokovers

Moko loves giving you a fresh new look every season.  We've been busy keeping up with the trends and bringing them to you organically.  Whether you are looking for a subtle change or something drastic, moko has got you covered.  We are also proud to provide you with the best organic beauty products sourced locally and globally.  Check out our website for new client specials, a full menu of our services, and info on in-house promotions.  Give us a call if you are ready for a change that will let your true beauty shine through.

Check out these recent moko make overs:

Jessica Jane gave Stephanie some fresh new color to start off summer.

another color creation by Jessica...

Edgy pixie cut by Monique

moko loves prom season. hair by Monique

Razor shag by Jessica

Pop in for all your summer beauty needs.  We've stocked up on travel size shampoos, body soaps, facial tonics, and much more to fit perfectly into your suitcase during your summer vacation.  

Don't forget your sunscreen- happy summer.