This 4th of July Favorite Promotes Hair Growth

It's almost the 4th of July, and many of us are preparing for a celebratory summer picnic or BBQ. What's in your picnic basket or on your grill this year? Whether you're on a houseboat, at the park or at home with family, there's one 4th of July favorite you shouldn't leave out of the celebration.

It's Watermelon!

Watermelon is a seasonal favorite, and for good reason! It's packed with nutrients, including one naturally occurring compound called citrulline that's been getting a lot of attention. What's so great about citrulline? Well, it reacts naturally with the body to produce arginine, an amino acid that's great for the circulatory system. Studies show that arginine relaxes the blood vessels and promotes increased blood flow to all areas of the body, including the scalp. As we know, increased blood flow in the scalp enlivens and balances the sebaceous glands, contributing to regulated sebum production and healthy hair growth. That's why scalp massage is so important. As if increased blood flow wasn't enough, arginine helps to remove ammonia and other toxins from the body. The combination of the citrulline link to arginine production and the fact that watermelon it is 92% water means it's a great food for detox. Why not enjoy a watermelon smoothie with your Zen Detox treatment this weekend in celebration of the 4th of July?     Sources: "Want Citrulline? Try watermelon."  http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/08/070814185634.htm "Watermelon May Have Viagra-effect" http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080630165707.htm

How Often Should I Wash My Dog?

How Often Should I Wash My Dog?

Our pets seem so much like people that we forget that they have different needs than we do. "How often should I wash my dog?" is a common question dog owners ask, whether their canine companion is big, small or somewhere in between. You want to keep him clean, but you also know that dogs will be dogs, and you hate to keep him away from the mud puddle that's just asking to be rolled in. You feel like he could use a wash, but you've heard that frequent washing isn't good for his skin.

So What's a Pet Owner to do?

It's true that washing a dog too often can cause skin irritation and flaking, but proper bathing is good for your dog. The good news is that animals are natural self-groomers, and unless they are excessively dirty or have a skin condition, they don't need much help from us! That being said, some dogs naturally smell better than others or spend more time outside, and sometimes a good bath makes it much more pleasant to spend time with our furry friend. The first thing to note is  that for dogs with medium to long coats, regular brushing is important and can make it less necessary to bathe frequently. Brushing a dog's coat has similar benefits to brushing our own hair. Typically, it's recommended to wash dogs no more than once a month. Dogs with water resistant coats, smooth short coats or extremely thick coats may need even less frequent bathing. However, owners of breeds with an oilier coat type may wish to wash their pet more often. If this is the case (or even if it's not!), it's recommended to use a mild, soap-less moisturizing shampoo, like Morrocco Method's shampoos. Remember, you can always consult your dog's veterinarian with questions about how often to bathe and general hygiene. For more information on using Morrocco Method on your pet, check out our For Pets page!   Sources: http://www.cesarsway.com/askthevet/basicadvice/how-often-to-bathe-a-dog http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/virtual-pet-behaviorist/dog-behavior/bathing-your-dog

Where Did These Products Go?

[caption id="attachment_7136" align="alignright" width="240"] I'll be back.[/caption] You may have noticed that several Morrocco Method products and packages are currently out of stock, including everyone's favorite award-winning shampoo. We've gotten lots of questions about their whereabouts and when they will be back, so we wanted to address your questions in a blog post. We know it's not ideal, having to wait for the hair products you've come to love, and believe us, we're just as eager as you are to see all the products back in cyber shopping carts and on the shelves!

So what's the deal?

The short answer is growing pains. The great news is that demand for Morrocco Method is GROWING, and we're making some BIG manufacturing changes to meet our customers' needs! We're upgrading our manufacturing and moving it right next door to MM headquarters. We're thrilled about these changes, but they also mean that we're going through a bit of a transition period.

Don't worry!

The Apple Cider Vinegar Shampoo and all your favorites will be back, and you'll see the same quality and results that you've come to expect from us. Our customers will now enjoy increased output and the knowledge that manufacturing is occurring even closer to home. We're already producing batches of our Apple Cider Vinegar shampoo next door, but we want to make sure everything is up to MM standards before we make it available again. [caption id="attachment_82" align="alignleft" width="219"] Wait for me![/caption]

When will the products be back?

Unfortunately, we can't make any promises, as this is a big change for Morrocco Method, but we're so excited to be taking this step. We're hoping that it will be within a month. Fortunately, our 2oz sizes are still available for those who want something to get them through the wait. Rest assured, as soon as these products are available, our customers will be the first to know!

Join Our Summer Solstice Celebration

Summer Solstice Has Arrived!

Summer is upon us, and this time of year isn't only about days by the pool and paleo-friendly popsicles. At Morrocco Method, we're looking forward to the upcoming summer solstice.

What is the Summer Solstice?

It's the first day of summer, the longest day of the year, and, according to our lunar hair chart, one of the most powerful times of the year to cut hair. The summer solstice only happens once a year in each hemisphere, when the sun reaches its highest or most northern point in the sky over that hemisphere. It has been observed for centuries and is associated with fertility, healing and religious celebrations world-wide.

 Beautify for Summer

This year, the summer solstice coincides with the lunar goal beautify. The cutting dates are June 21st, 22nd and 23rd, so we're kicking off our summer solstice celebration in preparation! Want to win a Beautify Package to compliment your cut? Check out our extra-special Summer Solstice Contest. Cut your hair this summer solstice, and don't forget to share the results with our team! Important note: We have friends all over the world. In the southern hemisphere, it's the winter solstice! Winter solstice is also an extremely powerful time to cut hair.

Dad's Favorite MM Products

When I used to ask my dad what he wanted for Father's Day, he'd always reply jokingly, "A full head of hair!" It just goes to show that dads care about hair, too, and Morrocco Method has got them covered.  We know that every dad is different. Maybe yours is relatively low maintenance when it comes to his mane, or maybe he never leaves the house without being perfectly coiffed. Maybe he's interested in hair regrowth, or maybe he wears it long. It's almost Father's Day, and in honor of fathers everywhere, we've come up with a list of the best Morrocco Method products for the dad or dads in your life.

1. Scalp Massager

Maybe he doesn't own a hairbrush, but everyone benefits from scalp massage. The scalp massager stimulates blood flow to the scalp, helping to balance oil production and improve overall health and appearance. Scalp massage can aid hair regrowth and helps to relieve tension in the head and neck, which might be just what a hard-working dad needs.

2. Elixirs

If he is looking the restore the health of his hair and scalp, the elixirs are the way to do it. For overall health and renewal, or if he's concerned about hair loss or thinning, we definitely recommend an elixir treatment. The silver and golden elixir set is a good introduction to our elixirs and a good place to start hair regrowth.

 

3. Euro Oil

Oil treatments are an age-old remedy for the hair and scalp. Like scalp massage, our Euro Natural Oil deep conditioning treatment simulates the sebaceous glands and balances the pH of the scalp. Dad can apply the oil to the hair and scalp, and also to dry skin. He can treat rough, cracked heels, and the best part is that he doesn't have to use Euro Oil alone: it's also good for his best friend!

4. Pine Shale Shampoo

Dad got dandruff? Our Pine Shale Shampoo is a favorite among men suffering from an itchy scalp and those pesky white flakes. The most restorative of the five shampoos, the pine shale is a great option for all hair types.

5. Pearl Essence Creme Rinse

The Pearl Essence Creme Rinse is rich and moisturizing, making it a great shave gel for both men and women. Check out this article for more information on getting the perfect shave with Morrocco Method.  

6. Blood of the Dragon Styling Gel

The Blood of the Dragon Styling Gel is a great way to finish any look and keep it in place. With its conditioning effects, it's good for Dad's hair t We're offering a special discount on some of dad's favorite products: Euro Oil, Silver Elixir, Blood of the Dragon Styling Gel, and Scalp Massager. Use code: DadsDay14 at checkout. And sign up with our Healthy Hair Club to not miss out on any future sales!

The Ultimate Hair Brushing How-To

Frequently asked questions, brushing by hair type, the importance of the boar bristle, and more! 

By now, you probably know that Morrocco Method encourages regular brushing and scalp massage for all hair types. We consider one of the spokes in our wheel of wellness. That's why we've collected some of our resources on brushing into the ultimate hair brushing how-to.

Why brush?

The benefits of hair brushing are numerous, and we don't want you or your hair to miss out. The main reason that brushing is so important is that natural oils from your scalp are dispersed evenly throughout the hair, providing cleansing and conditioning effects and preventing build-up at the roots. Brushing also stimulates the capillaries and sebaceous glands which aids hair growth and helps to balance the scalp.

Why use a boar bristle brush?

Morrocco Method highly recommends using boar bristle brushes. Boar bristles are almost identical to human hair, making them gentle yet effective in evenly distributing your hair's natural oils. If you're wondering if your plastic comb or brush can do the same job, just imagine painting a fence with it! It would be nearly impossible to evenly distribute the paint,  and you would likely scratch, dent, or otherwise damage the material underneath in the process.

How often should I brush?

Ideally, you should brush three times per day, in the morning, late in the afternoon, and at bedtime. Keeping a smaller, portable brush in a purse or bag, will make it easier to brush on the go. Morrocco Method has a small brush for just that reason! Brushing multiple times per day will benefit the hair and scalp, and it will also help to keep your hair looking fuller and more vibrant throughout the day.

How should I brush?

Step 1

Stand erect, then unlock the knees and bend over from the waist, allowing the blood to flow into the scalp.

Step 2

Firmly grasp your brush handle and brush from the nape of the neck to the ends of the hair. Brush in slow easy strokes for several minutes.

Step 3

Stand slowly and brush first from the hairline and then from the sides of the head.

Step 4

Repeat! It's recommended to repeat this process three times.

If your hair is naturally curly, it may help to partition the hair and incorporate Euro Oil into your brushing routine:

And scalp massage?

Scalp massage should be done one to three times a day with a rubber scalp massager. Scalp massage is important because it increases blood flow to the scalp and stimulates deep scalp tissue. To properly massage the scalp, begin at the nape of the neck and work in a circular motion for three to five minutes. You should feel a tingling sensation, which is a result of increased blood flow to the scalp.

Visit our Education Center for even more information, including multi-use ideas and how to clean your brush!

5 Tips to Ease Your Detox

It's time for an MM meditation.

Imagine this. . .

You're new to Morrocco Method. You have your products, and you can't wait to see the fabulous results that you've heard so much about. You use the products once, twice or several times, and then. . . WHAT? No!  Your hair feels oily, waxy, clumpy or even overly dry.

What's going on?

You're detoxing! Detox can get you down, but it's also a healthy, natural process and a good indicator that your hair is headed in the right direction. When you switch to 100% natural products, your hair and scalp need to rid themselves of chemical build-up and toxins. It doesn't happen to everyone, but trust us, we know that it's not fun when it does. It's worth it though, and we've got some tips to ease your detox:

1. Shampoo properly

Follow our tips for shampooing with Morrocco Method, keeping in mind that an MM routine may look different than your previous one. Rotate shampoos and be sure to dilute them with water. It may take some trial and error to find out which products work best for you and how often you should use them for your hair type. You may end up shampooing every other day or much less frequently. *Bonus tip: If you're struggling with dryness, rotate the Earth Essence Shampoo out or use it less frequently. If your hair is extremely oily, do this with the Sea Essence.

2. Condition with care

MM's Zen Detox is a great place to start! It will help the detox process along and feels great. Using the Zen Detox weekly for at least three consecutive weeks will give you a a detox process that's, well, more zen! Be mindful of how you use other MM conditioners too. You may find that for products with heavy conditioning qualities, like the Pearl Essence Creme Rinse, treating the ends of your hair but not the roots works best.

3. Brush

If you've got oily roots and dry ends, you will benefit from brushing. Even if you don't, brushing is extremely important for all hair types because it disperses oils evenly throughout the hair. So pick up that brush, and get going!

4. Look around

Sometimes a lengthy detox is due in part to factors outside of your hair care products. Installing a shower head water filter can help by improving the quality of the water you wash your hair with. Clean eating and exercise also ease the detox process and are important to your overall health.

5. And in a pinch. . .

Need to be somewhere important? In a pinch, try a natural alternative to dry shampoo. We recommend using cornstarch on blonde hair, or an even mix of cornstarch and cocoa powder on dark hair. Here's how Morrocco Method affiliate Nadia Washlick of Body Unburdened makes her DIY dry shampoo.

Now imagine this. . . 

You've powered through! You've completed the detox process, and you've got the best of both worlds: hair that's beautiful and healthy.

How Often Should I Cut My Hair?

Dear Morrocco Method: 

Help! I know that you recommend cutting on the lunar dates, but how often should I cut my hair?

Sincerely, 

The MM Community

This is a question we get from customers both new and familiar to the lunar hair chart. The chart supplies our recommendations for when to cut, but not necessarily how often, so we wanted to address this frequently asked question in today's MM blog post!

...so the answer?

Our general recommendation is to cut or trim seasonally. This translates to four times a year, or every three months. If the dates correspond to your lunar goal or goals, it is preferable to cut on the corresponding solstice or equinox. As with shampooing and conditioning routines, your cutting frequency may vary depending on your needs and the needs of your hair.

Can I cut my hair more often?

Definitely! We don't recommend cutting more than once a month, but some customers prefer a monthly trim to maintain shorter styles. You can choose to stick to one cutting goal or, if you like, pick a few cutting goals that you wish to rotate each month.

What if I have long hair or want to grow my hair longer?

Even if your goal is to lengthen, we recommend trimming at least every three to six months.  A trim reinvigorates the hair and removes split, dry or damaged ends, which prevents breakage and improves the overall appearance of the hair.

Does this apply to me if I have naturally curly hair?

Yes! We recommend cutting naturally curly hair for the same reasons and benefits!

I've read these tips, but I still have questions!

Keep in mind that our hair cutting dates and tips are meant to enhance your haircut and the overall appearance and health of your hair, not to bring added stress to your hair care routine. One of the best things you can do for your health and your hair is to reduce stress. We recommend scheduling a cut based on one of the lunar goals (summer solstice is just around the corner!), then relax and enjoy. You can always contact the MM support team. Check out our lunar hair care packages, and don't worry: we're with you every snip of the way!