How Biodegradable Cosmetics Are Helping to Save the Planet

Biodegradability

Bio-what? A product that is biodegradable is something that can overtime break down (degrade) back into it's original components by natural, (bio)logical organisms, environments, or processes; thus, (bio)(degrade). So why is it important to know this? Today, so much of our life consists of day-to-day products that make our lives easier. Things like plastic bags and plastic bottles, phones, tires... we might use all of these products daily. But what happens when we're done with them? Unfortunately, many of these products use materials that don't naturally come from the Earth. And since they can't degrade back into the Earth, they end up in landfills or are burned into air pollution. So what can we do to help? We can't make every single item a biodegradable product. However, there are many simple, daily things we can do to reduce our carbon footprint on this planet that we get to call home.

Be a Smart Waster

There are a ton of things that we waste or throw away each day, but we can make a significant impact just by being a little bit smarter and more aware of what we throw away! Here are some ways to waste smarter: Learn to Recycle/Upcycle! While some plastics and cardboard are not biodegradable, they are reused and recycled to create a whole new product. From jewelry, decorations, and bags, these products can live multiple lifetimes as new, amazing things without having to sit in a landfill and further harm our planet. Compost, Compost, Compost! All food is biodegradable. But depending on the food, it can take anywhere from one month to multiple years before the food is completely decomposed again. So rather than waiting all that time for it to degrade inside of a landfill where it will do no good, choose to compost it instead! Composting turns your green food waste into nutrient-rich fertilizer and soil treatment that goes back into the Earth and helps to grow new food. Ask your local garbage company for a compost bin, or start at home using this guide to composting.

Use Safe Products!

From home cleaning and soap products to cosmetic and hair care items, so many everyday products contain an array of chemicals in them. These chemicals can not only damage your skin upon contact, but they then wash off into our water streams and pollute the waterways. Be wary though of products that say "organic", or "natural", as they can be misleading. Rather, look at the ingredients and look for the labels with ingredients that you know and can pronounce. Here at Morrocco Method, all our ingredients are all natural, plant-based, and chemical free, making sure we get a good clean for our hair AND our environment. For example, our Feng Shea Facial scrub is made with  walnut shells, a natural exfoliate that helps protects lakes and rivers from plastic microbeads, which have become common in many exfoliating products.

Built to Last

Apart from our waste, there are other, practical ways to further decrease hurting our planet (and our wallets). Grocery Bags. Nowadays, most grocery stores seem to be charging money for the use of a plastic or paper bag. Ranging from 5 cents to 25 cents around the United States, the average consumer spends roughly $20-$50 a year on "free" grocery bags alone! Instead, why not buy a reusable grocery tote made from recycled materials? Not only is it a one-time fee to save you money, but you help the environment out too! Utensils. It's so easy to use paper plates, plastic utensils, and paper napkins. But did you know that paper and cardboard make up close to A THIRD of all U.S. landfill? Make the transition to sturdy, reusable clay plates and drink out of a glass cup. Opt for a cloth napkin over the paper towel to wipe your hands and face. These can be used over and over again, rather than the one-and-done products.

Help the Planet, Help Yourself

Being environmentally aware does not have to come at a sacrifice to your lifestyle. You can invest in biodegradable, recyclable, and safe products and yet make minimal change to your lifestyle. In fact, over time, this way of life gets you more money in the pocket! We hope to be a part of the movement people are taking to make caring for our Earth the norm. We all have an impact with every decision we make, so let's make our impact count!

3 Tips to Protect Your Hair While on Vacation

Don't Sacrifice Your Hair for a Nice Vacation!

As the colder weather comes along, daydreams of going somewhere warm and exotic may flood your mind. Many of you may choose to make these daydreams a reality! While going on vacation is always a treat, your hair and skin can sometimes become subject to harsh environments and stimuli. But should this mean that we have to cancel our plans? Of course not! We only have to take a couple precautions to ensure the health of our hair and scalp. Here are 3 tips to keep your hair safe and healthy on vacation.

1. Before Your Trip - Cold Damage

Just because you are about to head out on your warm, sunny vacation, doesn't mean that you are immune from the current weather of your day-to-day! The coming months consist of cold, dry, and windy weather that can damage your hair. Make sure to condition! Just like we need water to survive, our locks also need hydration and moisture, and they definitely won't get that out in the cold. Whether you saturate your hair overnight with some Euro Oil or leave your conditioner in your hair longer before rinsing is up to you. Just get your hair some moisture! You can also keep your hair hydrated by simply brushing your hair properly. Starting from the nape of your neck, brushing through to the tips of your hair allows for the oils produced closer to your scalp to spread evenly. But even more simple than brushing comes the most fashion forward tip - Covering your hair. Yes, that's right! You can find a nice silk scarf to wrap your hair in, or wear a natural fiber, loose-fitting hat to cover up and protect those precious locks of yours.

2. Going for a Swim?

You're finally at your dream destination, and all you want to do is hangout in the pool and relax. But before you hop in, protect your hair from the damages of chlorine and salt water! Saturating your hair beforehand is a good start to limiting the absorbing affects that our porous hair has. Coating it with an oil-based protectant will act as a barrier for your hair follicles. After you get out of the water, though, is where the real repair begins. Cleanse and flush out the bacteria in your hair with a natural Apple Cider Vinegar to reset the pH levels while ridding the hair of chemical build up. Then, move on to the scalp (just as important as the hair itself!). A nice clay mask treatment can bring out some of the impurities from chlorine and salt water. It will also leave any essential oils that the body uses to naturally moisturize the hair. Lastly, a deep conditioning puts the icing on the cake. This replenishes some of the nutrients that chlorine and saltwater take away from the hair. Using the right products is an added-bonus as well, especially ones that include natural moisturizers, such as avocado and coconut. This step will also restore the proteins in hair follicles and smooth any dry ends.

3. The Sun - And it's Damaging Effects

The Sun, providing us with vitamin D to increase happiness, unfortunately can also come with some nasty side effects. But it's possible to have fun in the sun AND stay safe at the same time! First off, it's important to know that your hair doesn't protect your scalp from dangerous UV rays. Bring a sunhat to your beach day, or relax in the shade as you read to avoid damage to your scalp. You can also use sunscreen as a last resort to protecting your skin, but be careful! Some sunscreens can actually do more damage than protection. Check out EWG's 2016 Guide to Sunscreens to make sure what you're using is safe for you and your family.

Don't Leave the Products at Home!

No matter where you end up going, just make sure to bring your haircare products with you! If you're flying, there are plenty of travel size options that will provide more than enough for your trip. Always make sure to prepare for your trip - check the weather and sun reports, know what UV protection you need, and bring your hats. Having a great vacation means having fun during it AND feeling good afterwards as well. Protect your hair and body so that you can enjoy the rest of this vacation AND many more!

7 Health Benefits of Rice Bran Oil for Hair & Skin

We all know of Vitamin E to be beneficial to our health, but where does it come from? There a few plants and foods that Vitamin E can be derived from. Here at Morrocco Method, we derive our Vitamin E from Rice Bran.

But wait, I thought Rice Bran was used for cooking? 

Rice Bran (extracted from the hull of rice) is commonly used for cooking because it is a healthy alternative to fatty, chemically processed oils made in a lab. However, it ALSO has benefits for you health, hair and skin! Rice Bran Oil is a well kept secret in Asia (Japan specifically). Many women in Japan have been known to apply Rice Bran Oil to their skin and are therefore known as "Rice Bran Beauties." In general health, Rice Bran Oil can be used for treating things such as high cholesterol, diabetes, AIDS, strengthening the immune system and can also be used to help prevent heart disease and colon cancer. In today's society, it has become very popular for use as a soap base.

Benefits for Skin...

Rice Bran Oil has been known to have many benefits for skin. Here are just a few: 1. The Vitamin E in Rice Bran (that MM uses) has the ability to deeply penetrate your skin and nourish it from within. This leaves your skin feeling healthy and soft. 2. Rice Bran Oil has anti inflammatory attributes, giving it the ability to soothe and calm irritated skin, reduce and help with Eczema and heal sun/wind/cold damaged skin. 3. It does not clog pores when used on skin which can be very useful in skin's overall natural regeneration process. 4. Antioxidants and Vitamin E found in Rice Bran Oil nourishes your skin cells, which slows down the aging process. (Who doesn't love that??)

Benefits on Hair....

5. Just like it helps skin, it can also help protect your hair from sun/wind/cold damages! 6. Rice Bran Oil helps to normalize the oiliness of your scalp. 7. Helps to strengthen your roots. 8. Rice Bran oil massaged into the hair can help tackle dandruff.

All of these benefits to hair, it's no wonder we chose Rice Bran Oil to get our Vitamin E from!

4 Healthy Hair Secrets from Around the World

Founder of Morrocco Method, Anthony Morrocco, has taken a lot of trips around the world and has learned a lot from people he met. He studied under Chinese doctors and the Ayurvedic practitioners of India. In New York, he expanded his own knowledge among the world-renown hair stylists of Kenneth Salon. Throughout his journeys, what intrigued him the most were the ways people cared for their hair. Sulfates, suds, and the chemicals of today's hair care products were a complete unknown. Instead, people utilized ingredients found in nature to care, cleanse and grow naturally luxurious hair. What he discovered continues today in the 100% natural ingredients we use to hand craft our raw, vegan products. Today, i'm going to tell you about some of those amazing ingredients!

Australia's Secret Ingredient: Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus has been used in Australia for quite some time to help fight dandruff and calm an itchy, inflamed scalp. It is also known to strengthen the hair follicles to promote new healthy hair growth. We have included this ingredient in our Sea Essence Shampoo.  

Colombia's Secret Ingredient: Avocado

Colombian women are known to mash up an egg white with avocado and leave it in their hair for 15 minutes. What does this achieve? This is nature's way of de-frizzing hair! The Vitamin E and B work to strengthen the hair and make is soft, shiny, and to promote hair growth! Whoever first discovered this idea was a genius! We have included Avocado in a lot of our Pearl Essence Creme Rinse and our Euro Oil product for super hydration!  

Jamaica's Secret Ingredient: Prickly Pear Cactus

People in Jamaica have figured out how to protect their hair from sun damage in their beautiful, sunny country. They will peel cactus and wash their hair with it! This repairs sun damage, and strengthens the hair to promote healthy hair growth. You can find this ingredient in the form of Prickly Pear Extract in all of our shampoos!  

Philippines' Secret Ingredient: Aloe Vera

Women from the Phillippines manage their long, lustrous hair by spreading Aloe Vera extra throughout it regularly. Not only does it give their hair a shiny, glossy finish, but it also contains moisturizing properties that keep your hair conditioned, healthy and strong! You can find Aloe Vera Extract in all of our shampoos, our Pearl Essence Creme Rinse, Feng Shea Facial Scrub and our Blood of the Dragon Styling Gel (which can also be used to soothe sunburns on the skin!) To find out more about secret ingredients from around the world, check out the Article "Passport To Healthy Hair: 8 Best Hair Secrets From Around The World To Tame Your Mane" from the Medical Daily website as well as visiting our Morrocco Method Website to see all of the other amazing ingredients in our products!

3 Powerful Benefits of White Willow Bark Extract for Scalp & Skin

If you've had a chance to check out our complete ingredients list, you'll have probably noticed one of our most popular ingredients: Salix alba, also known as White Willow Bark Extract. In particular, White Willow Bark Extract is one of our main ingredients in our Feng Shea Facial Scrub. Made from a composite of several varieties of willow tree, this extract is famous for its powerful benefits for your scalp and skin.   Why do we use White Willow Bark Extract and how does it benefit my skin?

1. Helps fight acne.

White Willow Bark Extract contains Salicylic acid which is a powerful exfoliant. Salicylic acid when applied to skin gently eliminates flakes and dandruff and also prevents buildup of dead skin cells, one of the leading causes acne.

Controls Oil Production...

Your scalp produces a natural oil known as sebum. The rate at which this oil is produced is affected by a number of factors, including the ingredients of your hair care products. We've already learned how sodium lauryl sulfate in traditional shampoos can strip your hair of sebum, causing the scalp to overproduce. White Willow Bark, in contrast, is a gentle cleanser, great for clearing out skin pores of excess oil. It helps to balance oily scalps while maintaining a healthy level of sebum for conditioning and protecting the hair strand.  

Reduces inflammation

White Willow Bark Extract has anti-inflammatory properties due to the Tannins that are present. Tannins are rich in antioxidants and can tone skin and reduce swelling and redness in the face. All of these attributes make White Willow Bark Extract a GREAT ingredient for our Feng Shea Facial Scrub! Be sure to check it out along with all of it's other beneficial ingredients on our website.

DIY Recipe for Natural Hairspray

As you can probably guess, there are a lot of heads of hair in the world. And among them are lots of types of hair, some as individual as a fingerprint. It can hard if not impossible to find products that work with your natural hair type. At Morrocco Method, we try to create products with multi uses so that they can used to fit your personal preferences. Hairsprays, in particular, can be some of the most chemically-laced products on the market. Most are plastic based and use some form of dissolved polymer or glue, the same kind used in construction to bind plywood together. Additionally, the aerosol propellants used in hairsprays eat away at the stratospheric ozone, causing irreversible environmental damages. Lucky, there are alternative polymers that have proven effective at styling hair. Aloe vera, for example, not only acts as a natural glue but also conditions and strengthens the hair. Today i'm going to share a little secret with you: how to make your own styling spray mist, using Morrocco Method products!

Here's what you will need:

• Small travel sized spray bottle
• Blood of the Dragon Styling Gel
• Filtered Water

What to do:

Step 1: Fill 3/4 of a small spray bottle with water. Use filtered water, free of any metals or contaminants

Step 2: Fill the rest of the bottle with Blood of the Dragon Styling Gel (3:1 water to Gel)

Step 3: Pour the combined mixture into a mixing cup. Using a spoon or stirring stick, stir the mixture until it achieves an even consistency without any clumps

Step 4: Pour the mixture back into the spray bottle. Spray a light amount onto your hair and style as desired!

It's THAT easy!!!!

You can also check out the video below for step-by-step visual instruction! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ChBXy89P4CM

Healthy Hair 101: Our Beginner's Guide to Natural Shampoos & Detox

If you've decided to take the bold (and healthy) choice of transitioning to natural hair care products, let me start by welcoming you! Here at Morrocco Method we believe in all natural, raw, paleo products that not only cleanse hair but also delivers essential nutrients without all the harsh, toxic chemicals found in traditional shampoos and conditioners. We are so glad to have you on board to start your healthy hair journey! We know that giving up ALL synthetic chemicals can seem like a huge change. That's why we're here to provide you with the support, tips, and tools to start and continue this journey.

The first thing you should know about when switching to all natural hair and skin care products is the detox process. Even switching from semi-natural products or the "No-Poo" method can produce detox symptoms while your hair rebalances the pH levels and pushes out the toxins from your scalp. For more information about what and why, read our blog dedicated to the Detox Process.

Which natural products are best for beginners?

If you're completely new to Morrocco Method and aren't sure which products to get, the best place to begin is with the 5 Element Shampoos. We recommend starting with all 5 shampoos and rotating shampoos each time you wash. The reasons for rotating shampoos are as follows:

• To provide your hair with as much nutrients as possible as it goes through the detox phase.
• To prevent your hair from building up a tolerance to just one shampoo.
• All of the elements work together to help make your hair as healthy as possible.
• To discover which products work best with your hair type.

We also have 6 different conditioners. You may or may not need a conditioner depending upon how your hair acts during the detox phase but it is always good to have them on hand to experiment with and use during different phases:

• Floating Lotus Conditioner: Lightest of the rinse out conditioners. This is great for average hair that just needs a little bit of hydration.
• Pearl Essence Creme Rinse: This is the heaviest of the rinse out conditioners and is perfect for those with extremely dry hair.
• Diamond Crystal Mist: This leave-in conditioner mist aids with dry hair during the day or when you are between shampoos when you really need a boost of moisture!
• Sapphire Volumizer Mist: The lightest of the spray mists, this helps gives you hair volume while lightly conditioning during the day and in between washes.
• Euro Oil: Our Euro Oil is an amazing multi-use product. Not only does it make for a great scalp conditioning treatment for those of you with incredibly dry scalps but you can also use it as a lip moisturizer and a skin moisturizer!

But wait, you said there were 6 conditioners... why did you only list 5?

The 6th conditioner that we have is called the Zen Detox. Although I mentioned earlier that conditioners are optional, this product is crucial to the detox process. Formulated mainly from bentonite and montmorillonite clay, this hair mask extracts toxins, metals and synthetic chemicals from the scalp, clearing the pores for new hair growth! For first-time users of Morrocco Method, this product should be used once a week for the first 3 weeks and then once again with each different season.

If your hair becomes too oily or dry, brush daily with a Boar Bristle Brush

We highly recommend brushing with a Boar Bristle Brush. Boar's hair is the most similar product to human hair. Because of this, boar's hair has the innate ability of absorbing natural sebaceous oils (sebum). The bristles then spread the abosrbed oils from the rest of the hair, conditioning and moisturizing the dry ends while alleviating the oily roots and follicles. Daily massages with one of our scalp massagers can also stimulate new hair growth by increasing blood flow in the scalp. This aids in promoting better circulation and sebaceous oil production.

Other things to know when transitional to natural products...

• Our shampoos do not sud or foam. This can make it a bit tough to spread through the hair. We recommend diluting the shampoos with a 50/50 ratio of water. (Be sure to only dilute what you are going to use each time. Keep an empty trial size bottle to mix in. Do not mix water into the shampoo bottles themselves, as that can breed bacteria.)
• The detox is temporary. It can be rough, but the results are so worth it. Time spans can range any from 2 weeks to 12 months, depending on your specific hair type.
• Using chemical products in conjunction with natural products can prolong the detox process. The best and fastest way to heal damaged hair is to completely switch to natural hair care products. This includes styling products, dyes and gels, which is why MM provides a whole range of natural alternatives, such as our Styling Gel, Pomade, Facial Scrub and Henna Hair Dyes!
• The Healthy Hair Starter Package is the perfect place for beginners to start!
• If you sign up for our Healthy Hair Club, you will receive weekly  coupons and a first time 10% off coupon just for joining!
• We're always here for you. If you have questions or need support, you can email into support@mmhair.com or visit our "Contact Us" page. For more information, check out our Article and Video libraries, as well as our FAQ's.

I hope all of this information has been helpful and has empowered you to get going on this journey!!!

Healthy 4th of July Recipe that Benefits Hair & Scalp

Happy Independence Day! This weekend we take time to celebrate the hard working people who have dedicated their lives in one way or another to protect this wonderful nation! Today we celebrate Freedom! Now, we know this usually means stuffing your face with Hot Dogs, Chips and other amazingly fatty foods.... but how about throwing in something healthy, tasty AND beneficial to your hair, scalp and skin? We've got a GREAT recipe for you along with a list of all the benefits that you might not have known existed.

This tasty treat is PERFECT for the 4th of July with it's Red, White and Blue colors!

As you can see, this consists of Strawberries, Blueberries and a little whipped cream (which can be substituted with this Paleo Whipped Cream Recipe from our friend Arsy, with Rubies and Radishes.)  But how do these delicious fruits benefit your hair and scalp? Well, let me tell you:

Let's start with Blueberries!

1. Blueberries provides fiber. What in the world does Fiber have to do with your skin? Blueberries are known to help flush yeast and toxins out of your body in a healthy way so that they don't build up in your pores and cause acne and rashes!
2. Blueberries are a great way to reduce signs of aging with antioxidants. This super fruit is a great source of Antioxidants which help to prevent Free Radicals from causing damage to your skin and hair loss!
3. Blueberries are chalked full of Vitamin C. Vitamin C stimulates the production of sebum follicles, which supply your scalp with natural oil. When spread throughout the hair with a boar brush, sebum acts as a great, all natural conditioner!

Next up, Strawberries!

1. Even more Vitamin C: Strawberries are ALSO full of Vitamin C! Did you know that Vitamin C can also help treat conditions like Dandruff?
2. No more Fungus! Strawberries are rich with magnesium that can help prevent fungal growth on the scalp, keeping the pores clear and healthier so that new hair can grow!
3. Strawberries supply Anthocyanins. Now this might sound like a foreign language to some people. In short, anthocyanins are the pigment that render strawberries red. This pigment also has UV protection powers! They work against Free Radicals to prevent skin damage from UV's and pigmentation.

There you have it!

A tasty, Red, White and Blue treat that will help you celebrate this important day while getting health, hair and skin benefits! You can't beat that right?

Top 3 Benefits of Prickly Pear Extract for Hair

While looking through the ingredients list on our website, you may have come across some very strange oils and extracts and wondered how they could possibly benefit your scalp and hair. Perhaps our most asked about ingredient is Prickly Pear Cactus. Prickly Pear Cactus, though unusual, possess some great benefits for your hair and scalp. Here's some of the ways Prickly Pear Cactus can revitalize hair, turning it younger, healthier and more vibrant:

#1: Healthier, younger looking skin

Prickly Pear Extract is a fantastic remedy for damaged or aging skin. The seeds of the Prickly Pear plant can be used as an oil that has anti-inflammatory properties. This can help reduce blemishes, dry skin, acne and much more to help your skin look healthier and years younger. Rich in antioxidants, the oil from Prickly Pear Cactus also helps maintain skin's natural glow.

#2: Replenishes Vitamin E

Prickly Pear is chock full of Vitamin E, which acts as a natural conditioner. This will give you hair shine, and volume. It can also help repair damaged hair and protect your hair from being damaged in the sun!

#3: Natural Sudsing Effect

As you have probably discovered, Morrocco Method products don't foam quite as much as normal products. More than often, the suds produced by traditional shampoos are a byproduct of Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS), an astrigent chemical that  strips the hair of its natural oils. Prickly Pear is a great natural alternative as it provides a very low sudsing action to our shampoos. This helps spread the products a little better throughout the hair. And as a bonus, it tastes great grilled or over salad! It just goes to show how radiantly healthy hair can be achieved with a little help from Mother Nature's most peculiar ingredients.

4 Benefits of Hemp (Cannabis) Seed Oil for Hair

With all the controversy going on in today's world, we have most likely all heard a thing or two about hemp. Hemp is one of the fastest growing plants in today's industry. Starting hundreds of years ago, hemp  was also one of the FIRST plant to be spun and turned into fiber to be used for sails, canvases and clothing. Today, hemp is still utilized in a variety of different ways, including paper, clothing and food. The seeds from the hemp plant can also produce an oil. Did you know that this oil can have significant benefits on your hair and skin? Keep reading to find out how....

4 Benefits of Hemp Seed Oil for Hair:

#1: Prevents Breakage:

When hair loses moisture, it can become very dry and break more easily. Hemp Seed Oil helps maintain the natural texture of hair, preventing water loss and adding moisture to the hair and scalp. This is especially important in drier climates or weathers, where hair tends to lose moisture more quickly.

#2:  Promotes Hair Growth:

Hemp Seed Oil is rich in Omega 3, 6 and 9. These fatty acids are necessary in the production of new  growth and supply proper nourishment to the follicle. Hemp seed oil can also improve blood circulation in the scalp, thereby stimulating new hair growth.

 #3: Conditions & Softens:

Dryness and irritation are some of the most common scalp conditions. Hemp Seed Oil is full of Vitamin E, which acts as very strong conditioning agent to combat these symptoms. The lipids found in hemp seed oil also increase the natural elasticity of hair.

#4: Strengthens: 

Your hair is made of up to 90% protein. Hemp Seed Oil, similarly, contains 25% protein and contributes to keratin formation during the initial growth cycle of the strand. This extra boost of protein from Help Seed Oil ensures that hair grows healthier, more vibrant hair.

Understanding Xanthan Gum: What, Why and How?

There is a lot of controversy in regards to Xanthan Gum. Is it or isn't it safe? What is it derived from? How is it made? Is it Paleo? Today, i'm hopefully going to clear some of that confusion up for you!

Let's start by talking about where Morrocco Method Xanthan Gum is derived from and how it is made.

Here are Morrocco Method, we believe in providing you with the most all natural products possible. This is why our Xanthan Gum is made from Non GMO corn. The process of making Xanthan Gum is similar to the process of making beer, and it all starts with bacteria! Sounds gross right? Well i'm here to tell you, it isn't! Our Non GMO corn is fermented by  Xanthomonas campestris, a naturally occurring bacteria. In order to make this solid after it is fermented, either Ethanol or Isopropyl Alcohol is added to the mixture. Xantham gum often gets a bad reputation because of the inclusion of Isopropyl Alcohol, a synthetic compound At Morrocco Method, we use Ethanol, the more natural of the two.

How is Ethanol all natural you ask?

Ethanol is just like the alcohol found in whiskey or other drinks. But instead of being mixed with water, it is comprised of 100% alcohol. Ethanol is produced from the fermentation of sugars from yeasts, a natural process that has been practiced for thousands of years. Once the Ethanol makes the fermented bacteria into a solid, it is crushed down to make a powder. When this powder is added to our other all natural ingredients, it gives it a gum like texture that helps to thicken the products to create textures such as our Styling Gel and Pomade! It can also be added to products such as shampoos to make sure they have a thicker consistency than just water to really help spread through the hair and feed it! Studies in the past have shown that this product is safe for humans to ingest. For more information on the safety of ingesting Xanthan Gum, check out this article from Dr. Josh Axe (DNM, DC, CNS, and certified doctor of natural medicine.) [caption id="attachment_11667" align="alignleft" width="333"] Xanthan Gum Powder[/caption] There are many debates as to whether or not Xanthan Gum is Paleo or not. The answer, unfortunately, often depends on the individual's understanding and interpretation of Paleo. However, Xantham Gum is the most popular thickener among the natural and gluten free communities because of its lack of chemical alteration. Lastly, as mentioned a few times above, our Xanthan Gum is Non GMO. What does this mean? GMO stands for: Genetically Modified Organisms. For example, some corns are genetically modified to produce their own pesticide. While this might seem like a great idea, the chemical alterations can be harmful to the body when ingested. Non GMO means that our products such as the corn we ferment, are not genetically altered in any way and are in fact natural and just as Mother Nature made them! There you have it! I hope this helps tame your curiosity about Xanthan Gum and it's uses!

6 Beauty Myths to "Unlearn" to Save Time, Money and Health

Myth #1: Lots of suds mean clean hair

We've come to learn that suds and shampoos go together. When we massage our shampoo into our hair, we expect a rich lathering of white foam or otherwise we won't feel like our hair is being cleaned. In reality, suds are more for show than actual cleaning agents. They are a byproduct of a rather astringent chemical: Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS). SLS works by stripping the hair and scalp of its natural oil, sebum. And while this makes the hair look clean for a while, underneath  at the root level the hair is becoming more and more damaged, eventually resulted in hair fall. Be sure to check your ingredients label for SLS and its derivates. Watch out for: Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS), Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES),  Parabens, Fragrance and Polyethylene Glycol. For more ingredients to avoid, check out our complete list.

Myth #2: I need to go to expensive salons to look great

Salon stylists will often employ hair cutting techniques that thins the hair and makes is susceptible to breaking. Damaging techniques include shearing, layering and perms. Instead, trim your own hair using the blunt snip method. Check out our video tutorial on how to do this. For added benefit, consular our Lunar Hair Chart for the recommend days to cut. If you do decide to go to the salon , bring a 2 oz. or sample bottle of Morrocco Method shampoo.  Do not be persuaded into using synthetic hair care products common at all salons. You are jeopardizing your health and sabotaging the  progress that you started by using MM shampoos.  You may start a detox cycle all over again by interspersing chemicals with our healthy products.

Myth #3: I need to use heat to style hair

There are several safer methods of styling hair without using heat. First, if you have used the blunt snip cut method your hair is "shaped".  Simply wash your hair, allow it to dry, then bend over and brush with our Pure or Mixed Boar Bristle Brush!  The next day you will be able to get out of bed, "shake your head" and go!  Apply a dab of Blood of the Dragon gel or a spritz of Diamond Crystal Mist for added control. For additional tips on how to styling tips, read up on our 5 Easy Tips to Style Hair Without Heat. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tyTcEKR0fug

Myth #4: Only chemical dyes will give me great color

Henna Hair Dye is a natural plant-based alternative to traditional chemical dyes. Whereas chemical dyes bleach the root of the hair using harsh ingredients, Henna Hair Dye works by coating the hair in a protective sheath of color. Not only that, but Henna works to nourish the strand, making it double as a conditioning agent. So not only will you have great color but also healthier, shinier hair.

Myth #5: I need to use conditioner every day

Another popular misconception: we need to condition every day in order to have clean hair. Conditioner should instead be understood as an additional treatment, meant to supply moisture, soften and tangle hair. Often times, though, over conditioning can over saturated the roots and make hair look oily. With proper brushing, it's possible that you don't need to condition every day. Boar bristle brushes help alleviate dry ends by spreading the scalp's natural oil from the roots to the ends of the hair, bringing out it's beautiful shine!  So if you have normal to fine hair you can cut down on conditioners.  Curly hair types may indeed need more hydration, try our fabulous Pearl Essence or Floating Lotus natural conditioners. Face cream woman applying skin cream under eyes. Beauty eye contour cream, wrinkle cream or anti-aging skin care cream. Beautiful young mixed race Asian Chinese / Caucasian female beauty model in her 20s isolated on white background.

Myth #6: Once I go "No-Poo," I will never need to clean my hair again

The common method of 'no-poo' involves mixing baking soda and apple cider vinegar or maybe just water.  Often times, this doesn't get mixed or distributed evenly. Dirt, debris and oils in your hair will eventually cause you to have a plugged up scalp. Areas of high acidity or sharp bases can come in contact with the hair, causing thinning. For more info on 'no-poo' versus natural shampoos, read up on our article here. A gentle natural shampoo, rotated every so often in your 'no-poo' routine, will give you and your scalp proper balance for pH. Ancient civilizations had nothing but plants available to them.  They used raw, wild ingredients found in nature, just as we use in MM products.   They were the original Paleos!

My Detox Process: 19 Days Transitioning to Natural Hair Care

Here at Morrocco Method, we are always getting questions about the Detox process.

Questions like:

- "How long does it last?" - "What is it going to feel like?" - " What can I do to speed it up?" - " How will I know when i'm done?" I recently went through my detox process shortly after starting work at Morrocco Method. I want to share to you exactly what I did, and what I went through. I kept track of days, and what shampoos I used on each day so that you could see just what the process is like.

My Detox Schedule:

Day #1 Friday (Earth Essence): No change. No detox? Day #2 Saturday  (ACV):  Definitely a detox. Oily everywhere. Hard to brush through. Day #3 Sunday (Pine Shale): No Change Day #4 Tuesday (Earth Essence) :  A little better. Top is still very oily but the bottom of my hair is normal. Day #5 Wednesday (Heavenly Essence): Same as Day #4 Day #6 Thursday (Sea Essence) : Top and ends of hair are a little less oily. Underneath by nape of neck is still a bit oily. Day #7 Friday (Pine Shale): Still a TINY bit oily, but able to wear it down half the day! Yay! Day #8 Saturday (ACV) : Day #9 Sunday (Heavenly Essence): Hair was ok for the morning, then got a little oily towards the end of the day. Day #10 Tuesday (Sea Essence): Hair was normal at the bottom and underneath but oily on the top. Day #11 Wednesday (Earth Essence): Hair is back to mostly oily. Day #12 Thursday (Pine Shale): Still a bit oily but feels very soft and is a LITTLE more volumized. Day #13 Friday (ACV): Only a tiny bit oily today! I think I can keep my hair down most of the day. Very soft and shiny! I also added Medium Brown Henna at 6pm. Day #14 Saturday (ACV at 6pm): I loooove it. The Henna helped pull the excess oil out and I went an entire day with my hair down and it looked great! Day #15 Sunday (Pine Shale): Still looking great! Was able to keep it down again all day. Day #16 Monday (Sea Essence): Super soft, a bit less volumized but still very soft!  I also cut my hair with for Thickening with the Lunar Chart around 7pm. Day #17 Wednesday (Pine Shale): Only feeling a TINY TINY bit oily. Hair is very soft and not weighed down. Wearing my hair down again. Day #18 Thursday (ACV): No detox symptoms, wore my hair down all day. Day #19 Friday (Sea Essence): No detox symptoms, wore my hair down all day. Every day I rotated between the Floating Lotus Conditioner and Sapphire Volumizer Mist. On occasion I did not use any conditioners a few times I sprayed the Diamond Crystal Mist on at night and left it in overnight and showered in the morning. As you can see, I washed my hair every day except on Mondays (due to travel and work schedule). That is not necessary, but it is ok! You may need to wash it every day in the beginning but once your detox is finished you may be able to wait 2 days, or even only wash once a week! A good rule of thumb in knowing how often to wash is to ONLY wash your hair when it feels dirty. Below are some pictures of this process...  Beware, they're not pretty! :P

Day #2: I could even wear my hair down. It was so slick, oily and flat. You can also see that it's pretty thin on the top.

     

Day #9: The first day I was able to wear my hair down for half the day. It's less oily, but still pretty flat. Towards the afternoon it was very oily again and I ended up putting it back up.

     

Day #19: Incase the pictures don't do it justice, my hair is finally full and soft! I still have to wash it daily for now but i'm able to make it through a whole day without it getting oily and flat! I love it!

    This post is definitely not about Henna, but these are some photos of my Henna session! For those of you who are nervous about trying Henna, I highly suggest it. Yes, it's messy but it's easy and  so much healthier for your hair than chemical dyes! So grab a friend, and all your supplies and have a fun Henna party! Well, there you have it! My detox process. I hope that answers some of your questions as well as give you hope that it does end and it's TOTALLY worth it! If I can do it, so can you!

Powerful Detoxification Foods and Exercises for Springtime

Spring has officially sprung!

Coming out of the introspective time of winter, when deep seeds of growth are planted into our being, springtime offers us nourishment of the sun and the cleansing of the rain. Interestingly, the emotion associated with winter is fear, but the emotion of spring is one of courage and the cleansing of old, limited beliefs. Take a look at some of the wild plants that make themselves available in spring, like the nettle plant, which invokes courage. Inspired by the renewal of spring, I have put together a few key detox strategies and ways to cleanse your body to get your detox started right.

How to Prepare Your Body for Detox

Before we start, it is helpful to remember that  cleansing should be a daily routine, done throughout the year, so that our bodies are not over stressed from the day to day toxins. Let's start with our skin. A great way to detox the skin is through dry skin brushing. It is so invigorating as it increases lymphatic flow, encouraging detoxification of the lymph fluid. This can help with weight loss, purification and circulation. Be sure to brush towards the heart and get all areas of the body. Ideally, you'll want a long-handled brush with natural bristles. Next, you can enjoy a scalp massage. This will send blood flow to the scalp allowing for stimulation, detoxification and circulation encouraging hair growth. Avoid any harsh materials by getting yourself a 100% pure rubber massager, a fabulous addition to any self care protocol. We also want to begin detoxifying our hair and scalp. For those new to Morrocco Method, the Healthy Hair Starter Package is a fabulous way to equip yourself with the tools for a radiant healthy head of hair.  The starter pack includes the entire line of shampoos and conditioners so you can rotate a different shampoo with each wash, supplying your hair with the complete range of minerals and nutrients. Included in the package is the Zen Detox, a powerful ancient clay for providing a deep cleaning on your scalp. Utilizing bentonite clay, Zen Detox works by pulling out environmental toxins, heavy metals and other contaminants. After use, follow up with a conditioning oil treatment on your scalp and hair for deep nourishment. Cellular movement is another big key to health and detoxification. Replacing the traditional "1 hour a day" exercise regime, it's better if we are active throughout the entire day. Taking periodic walks, using the stairs, doing yoga intermittently in 15 minute intervals will encourage the body to gently detox. These movements get the lymph pumping and detoxify organs. If you can start your day with just 15 minutes of stretching, rebounding, yoga or meditation you will feel so much more ready to take on your world! Getting outside in the fresh air is a huge piece of detoxification. Practicing breath work out doors is the ultimate purifier! Breathing out in nature allows you to keep your culture diversified with wild probiotics only found in nature. We truly are light beings so getting out in the gentle rays of the morning sun allows us to cleanse our bodies with light.

Lets think about all the fresh, colorful foods available to us at spring time.

Greens, like wild dandelion, nettles or other edible weeds, help to detoxify the organs and build healthy blood. They are rich in chlorophyl which helps build our blood in turn building stronger, thicker and healthier hair. Eating foods grown in your area that are full of vibrant color connects us to the land and provides medicine and nutrients to keep us strong and healthy. They grow near us for a reason, so consider getting in touch with your local farmer and finding out what grows naturally in your environment for the ultimate in food epi-genetics.

Lastly, we want to make practice meditation

This is a key factor to an enriched and powerful life. Cleansing stuck emotions is a daily detox strategy. Meditation is a brilliant practice, a time to connect with your highest self. Early morning meditation will give us access to a calm that only these hours offer us. Another option is to meditate after a good work out when the body is ready to let go, surrender and receive higher guidance from the great purifier. Spring is truly a time of expansion. The heart is opening up, and it gives us the extra inspiration to go for it! Enjoy your spring renewal! How about you? What ways do you like to assist your body in detoxing on a daily basis? Share this article if you feel it could benefit a friend and let us know your own detox strategies below in the comments section.

Is it Detox Relapse? 6 Culprits of Prolonged Hair Detox

Is it possible you are going through DETOX - again!?  You eat right, exercise and use only natural products on your hair.  You have eschewed all chemicals recently, or maybe you have not used them for many years!  Perhaps you even make your own shampoo in your kitchen.  What's going on? There are other factors at work here besides chemical hair treatments that can trigger an onset of detox symptoms.  Some are avoidable - and some sadly and very unfortunately, are not. What are the likely culprits?

1. Nature: Sun, Wind, and Cold Weather.

Prolonged exposure to the sun can damage the hair's cuticle causing fragile, thin, and brittle hair.  The result can be dry scalp and hair loss.  Windy conditions can cause static, tangles, and hair breakage.  Cold weather can dry out your hair, leaving it limp and dull.

2. Hard Water

If your house water is chlorinated, mineralized, or fluoridated, it can have a negative effect on your hair - depositing toxins!  We highly recommend that you use a good shower filter.

3. Sauna Heat

The sauna's intense heat may dry out the hair shafts, which makes them brittle and prone to breaking.

4. Chlorinated Pools

The water sucks the sebum out of your hair, causing dryness, loss of natural sheen and split ends.  Here is a helpful article on the subject.

5. Stress!

Can affect our health and well being and can cause our hair to lose its luster and to literally fall out!

6. Pollution

This is the most insidious cause of hair and skin damage of all.   We certainly do not  invite this into our lives and we often can't even see it.   Smoke, dust, toxic fumes, tainted water and pesticides are everywhere.   They can be found in our parks, public lands, and agricultural fields.  And what is in the air - is in our hair.  So, even though you are not consciously putting chemicals on your hair and scalp, harmful elements are being deposited on our hair.  AND IT CAN CAUSE DETOX! Go back to the basics!  Rotate all 5 Elements Shampoos to balance Ph again.  Morrocco Method's Zen Detox can assist in eliminating the chemicals, heavy metals, and often carcinogenic exposures of daily living.  Our Euro oil can instantly hydrate and repair dry hair.   Our Sapphire Mist can tame frizz and create lost volume.  Our restoring Elixirs work to normalize sebaceous glands while promoting scalp and hair reconstruction, revitalization and rejuvenation.  Love your hair again!

Understanding Your Hair Through It's pH Level

The term 'pH level' is thrown around a lot in today's society. We hear about the pH levels of household cleaners, the pH level of a fish tank, the pH level of baking soda.... But what about your hair? Did you know that your hair has a natural pH level, as well? Did you also know that this pH level is affected by the hair care products you use everyday? I sure didn't!

The Importance of the pH Level

As many people will know, the pH level tells you how acidic or basic something is. For example, battery acid has a pH level of 1 and is VERY acidic. Bleach, on the other hand, has a pH level of 13 and is VERY Basic. A pH level of 7 is Neutral and includes things like blood and water. Your hair and skin are covered with a very thin fluid mixture of oil, salt and water called the mantle, which is naturally slightly acidic. The typical pH balance of hair is around 4.5-5.0. So, what does this mean in regards to hair care products? The closer the pH level of your shampoo/conditioner/styling product is to the natural pH level of your hair, the more healthy and beneficial it is to your hair. Using a product that causes the pH level of your hair to drop can make it very basic can cause your hair to look dry, frizzy and become very brittle and easy to break. This is why using cleansers, such as baking soda (pH of 9) or even just water alone (pH of 7), can be very damaging to your hair with repeated washes.

What is the solution?

A common solution for balancing out the pH of baking soda is coupling it with apple cider vinegar, a natural base. However, often times these ingredients don't perfectly balance each other or an unevenly mixed, resulting in some hair being treated with overly acid materials, with other hair being treated with acidic materials. You can read more about our verdict on the 'No Poo' method in this recent article. Instead, we recommend choosing hair care products that match the natural pH level of your hair. All Morrocco Method shampoos, for example, have a balanced pH level of 4-5. Balanced shampoos also protect your hair's natural oils, known as sebum, rather than stripping it away, as it the case with many synthetic products. Choosing the right hair care products that match your hair's natural pH ensures the continued health of your hair's mantle and gives your strands a healthy environment to grow healthy, strong and beautiful!

5 Ways to Detox Your Hair for Spring

According to the Lunar Hair Chart put together by the Hair Shaman, the Spring Equinox is the most powerful time to cut your hair! That being said, we want to give our hair the best chance it can get to get the most out of this crucial time of the year. Today we're going to share 5 ways to Prepare your hair for the Spring Equinox.

1. Detox Your Hair

In order to make sure our hair is up to snuff for the Spring Equinox, we want to make sure that it is over the hump of the Detox process. You can do this by rotating all 5 shampoos and conditioners to be sure you're getting as much nutrients as possible. For an added detox boost, use our Zen Detox to help strip your hair of all the nasty chemicals! For best results, start this process a few months in advance as a standard Detox Process can take from 2 weeks to 2 months! For detoxing tips, check out our 5 Tips to Ease Your Detox.

2. Detox Your Body

It is important to be sure that you greet Spring with a healthy body and mind. Supplying your hair with nutrients is only one spoke in the wheel to good health. Another important spoke has to do with diet and exercise. Any exercise to stimulate the blood and airflow is excellent, such as walking, yoga, chi-gong or simply going to the gym. Check out our article on 5 Spokes in the Wheel of Healthy Hair.

3. Stop the Stress

We all know that stress can be harmful to your body. De-stressing not only allows us the time to focus on our well being, but also produces beneficial physical changes in the body. Consider taking a holiday, or make every day a holiday by taking daily walks in nature. Stress is an epidemic, but by making little changes, like meditating or taking up a new hobby, can make a huge difference in our health, both inside and out.

4. Spring Detox Drink

A delicious and easy way to prepare your body for spring is our Morning Cleansing Tonic. This drink can be prepared with common ingredients and is a great way wake up your body and mind. Check out our recipe here, provided by Sarah Kruse, Ayurvedic Practitioner.

5. Know Your Stuff!

Prior to the Spring Equinox you should familiarize yourself with all of the tools you will need for in order to do your Spring Equinox Hair Cut. You should always pull out your Lunar Hair Chart a bit in advance so you can know what dates are good for which goal (and even though the Spring Equinox may list that it is good for one specific reason, it is actually a great time to cut for any goal!) You should a become familiar with the Blunt Snip Cut technique so that you and/or your hairdresser know what they're doing when the time comes! Now you're ready for the most important time of the year! Spring! Enjoy your journey to a new you!

7 Ways to Balance Your Hormones

Ever wonder how you can naturally balance your hormones? Our hormones are regulatory substances that move throughout our body and create certain reactions. The first step to managing our hormones is realizing that we are responsible for what we put on and in our bodies. In this article, we will focus on 7 tips to help balance our hormones:

1. Be aware of hormone mimickers in the environment

Xenoestrogens are endocrine disruptors that can mimic your bodies natural estrogen and create a condition known as estrogen dominance. These endocrine disruptors store in the fat cells of the body. The first step to balancing hormones begins with eliminating them by choosing products that do not contain xenoestrogens. Utilizing natural products like, Morrocco Method's hair care line, ensures you are not introducing more toxins into your body. Using soaps or shampoos that has chemicals or endocrine disruptors can introduce toxins into the body via the skin the immune system sends a message out to the body that it is under attack. The body then begins to work harder to regulate these foreign substances. Over time, our bodies filters, such as the liver and kidney, become overworked and so the toxins are deposited into different receptor sites. Choosing Morrocco Methods wild, raw, vegan, paleo hair car line ensures you are not soaking up more xenoestrogens from chemical laden shampoos/hair products.

2. Eat an organic whole food diet full of fresh and colorful fruits and vegetables.

Broccoli and other cruciferous vegetables, like cabbage, bok choy and brussels sprouts, can be your ally in creating hormone health. Broccoli contains DIM (Di-Indoly Methane) which is an estrogen blocker. This will help naturally detoxify your body. Consider a DIM supplement that you know, like and trust. Incorporate deep rich, red foods to support menstruation and the reproductive system. For example, pomegranates offer us the signature of fertility and hormone balance. This has been known as the life giving food in ancient times. Eat foods that are in season so that your diet has variety and more nutrature.  Learn more about the medicine and intellignece of foods and how they communicate with your delicate hormone system.

3.Keep your stress level in check

Conscious breathing, mediation or a walks out in nature can all be valuable tools in lowering stress. These techniques and others will naturally balance your hormones and keep you grounded to the earth's intelligent network.

4. Consider using a Magnesium supplement

Magnesium supplements, like a transdermal magnesium oil, when applied to the skin daily can help detoxify chemicals, metals and other environmental pollution. This in turn will help build your natural hormone levels.

5. Keep an attitude of gratitude

Attitude is more than just a mental state. A positive mindset can actually affect the body in positive ways, such as balanced production of hormones. What we think, we become; our mindset plays a definite role in healthy, balanced hormones.

6. Use a filter.

Don't let yourself become a filter for environmental toxins. If you live in a city, chances are the water coming in from your tap is full of dissolved minerals, such as calcium, magnesium and manganese. This is known as "hard water." Be sure to get yourself a high quality filter so your bodies organs do not become the filter.

7. Incorporate herbs and super foods into your lifestyle

Proper, wholesome foods and herbs help cleanse, nourish and build your bodies immune system. Things like dandelion greens, cilantro, spirulina, Chinese tonic herbs can help your body become more super human and give you the energy and vitality you desire. Work with nature and its intelligence and experience your best hormone health.