4 Steps to Winter Hair Care

Blustery winds, icy rains, and blinding sunlight--the harsh weathers of winter act as a veritable assault on your hair, and a bad hair day can quickly become a bad hair season. And for those planning to spend the season shackled in a cozy ski lodge, excessive heating on cold winter days can cause damage akin to a 24/7 blow drying treatment. Luckily there are ways to protect your hair during these tough times. Follow these simple steps and you'll spend less time worrying about your hair and more time enjoying the holidays with friends and family.

1. Fight Against Flakes

In winter there's less humidity in the air, which makes your scalp susceptible to drying out. Dandruff flakes can trap your hair's essential oils, draining your hair of its natural bounce. Lightly massaging your hair regularly with either your fingers or our Scalp Massager can help by exfoliating loose skin flakes and stimulating blood flow, thereby warming your roots. Remember to be gentle with any brushing or massaging you may do as winter is hair is especially weak and susceptible to breakage. Also, deep conditioning products work by trapping moisture at the root and providing a protective layer against dry winds.

2. Static, Clingy Hair

[caption id="attachment_216" align="alignright" width="184"] Condition, condition, condition to protect your hair this winter[/caption] Dry hair carries with it an electrical charge that your hair picks up on. Hydration is the key to this problem; condition regularly and thoroughly with our conditioners to trap in moisture. Additionally, avoid mussing with your hair throughout the day as this will only exasperate the electrical imbalance.

3. Heat Problems

You may calculate that turning up the heat is the best way to counteract the cold, but this is flat out wrong. Any dry-hair problems you have during winter are made worse by the use of heated appliances such as flat irons or conditioners. Similarly, avoid excessively hot water when showering as this also dries out hair. Tepid water works as a nice alternative.

4. Cover Up!

A simple straightforward answer to the cruel weathers of winter—by simply putting on your favorite beanie or scarf you are sheltering her hair from the elements. Certain hairstyles, such as buns or wraps, protect your hair in compact bundles and also remedy your temptation to constantly fuss or run your fingers through your hair.

Hair Growth Oil & Herbs

With hundreds of new products making hair growth claims daily, it's hard to know which hair growth oil is going to truly improve your hair and scalp, and which is simply another trick to make a company money.  Last week, we talked about how to identify what's really in your shampoo.  One way to ensure you're getting the best hair growth oil and hair nutrients is to break down which oils are best for your hair, and why.  Armed with this knowledge you can enter any situation feeling confident you know what you're looking for.

Hundreds of years ago, Humans didn't have all of the options that we do today and they surely didn't have all the chemicals. Though they lacked the options we have today, their hair care routines worked at keeping hair healthy, long and strong.

What was it?  What tricks and secrets did the ancient people use to have such healthy hair?  They didn't use chemicals, but they did use minerals, herbs, and oil for hair growth.

Herbs & Oil for Hair Growth

[caption id="attachment_6141" align="alignleft" width="300"] Olive Oil is Deeply moisturizing and rich in antioxidants.[/caption]

Sandalwood

Antiseptic and soothing, this herb is excellent for circulation of the scalp to encourage hair growth. Morrocco Method uses this ingredient in the Volumizer Mist Conditioner, Diamond Crystal Mist Conditioner, and Pine Shale Shampoo.

Olive Oil

Rich in antioxidants, this common oil is great for deep conditioning the hair.  Adding softness, manageability, shine, and dandruff control, this is the perfect hair growth oil for deep conditioning in the colder winter months. Morrocco Method uses this ingredient in the Euro Natural Oil, Chi Instant Hair Conditioner, Heavenly Chi Shampoo, and Pearl Creme Rinse.

Neem Oil

This oil for hair growth helps to soothe irritated skin and fight bacterial infections while helping to retain moisture and combat dry hair. Morrocco Method uses this ingredient in the Euro Natural Oil.

Avocado Oil

[caption id="attachment_7627" align="alignright" width="270"] Avocado Oil is perfect for damaged hair.[/caption]

This oil for hair growth is phenomenal for moisturizing dry, brittle, and damaged hair with a light weight formula that is easily absorbed into the hair and scalp. It contains many nutrients such as vitamins A, B, D, E, protein, amino acids, iron, copper, magnesium, and folic acid making this oil for hair growth the ultimate. Morrocco Method uses this ingredient in the Euro Natural Oil and Pearl Creme Rinse.

Jojoba Oil

With a molecular structure similar to sebum (the natural oil our scalp produces), this hair growth oil is lightweight and readily accepted by the scalp without damaging its natural balance.  Removes build up on the scalp. Morrocco Method uses this ingredient in the Euro Natural Oil and Pearl Creme Rinse.

Myrrh

Anti-Microbial, this herb is best paired with Sandalwood for cleansing as it helps reduce hair fall, and increases scalp circulation to retain hair and stimulate the scalp. Morrocco Method uses this ingredient in the Euro Natural Oil, and Diamond Crystal Mist Conditioner.

Green Tea

This powerful anti-oxidant has been found by researchers to stop the production of the molecule Tumor Necrosis Factor which has been linked to hair loss.  It also contains Vitamin E

[caption id="attachment_7626" align="alignleft" width="200"] Green tea helps to prevent hair fall.[/caption]

and C which are important parts in restoring the hair and scalp. Morrocco Method uses this ingredient in the Chi Instant Hair Conditioner, Pearl Creme Rinse, Earth Essence Shampoo, Apple Cider Vinegar Shampoo, Pine Shale  Shampoo, Sea Essence Shampoo, 24/7 Spike-It Dragon Wax, and Curl Power–Define, Elongate, Detangle.

Apple Cider Vinegar

This wonder ingredient detoxifies and restores the hair and scalp while helping to prevent hair fall and increasing circulation to scalp.  Morrocco Method uses this ingredient in All MM Shampoos and All MM Conditioners, as well as the Feng Shea Facial Scrub.  We love this stuff!

Shea Butter

This ingredient absorbs quickly into the hair follicle and will help to add shine and luster to your hair. With anti-inflammatory properties this is a perfect ingredient for soothing irritation, retaining moisture in hair, and preventing breakage.  Morrocco Method uses this ingredient in the Pearl Creme Rinse, Heavenly Chi Shampoo, 24/7 Spike-It Dragon Wax, Styling Dragon Pomade, Feng Shea Facial Scrub, and Curl Power–Define, Elongate, Detangle.

Again, make sure to read your ingredients list--if you don't know what an ingredient is... or better yet: if you can't pronounce it, then don't buy the product!  Also make sure they are displaying the WHOLE ingredient list, not just the story ingredients.   For more information on how to grow hair like the ancients (yes, we mean natural and chemical/synthetic free), check out our informational articles on the MM website and be sure you learn about the Lunar Chart for Hair Cutting, it's the secret to obtaining the head of hair you've always wanted.

Quality of Ingredients: Getting What You Pay For

Quality of ingredients is one way Morrocco Method Shampoos stand apart from the average commercial, store-bought shampoo.  We broke down this article on how to make commercial shampoos from a chemist's point of view to show you how and why these products are sold so inexpensively.

Main Ingredients in Commercial Shampoos:

Water

"It helps dilute the detergents, makes the formula easier to spread and reduces irritation. It also keeps the formula inexpensive." - Chemist's Corner

Morrocco Method uses enough water to make sure the quality ingredients become well incorporated. However, these raw, vegan shampoos are still super concentrated with the quality of ingredients. Instead of charging the customer for the extra water, we price for the quality ingredients and let the customer decide the dilution they are most comfortable with. See our Tips on Shampooing with MM for more on how to dilute your shampoo yourself!

Detergents

"They are derived from natural fatty acids or petroleum derivatives. Common primary detergents include Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate and Sodium Laureth Sulfate." - Chemist's Corner

These ingredients are highly irritating and toxic to your internal organs.  Morrocco Method Shampoos contain Apple Cider Vinegar and fine French Clays that clean the hair with a higher quality of ingredients while balancing scalp pH, and eliminating toxins naturally.

Foam Boosters

"These compounds, usually betaines or alkanolamides, help increase the amount of foam and the size of the bubbles...Typical materials include Lauramide DEA or Cocamidopropyl Betaine."  - Chemist's Corner

We've become accustomed to think foam=clean, but this isn't the case.  Foam boosters and dangerous Cocamides only serve to further perpetuate this misconception.  In fact, boosting the foam in a shampoo is really just a clever way of forcing the customer to massage the scalp—it's the massaging that really does the cleaning! MM Shampoos use a higher quality of ingredients like prickly pear cactus, soapbark and green tea to produce minimal foaming and maximum cleansing effects.

Other Added Ingredients

"Dyes for changing color, fragrances for changing the odor, pH adjustment ingredients, chelating agents, opacifying ingredients, and more. Frequently, story ingredients are included so marketers will have something to talk about. This includes things like vitamins, proteins, and herbal extracts which are not normally expected to have any impact on the final product performance."

With all the "extras" added by commercial shampoo companies, there is massive room for skin irritation and high toxicity.  Morrocco Method adds NO artificial fragrances, colors, or dyes because we don't NEED to--our shampoos are made to detoxify, cleanse and condition the hair with no room for chemical additives.  Unlike commercial companies we don't NEED to highlight a specific "story ingredient" because all of our ingredients are wild-crafted, raw, and whole--they all make the cut! If you're looking for quality of ingredients in your next shampoo then look no farther.  Morrocco Method Shampoos are the opposite of commercial shampoos that strip, damage, and irritate the hair and scalp.  Isn't it time to stop covering your hair problems and start solving them with products that nourish the hair and scalp with the quality of ingredients that remain whole, live, and 100% raw.

Halloween Hair: Dos and Don'ts

[caption id="attachment_7440" align="alignleft" width="300"] Halloween Hair doesn't have to scare you![/caption] You know what's scarier than your Halloween costume?  Damages hair from Halloween abuse! Halloween is a night to go wild with costumes, hair and makeup, but here's some dos and don'ts to keep your hair feeling soft and looking great post Halloween hair.

Avoid Temporary Hair Dye

At Morrocco Method, we're always reminding you the dangers of permanent hair color, but even temporary hair color you find at the grocery store (or a salon!) has chemicals like ceteareth-20, dmdm hydantoin, methylparaben, and propylparaben.  Temporary spray-in hair color also provides the chance of inhalation, forcing these toxic chemicals into your lungs--not how you want to start your Halloween Eve. [caption id="attachment_7443" align="alignright" width="255"] Achieve amazing color without the chemicals![/caption]

Try Non-Toxic, Organic Chalk

One of the safest ways to color your hair is using chalk! Using non-toxic, organic chalk that can be easily washed out is a natural and creative alternative to chemical hair color. Simply spray the strands you'd like to color with Diamond Crystal Mist to wet the hair (and keep it conditioned!) and apply the chalk directly to the strand--let sit for a couple mins and then brush any excess chalk from your hair.  When you're ready to remove, just brush with your Boar Bristle Brush to remove as much chalk as possible and then take your brush with you into the shower and rinse your hair, scalp, and hairbrush. [caption id="attachment_7444" align="alignleft" width="300"] MM offer's the safest styling products for Halloween Hair[/caption]

Get Your Style On!

Morrocco Method offer's a variety of amazing styling tools to help you achieve your look.  From our aloe-based Blood of the Dragon Gel which offers a light to medium hold, to our Spike-IT Wax for extreme hold, MM offers the finest in safe, natural, and chemical-free styling products.  So why not grab yourself a Styling Dragon Pomade and create the hair-raising look you want!  Have a happy Halloween this week and stay safe!

5 Ways to Prevent Excess Hair Shedding in Autumn

Did you know your hair responds to sunlight just like a plant? In the spring and summer, your hair flourishes, because sunlight triggers hair growth hormones. Autumn brings changes.

[caption id="attachment_7393" align="alignright" width="300"] Hair shedding in Autumn is as natural as leaves falling.[/caption]

As the days grow shorter and colder, the roots of your hair go into dormancy and your hair begins to fall with the autumn leaves. For a period of 4-6 weeks, you might see hair shedding increase. Do not panic! It's a natural shedding of the thinner summer hair in favor of your "winter coat."

Along with using your Morrocco Method Shampoos and Conditioners, these tips will help you to avoid excess hair shedding this autumn.

1. Massage Your Scalp Daily

Protect your hair by practicing daily scalp massage to stimulate your sebaceous oil glands and increasing blood circulation to the scalp. Morrocco Method's Scalp Massager is the perfect tool for this as it is 100% natural rubber that won't irritate or accidentally scratch the scalp like fingernails and plastics. Here's how to use it.

2. Deep Condition Weekly

Weekly deep conditioning is the key to ensure your scalp and hair remain healthy and moisturized in the colder months ahead. Deep conditioning weekly helps to prevent itching, irritation, and excess hair shedding throughout the changing season.  MM offers several deep conditioning treatments to alternate between weekly.  Rotate:  Leaving in Morrocco Method's Chi Instant Hair Conditioner or Pearl Essence Creme Rinse for 15 minutes, doing a Neutral (Colorless) Henna treatment, and a Euro Natural Oil overnight leave-in.

3. Lunar Cut Monthly

Trim your hair using Morrocco Method's Lunar Hair Chart for hair cutting. Trimming the ends of your hair removes damaged, split ends and helps to invigorate the hair and scalp--shocking the entire growth system. Cutting monthly, in conjunction with your Lunar Goal, (Lengthen, Strengthen, Thicken, Root Work, Beautify) will help to remove damaged ends that cause tangling, breakage, and weak hair.

4. Eat Well Always

It's the harvest season, so take advantage of the bounty of nature! Eat foods for healthy hair growth, which will lessen hair shedding. Some superfoods in season this autumn: apples, brussels sprouts, parsnips, pears, rutabagas, cauliflower, squash, pumpkin, sweet potato, turnips, pomegranates, dates, kiwi, and most citruses.

5. Don't Stress Often

Stress can cause increased hair shedding, which will make you stress out even more! But do not worry—take a deep breath, do calming exercises, indulge in aromatherapy, have a good laugh, some herbal tea, and give a loved one a hug.

Greenwashing: Are Your Products Really Green?

Since the late 1980's companies have been using "greenwashing" to fool consumers into believing the company is more "natural" than they really are.   The Merrian-Webster dictionary defines greenwashing as:

expressions of environmentalist concerns, especially as a cover for products, policies, or activities

In fact, Greenpeace has an entire website dedicated to greenwashing and different companies who use this technique to fool consumers.  As they explain on their site, "green is the new black" and has become an important buzzword for many companies—whether they practice green business or not. These days it is becoming more and more difficult to determine just how "green" and "natural" a company really is so we have come up with a couple tips to help you make sure you're getting the truth behind your products.

1.  Look at the WHOLE Company

Once you find a product or company you think might be the real deal, take a deeper look into their company as a whole.

Visit the website, read any educational materials and try to locate any "company standards."  Are the claims made through their product (or advertisement) substantiated somewhere in their public information?  If not, beware.  You will find that all of Morrocco Method's company standards subscribe to being environmentally conscious as well as chemical free and plant-based.

2.  Read Your Ingredient Lists

Once you have found a product you think is "green" take a deeper look into their ingredients.  Not only are chemicals damaging for your body, but they also harm the environment.  Do they mention how their products are made and processed?  Do they list ALL the ingredients on the website?  You will find Morrocco Method Ingredient Lists are complete with all ingredient information.

3. What Are Others Saying

Google the company and words like "environment" and "ingredients" to find any information from 3^rd parties about the company.  The Environmental Working Group's SkinDeep Database is a great resource to start.  Usually if a company isn't listed on this website, they have chosen not to have their ingredients and company inspected. As a consumer, money is a powerful tool—the companies that receive our money should also be those you can stand behind.  Morrocco Method will always continue to offer the finest in environmentally conscious and chemical free products. To learn more about greenwashing and to do your part in stopping businesses from pretending to green, visit Greenpeace's StopGreenwash.org.

Morrocco Method Gave Me My Life Back

We recently received this heartfelt testimonial from an MM client with Seborrheic Dermatitis and we wanted to share her experiences:

Dear Morrocco Method International, [caption id="attachment_7266" align="alignright" width="200"] "Before Morrocco Method my hair was somewhat lifeless and it lacked shine."[/caption] I'm sure you get hundreds of e-mails from customers raving about your products but I just had to reach out to you and let you know how life changing your products have been for me.  Honestly, I was a bit skeptical about trying your products because I've tried every natural product out there to help treat my thinning hair as a result of seborrheic dermatitis and it felt like just another product to try.  I'm only 31 years old and I've been suffering with seborrheic dermatitis for approximately 15 years.  As long as I can remember I've had an inflamed scalp.  Over time I started noticing that my hair was becoming thinner near my temples and it was extremely embarrassing. I don't have many "before" pictures because I would avoid taking photographs when my scalp was inflamed.  But you can see in this before Morrocco Method photo that my hair was somewhat lifeless and it lacked shine.  I also would part my hair in a way to mask some of the thinning hair spots near my temples. [caption id="attachment_7267" align="alignright" width="200"] After using Morrocco Method, "People are now approaching me saying how pretty and shiny my hair is."[/caption] Three days after using your products I experienced the most amazing results.  My scalp is no longer red or irritated, the flaking skin is gone, and I can finally brush my hair using your brushing method.  I once avoided brushing  my scalp often because it would become irritated and brushing would distribute flakes throughout my hair.  It was awful.  But now I can brush my scalp and hair again! People are now approaching me saying how pretty and shiny my hair is.  This is the hair I had in my early teens and I have it back again!  My hair sits beautifully, it appears thicker, and it has more volume.  No longer do I have an oily irritated scalp, no hair frizz, no flaking skin, no itching, no bleeding, and I no longer have to hide my scalp and hair under baseball hats.  I can also go a few days without washing my hair and my hair and scalp still look and feel healthy and beautiful. [caption id="attachment_7268" align="alignleft" width="200"] Lauren rocking her MM hair on her wedding day![/caption] I don't know how you do it but you've made a lifelong customer out of me. From the bottom of my heart, thank you!  I never thought I would love my hair and scalp again but this is the best I have ever looked and felt. My tip for new Morrocco Method users is to dilute the shampoo with water in a smaller bottle so that you are using a mixture of 50% Morrocco Method shampoo to 50% water.  This technique really helps distribute the product evenly throughout the hair and scalp.   Sincerely, Lauren from Virginia

CONTEST: Show your MM Henna Hair Color!

What's the Contest?

Morrocco Method henna users: Here's your chance to win a major prize from MM! We're looking for before and after photos that illustrate the wonders of all-natural coloring techniques. Contest ends 10/31, Halloween!

How Do I Enter?

1. Take a picture of yourself before you henna your hair
2. Use MM Henna
3. Take a picture of your amazing new look!
4. Email marketing@mmhair.net with your before and after pictures, along with what color(s) you used.

What Can I WIN?

You can win a Year's Supply of MM Henna! That's right, 12 jars of henna, one for each month, are yours just for sharing your photos! Please note that by submitting your pictures you are giving Morrocco Method permission to use these photos as testimonials on our social media sites. If you do not wish for your pictures to be posted please specify in your email.

3 Signs of an Unhealthy Scalp

An unhealthy scalp creates more than just an annoyance.  Much like the soil of a plant, the health of your scalp is an important part of the health of your hair.  Without a healthy scalp, with clean and open pores you may struggle to attain your hair goal.  Our hair grows from our scalp, and though it is important to trim regularly using the Lunar Chart for Hair Cutting, the foundation of hair growth stems from a healthy and balanced scalp.  So how do you know if you have an unhealthy scalp?  Let us help.

1. Itching and/or Burning

An itchy scalp isn't just annoying, it's a sign of an unhealthy scalp.  Often this itch is caused by chemical irritation and can even be a sign of an allergic reaction.  Remember that skin covers the scalp and can become dry and irritated just like the skin on the rest of your body.  Chemical shampoos and hair products strip the scalp of oil which can leave it needing some moisture.  When your scalp is itching we suggest using MM Euro Natural Oil liberally on the scalp.  If you're looking to really kick-start your healthy hair regrowth: check out MM Elixirs--the ultimate in hair reconstruction.

2.  Excess Oil and Oily Scalp

Have you noticed that you have to wash your hair daily or else your scalp becomes an oil field? Your scalp is not naturally regulating its own sebaceous oil production and is attempting to recreate the oils being stripped by chemical shampoos.  In other words, each time you wash your hair with a sulfate shampoo it strips the hair of all oils forcing your scalp to go into panic mode and produce excess oil.  We have a video about The Vicious Cycle of SLS that explains the process more thoroughly.  The best advice?  Get rid of those chemical shampoos and start with MM Shampoos which are chemical free and allow your scalp to regulate its own oils, naturally. Brushing with a Boar Bristle Brush is also an important part of spreading your sebacous oils from root to tip and can help with the excess oil

3.  Flaking and Dandruff

Dandruff is one of the most common signs of an unhealthy scalp and is often associated with itching.  Chemical hair products disrupt the natural acidity and pH balance of the hair and can lead to a very unhealthy scalp.  This natural hair acidity prevents fungi and bacteria in the hair and scalp, and keeps the cuticle closed and healthy. When the scalp is too alkaline it may begin to separate and shed flakes A gentle cleanser like MM shampoos will help, however dandruff often stems from an imbalanced pH of the scalp.  We recommend MM's Apple Cider Vinegar Shampoo which has a perfect pH for balancing your hair and restoring your scalp.   An unhealthy scalp is annoying and can be harmful to your hair growth.  The first and most important part of creating healthy "soil" for your hair is removing chemicals from your hair care routine.  With the use of MM Shampoos and MM Conditioners you will find that your scalp is balanced, healthy and prepared for healthy hair regrowth.

The New Morrocco Method Offices

That's right! Team MM is no longer at the castle and we have YOU to thank for the move to a larger office space.  Business has been growing thanks to our amazing customers, and we have moved to new offices in sunny San Luis Obispo, California. With our new offices, we have more chances and more opportunities to make sure you are happy with your order, our service, and the final product:  your amazing, natural hair.  With offices upstairs, and manufacturing, production and shipping downstairs, we are all here to make sure everything done at MM is done with integrity and great service! [gallery link="file" ids="6922,6921,6883,6914,6887,6886,6912,6885,6884"] In fact, we are so proud of our amazing customers that we will be hosting a Customer Appreciation Week the week of September 16 after the launch of our new website.  So stay tuned for some serious flash sales lasting only 24 hours and make sure you become part of the Healthy Hair Club to get weekly deals and insider coupons!

Protective Styles for Natural Hair

There are many reasons to protective style for natural hair, especially if your hair is dry and prone to breakage. [caption id="attachment_6748" align="alignright" width="300"] Scroll down to see Nicole's video on protective hairstyle![/caption]

Pros for Protective Styles

• Gain length due to less manipulation and breakage from daily styling
• Easier to care for daily
• Less damage from the elements (extreme weather)
• Prevent split ends

Even if your natural hair is in a protective style it doesn't mean you can ignore it! If you do not properly take care of your protected natural hair, these cons might apply to you.

The Cons

• Damage from lack of moisture resulting in brittle dry hair
• Tight, scalp pulling styles cause thinning of the hair line and possible hair loss
• Leaving a protective style in for too long can cause build up from shedding hair and dirt, which means a tangled knotted mess

In order to avoid the cons there are simple things that you can do:

• Oil your hair every day so it does not collect dirt or become heavy. It's good to use something like our Euro Oil or a Jojoba all natural oil.
• Keep to your natural hair routine! If you shampoo once a week or twice a week and condition daily, do so. It is extremely important! Maintain your deep conditioning routine as these are vital for your scalp and hair.
• Avoid keeping your protective style in longer than three months. Some protective styles, like braids can be left in up to six or eight weeks. To go any longer than that may cause serious build up from dirt and shed hair. Weaves, caps, or synthetic hair, like wigs can be used for two or three months. To do so safely requires keen attention to the health of your hair and scalp.
• Be careful not to stress the scalp with too much tension and not to keep it from drying out. The scalp is the most important part. Keeping your scalp clean and healthy is important to growing long, beautiful natural hair.

Here are a few of the many options available for protective styles for natural hair: [caption id="attachment_6749" align="alignright" width="300"] The Two Strand Twist is a protective style that is easy to do![/caption]

• One strand twists, two strand twists, mini twists, Senegalese twists (Check out MahoganyKnots doing twists with the Styling Dragon Pomade!)
• Box braids, single braids, braids with synthetic hair, Marley braids, up-do braids,
•  Bantu knots, loose buns, corkscrew braids/twists,
• Hair extensions, sew-in synthetic hair (partial, weave, full weave, wig cap) quarter or half wig (quick to put on and take off),  full lace wigs or v-part wigs.

http://youtu.be/VFMv3Wyf-3I

Cool Kid Plants: Lemon Verbena

[caption id="attachment_6531" align="alignright" width="225"] Lemon verbena (Aloysia citrodora)[/caption]

Lemon Verbena

While walking a garden you may notice the sweet smell of lemon wafting through the leaves and branches. Chances are you have wandered past an ancient herb that has been used as a medicine for eons, and has an equally long history in many cultures' folklore. Lemon Verbena (Aloysia citrodora) is a wonderful herb that has a strong, delicious lemon scent and taste, making it a wonderful addition to any garden. A tea of lemon verbena will soothe anxiety, reduce fevers, calm head and stomach aches, fight off infection, and is full of Vitamin C. Long ago, Greeks tucked lemon verbena leaves under their pillow to give them "sweet" dreams. While in ancient Rome, people thought lemon verbena inspired love, and drank the tea as a love potion. So, whether you are heartsick or flu-sick, the delicious smell and taste of lemon verbena will raise your spirits and get you feeling better. --- Welcome to our newest guest blog series, Cool Kid Plants! The third Thursday of every month, the Education Coordinator of the non-profit San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden, Lindsey Collinsworth, will spotlight a plant with amazing properties and interesting folklore. We are super excited to have her and look forward to learning about the benefits of "cool kid" plants!

CONTEST: Spotlight on MM YouTube!

[caption id="attachment_5369" align="alignright" width="292"] The lovely Shampoo tote! (Foliage excluded ;D )[/caption] We're super excited here at MM headquarters, because we hit a mini milestone! 300 YouTube subscribers! We know it's not huge number, but we're happy. So we want you to be happy too! [caption id="attachment_6410" align="alignright" width="300"] The Conditioners Tote! (Greenery excluded!)[/caption]

How do I enter?

Just share one of our YouTube videos on Facebook, Twitter, or Pinterest and be sure to tag us so we know you did! Super easy. You can post on all three to better your chance of winning! On August 1st, we'll select a winner randomly from those who tagged us.

What can I win?

The winner gets to pick between a Trial-Travel Shampoo Tote or a Trial-Travel Conditioner Tote! These totes include 2oz sizes of ALL MM SHAMPOOS or ALL MM CONDITIONERS!

BONUS: Subscribe!

Subscribe to our YouTube! If we get 350 total subscribers by August 1st, we'll pick THREE WINNERS! That's right, three people will be selected and get to pick a tote! So click that little subscribe button down there, mmkay? Thank you if you've already done so ;)

Contest: Show Off Your MM Hair!

Show Off Your MM Hair Contest!

What's the Contest?

Have you been using MM for a little while now? Are you so proud of the luxuriously amazing hair you now have? We want to see (and hear!) the results of your currently Healthy Hair Journey!

How Do I Enter?

1. Find any photo of you (and your hair!) before you started using MM
2. Take a picture of your luscious locks now!
3. Send these photos to marketing@mmhair.net with a little story about your hair journey.

For example: Where did you begin? Where are you now? What has been your biggest struggle? Biggest accomplishment?

What Can I WIN?

The Hair & Scalp Recovery Package - Over $250 value!! This package includes:

• All 5 Shampoos
• All 6 Conditioners
• Blood of the Dragon Styling Gel
• Styling Dragon Pomade 24/7
• Agave Mist Styling Spritzer
• Extra Large Scalp Massager (1)
• Anthony Morrocco's eBook: Grow Luxurious Hair with Morrocco Method Magic

--- Please note that by submitting your pictures you are giving Morrocco Method permission to use these photos as testimonials on our social media sites. If you do not wish for your pictures to be posted please specify in your email.

Guest Blogger Julie Silver: Tip to Reduce Stress

I am delighted to be writing as a guest blogger for the Morrocco Method website. I have been into natural health for over 25 years now.  I qualified as a nutrition therapist in 2001 and have studied so much do to with natural health.  I came across Morrocco Method products over 10 years ago and was delighted to have found products that were probably the most natural I had found. I have learned that what we eat and put on our skin and hair makes a massive difference to our health, well being and how we look.  I have proved this personally. Over the coming months I will be writing about natural ways to beauty inside and out. I believe if your soul is not ready for change then it will just not happen, although when it is you will be guided and inspired to make certain changes that will bring positive benefits. I want to start with a tip to reduce stress as I feel that when we are calmer then there is more chance we will be guided to make a healthier change to what we eat, and to use more natural products. Going on holiday, if you do manage to get away, may be the only time you take a proper break.  Why not give yourself a holiday every day..... Look at a picture or think of a relaxing holiday scene and then close your eyes in a place you won't be disturbed for 30 seconds to 10 minutes whilst visualizing this scene.  Breathing deep into your abdomen, take in the sights, sounds, smells of the surroundings in your imagination.  It is said that are unconscious mind doesn't know whether something is imagined or real so you should feel the same benefits as if you are actually in the holiday destination you have imagined. For more information visit her website!

Gluten-Free: Should People with Celiac Disease Use Gluten-Free Shampoo?

Gluten can be found in a lot of skin and hair care products. While it's not 100% necessary for people with Celiac Disease to use gluten free shampoo some people find that using shampoos with gluten irritates their scalp or skin. For example a case study presented to the American College of Gastroenteroloy last year suggests that gluten free products is the way to go. A 28 year old women who had successfully managed her celiac disease through diet, found her that when she used a new body lotion she had issues. She developed an itchy, blistering rash on her arms, along with stomach bloating and diarrhea. When she stopped using the lotion her symptoms went away.

So should people use gluten-free shampoos?

We believe yes! Your skin is the largest organ on your body. Here at Morrocco Method we believe what you put on your body is just as important as what you put in it. So if you don't put gluten in your body why would you put gluten on your body? While all of Morrocco Method's products are gluten-free you might have other products with hidden gluten in them. Here is a list of common gluten items in products:

Common Ingredients In Shampoos with Gluten

• Triticum vulgare (wheat) • Hordeum vulgare (barley) • Secale cereale (rye) • Avena sativa (oats) • Wheat germ oil • Hydrolyzed wheat protein • Stearyl dimonium hydroxypropy (hydrolyzed wheat protein) • Laurdimonium hydroxypropyl (hydrolyzed wheat protein) • Colloidal oatmeal • Hydrolyzed vegetable protein (may contain wheat) • Dextrin palmitate (starch, possibly gluten-based) • Vitamin E (frequently derived from wheat) • Malt extract (usually barley) • Beta glucan (frequently derived from wheat) • Vegetable protein (may contain wheat, barley, rye and/or oats)

National Celiac Disease Month

Also don't forget to honor National Celiac Disease Month. Help spread awareness and visit sites like Celiac Central for more information about managing Celiac and recognizing symptoms. Or visit some amazing Gluten-Free bloggers like:

• Celiac and the Beast
• Gluten Free Cosmetic Counter
• Celiac Corner
• Manage Celiac

If you know of any other amazing Celiac Bloggers please let us know. We love reaching out to the gluten-free community.  

UPS Brokerage Fees:The Truth Behind High International Charges

UPS brokerage fees are a considerable problem for our customers. Here at MM we are apologize for the charges applied to packages shipped to our international customers, particularly those in Canada. We have had customers come to us and say they are paying hundreds of dollars for packages that cost less than half that. Trust us we are just as upset as you are! We no longer want you to suffer these extra charges from UPS and are currently investigating alternatives to get you our products for the proper costs. But first since we're all about education here at MM we want to give you the opportunity to learn the truth behind UPS Brokerage Fees.

The Explanation of UPS Brokerage Fees

Blogger David Grant summarized the truth behind these ups brokerage fees perfectly so for the full story we suggest you read his article Avoid UPS Like the Plague. As David explained he orders a cable online the product itself cost 29.95$ and the total cost with shipping was 40.69$. He was unable to sign for the package right at the door so UPS left him a note saying he owed an additional 22.01$ in brokerage fees. David was outraged, that charge was 73% over the original price and 54% of the total cost. Upon further investigation he discovered that some of this charge was the UPS Entry Preparation Charges. These preparation charges range based how much you were charged for your package. David fell in the 40$-100$ dollar range and this explained why he was charged an extra 19.45$ charge plus taxes making the total brokerage fee 22.01$. However, David realized that the 2.45$ of tax was the actual duties charged by the Canadian government. Which meant that the 19.45$ went straight to UPS!

The Class Action Lawsuit Against UPS

There is currently a Class Action Lawsuit against UPS regarding these brokerage fees. Basically, the lawsuit claims that UPS failed to obtain consumer consent to act as a customs broker. They did not disclose the existence and/or amount of the brokerage fee.  In fact if  you try to get around this fee, they fail to provide the customer with information about how to arrange for custom clearance themselves or that such as option even exists. For further information about this lawsuit visit: SISKINDS: The Law Firm. We encourage any of our Canadian customers who have been abused by these brokerage fees to do so. Here, at Morrocco Method, we would like to give our customers the best support possible when ordering our products and currently looking for the best way to ship our products to you and avoid this charges. A number of websites describe ways to get around these fees for please consult them for further information.  

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Advice from the Hair Shaman: Words of Wisdom about Spring!

Welcome to spring!

Spring is a very important time of year! Here are some words of wisdom from Anthony Morrocco himself: This is a time for transformation, growth, and fresh energy. Spring represents an awakening. Nature is waking from it's winter hibernation with new life, blooms and beginnings. Morrocco Method Hair Care mirrors the flow of nature, keeping us connected to our source. Now is a great time to enliven and awaken our energy, celebrating our physical, energetic and spiritual bodies. Spring is the ideal time for cleansing and rejuvenation for overall health and well-being. Spring is represented by the Earth  element and the organ system of the Liver. The Liver is responsible for the smooth flowing of Qi (energy) throughout the body. When the liver functions smoothly, physical and emotional activity throughout the body also runs smoothly There you have it. Some great tips about Spring. In good health and good hair the Morrocco Method team wishes you a happy Spring!

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Testimonial: Why I Switched to MM

I have been using Morrocco Method products since the beginning of 2010. Back in high school, I was desperate for smooth pin-straight hair and did not know how to manage my curls; therefore I resided to Japanese hair straightening. Initially, it worked, but the second time I had it done, my ends looked as if they were torched. My hair was fried, so I decided I was going to grow out and attempt to work with my curls again after cutting the straight hair off. After the "big chop,"my hair's progress was rocky, because of the trauma my scalp and hair had experienced, Celiac Disease with some other health battles I was fighting, and an inflamed scalp due to an overburdened system. After poking around on Google, Morrocco Method's website came up; based on the description, the products sounded like a miracle. I was a Celiac and needed to avoid products containing gluten, I was (still am) chemically sensitive with allergies, I had a very inflamed, sensitive scalp, AND I wanted to restore and regrow my dry, damaged hair. It is very rare that hair care products live up to almost EVERYTHING they promise, and Morrocco Method blew me away. In fact, they exceeded my expectations; my hair grows exponentially faster when using them too, even though my journey towards healthy hair was not always fast or easy! Though I do occasionally see a hairdresser for a blow-out or more precise shaping/style, I take advantage of the holistic MM system; I watch many of the videos, and know Mr. Morrocco's secret to trimming hair, and though I have certain products I can't get enough of, I try to rotate some of the products every few days. Now my hairdresser tells me I have "perfectly healthy hair." In the past, hairdressers used to plead for me to pay to get the dangerous "Formaldehyde-Free" Keratin treatments and other such processes to "restore" my hair. I take my hat off (quite literally) to Mr. Morrocco for getting to the root cause of hair problems, and GENUINELY improving the well-being of the hair (and the customers), as opposed to concealing hair problems with silicones and plastics that build-up in hair and create further hair & scalp damage in the long run! I have been blown away by almost all of the Morrocco Method products I have used! However, my two favorite MM products tie with each other on my list. The 24/7 Styling Dragon Pomade is very smoothing regardless of how I want to style my hair; it tames my curls and allows them to be glossy and defined, yet it enables me to blow dry & flat iron my hair straight to achieve a smooth, silky, polished look. The Agave Mist Styling Spritz is extremely nourishing to any cracked or dried ends; it does not merely conceal the dead ends by giving them a temporarily smoothed out appearance, but it heals ends I had been certain were necessary to cut off. As a result, my hair began making better progress when growing, because fewer inches were cut off with trims. The Agave Mist is wonderful for helping relax and rejuvenate my hair. After a long day, I can spray some into my already dried hair and add luster and banish frizz. The Agave Mist is a lifesaver in both the arid winter and the humid summer (the worst time for my hair). Both the 24/7 Styling Dragon Pomade and the Agave Mist Styling Spritz are extremely moisturizing and conditioning, as well. -Greer Gartenberg What to Share Your Story? Enter our Detox Story Contest!