Healthy Hair and The 5 Foods That Promote It

Did you know that the health of your hair is largely affected by the foods you eat? Many women and men around the globe are wondering what foods can best serve their crown of glory. Let's take a quick look at some super nourishing foods that inspire healthy hair growth. 1. Sea Weed/Algaes - Raw seaweed & algae, like Dulse and Spirulina, supply the body with minerals and proteins to rebuild and grow thick, healthy hair. Seaweeds also assist in promoting blood cell production, which leads to improved circulation, an important protocol for healthy hair. Did you know that many Morrocco Method's shampoos have seaweeds in them? Tip: Be sure to get your seaweed and algae from a clean source. 2. Leafy Greens - Raw, organic greens alkalinize the blood and provide us with minerals and vitamins to nourish the hair shaft. Purslane is a standout in this area, as it contains an abundance of essential Omega 3 fats, as well. Look for dark leafy greens like bok choy and dandelion greens. These bitter tasting greens do wonders to detoxify the blood and promote healthy hair. 3. Organic/Wildcrafted Herbal Teas - Teas help mineralize the body. Nettle tea, in particular, is a star player when it comes to hair health. It is brimming with healthy hair nutrition, such as vitamins A, C, K, calcium, potassium, magnesium, iron and chlorophyll. Try some flower teas, like chrysanthemum, rose or chamomile tea, to add extra beauty to the hair. You are what you eat, so why not eat beautiful things! Tip: Create nourishing sun teas to rinse the hair with for added shine and luster. 4. Essential Fatty Acids - If hair is to look its best, it must be fed from the inside out with undamaged fats. These come in the form of nature's perfect gifts to us--coconuts, avocados, purslane, raw grass-fed cultured butter and (one of my favorites) raw OG pumpkin seed oil! Any of the above will nourish your hair from the inside. To fortify the outside of your hair, apply Euro Oil or any of MM's conditioners to saturate the scalp with these essential fatty acids. Tip: Do your best to keep healthy fats in their raw, natural state. Consuming at least a tablespoon a day of good fats will ensure the body has the best nutrients to repair itself with. 5. Aloe - Aloe is a superfood in a class of its own! It's rich in polysaccharides that strengthen the hair and skin. If grown properly and kept raw and pure, aloe is loaded with minerals like silica, which are crucial for thriving hair! Aloe is a crucial ingredient in all MM's shampoos to ensure that your hair grows long and healthy. Tip: Add aloe to your smoothies to thicken them and enhance the nutritional value. Bonus: Smoothie Recipe for Healthy Hair "Paleo and Raw Vegan Friendly" 1/4 cup dulse or other sea veggie of choice 1 inch of aloe fillet, skin peeled off if you prefer 1/4 cup berries of choice (raspberries are my favorite) 1/2 a ripe reed avocado Handful of Fresh Nettles or Green of choice 1 cup of spring water or make a nettle tea steeped in cold springwater for 6 hours in the sunlight. 2 stalks organic celery 1- 3 tsp. Spirulina Powder Optional: Top with Fresh Bee Pollen. And, if you like it sweeter, add Stevia to taste. Blend on a high in a vitamix blender or something similar, with intentions for your healthy hair at heart as you sip your smoothie!

Thanks for reading this article. For more content-rich material, stop by The Sacred Backyard.

5 Tips for Maximizing Your Blonde Henna Hair Color

Blonde henna is the ideal dye for creating a natural sun streaking effect. However, personally mixing and applying the dye can be a very intimidating process. There is a lot of literature surrounding blonde henna--whole pages of tips and tricks--and you often don't know where to start. We make it easy in our guide: 5 tips for maximizing your blonde henna hair color.

1. Clarify your hair beforehand with an apple cider vinegar rinse

Simply put: cassia obovata (blonde henna) sticks better to clean hair, rather than hair that's dense with chemicals or residue. One of the best ways to clarify hair is with an apple cider vinegar rinse. Apple cider vinegar is a naturally occurring  antibiotic and antiseptic. It works by increasing the activity of your scalp's sebaceous glands, thereby flushing out debris, oil buildup and unhealthy bacteria. We recommend rinsing with apple cider vinegar 3 days prior to your henna treatment. After rinsing, you'll find that your hair is incredibly softer and easier to manage. For extra cleansing power, you can followup with a Zen Detox clay mask treatment.

2. Sit in the sun for warmth to help bring out the color

Cassia obovata's dye releasing abilities are affected by the environment, with particular sensitivities to temperature. More dye will be released by blonde henna in warm temperatures, with the inverse happening in cold environments. To get the most out of your blonde henna, while the mixed paste is soaking on your hair, spend some time in the sun, making sure your hair gets enough direct light. The lemon in your henna mixture will also benefit from the light, creating a more pronounced sunstreak effect.

3. Use Euro Oil to combat dryness

The lemon that we recommend adding to your blonde henna mixture can be very drying for your hair. To combat this, add no more than 3 teaspoons of Euro Oil to the mixture. This will result in your hair being measurably softer. Be sure not to add more than 3 teaspoons, as this may diminish the cassia obovata's dye release.

4. For the tea, start off with more water than you think you'll need

Many people start off making the Blonde Tea with 2 cups of water. But that water will sometimes evaporate or be absorbed into the plant material, leaving you with less than 2 cups when it comes time to mix it. To ensure a potent tea mixture, you only need to check the color, which should always be a rich golden color, indicating that it is potent enough.

5. For sticking power, start with neutral henna

Cassia obovata does not always stick to hair the first time around. However, it does very well at sticking to itself, that is other layers of cassia obovata. The dye works like glosses of paint, each layer building upon itself. That's why, if your blonde henna isn't sticking as well as you would like, trying doing a neutral henna treatment. This will provide a nice base layer of Cassia obovata for your blonde henna dye to stick to.

That's it! What Other Tips Have You Found for Maximizing Your Blonde Henna?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FCPjinuWqwI

Affiliate Spotlight: Kayle from Cowgirls & Collard Greens

This week we caught up with Morrocco Method affiliate, Kayle Martin of Cowgirls & Collard Greens On her website, Kayle shares her advice on becoming a vegan cowgirl or cowboy. We love her vegan recipes! 

You changed to a vegan diet. What started you on your healthy journey?

I became a vegetarian when I was twelve after my beloved backyard cow ended up on my dinner plate, but it wasn't until I was thirty years old that I became vegan after being diagnosed with breast cancer. 

What was your mission in creating Cowgirls and Collard Greens? And have you achieved it?

I was motivated to start a blog and website to simply help other people. My life changed in so many positive ways after my journey with breast cancer that I wanted to share my successes with others. I wasn't sure where things would go with Cowgirls & Collard Greens, but I'm a year and a half in and I think things are going quite well. I have a substantial following and social media presence and I receive emails from around the world asking me about my journey to health. I've enjoyed giving many talks this year about my journey to wellness and my plant based diet. My blog primarily revolves around vegan food, but I would like to expand to cover other topics of health and wellness. I'm not sure that I am where I'd like to be, but I move forward everyday with the blog and website. I'm excited to see where it will take me next!

What is your best advice to someone starting out with creating a brand/business?

The best advice, which I didn't want to hear or believe at the time I heard it was, "start before you are ready". If I wouldn't have taken that advice I'd likely still be planning and working on the blog and website and never have taken action to launch it. We all have to start somewhere. I'd also suggest working with someone in your specific industry who knows the ins and outs so you can get feedback to ensure that you are on the right track. A marketing coach would be ideal.

With the year coming to an end, what would you say has been your "Year Highlight"?

I'd have to say that being chosen as the October/November 2014 cover girl of Inspire Health magazine was definitely the highlight. It was a total surprise and I am so very honored to have been a part of it all. It's been a gift to be able to share my story.

We love you being apart of the Morrocco Method Community. What is your favorite MM product?

Wow, there are so many incredible products to choose from, and I haven't even tried them all! I'd have to say that the Sea Essence shampoo as well as the Pearl Essence Cream Rinse are my favorites (as stated in my product review from my blog from earlier this year: http://www.cowgirlsandcollardgreens.com/product-review-morrocco-method-hair-care/). To those of you who haven't tried these, giddy up on over and get some!   Thanks Kayle! Check out her article in Inspire Health maa

Liked what you've read? Join our Healthy Hair Club and never miss an article again!

Health & Wellness Books Gift Guide

These are ebooks and plain ol' tree books from our favorite bloggers about health and wellness. Jennifer Saleem of Hybrid Rasta Mama has graciously given us a coupon code! Save 25% off any ejunkie PDF version of her books until December 7, 2014 using the code: MM25 Coupon Code applies to: Coconut Oil for Your Skin: Nourishing Your Body from the Outside In by Jennifer Saleem Salve Made Simple by Jennifer Saleem Cooking with Coconut Oil by Jennifer Saleem Naturally Sweetened Treats by Community Cookbook Gluten-Free Snacks by Community Cookbook Winter Soups by Community Cookbook

Gift Guide

Beauty Recipes

There's Food on Your Face: The Hippy Homemaker's DIY Guide to Natural Health & Beauty by Christina Anthis of The Hippy Homemaker Homemade Edible Skincare: Natural Beauty & Organic Body Care Recipes by Bethanne Wanamaker of Edible Goddess DIY Organic Beauty Recipes by Heather Dessinger of Mommypotamus

Health

Quit PMS: End Your Menstrual Misery! by Lauren Geertsen of Empowered Sustenance Quit Acne: The Nutritional Approach for Clear Skin by Lauren Geertsen of Empowered Sustenance Before the Store: A Guide to Knowing What's in your Grocery Cart by Jennifer Lucas and Jaclyn Taverna of Healthy Farm, Healthy Plate, Healthy You Nourishing Our Children: Timeless Principles for Supporting Learning, Behavior and Health Through Optimal Nutrition by NourishingOurChildren.Org Nourishing Broth: An Old-Fashioned Remedy for the Modern World by Sally Fallon Morell and Kaayla T. Daniel The Upgraded Coffee Enema by Dodee Schmitt of Dodhisattva's Sacred Backyard

Food Recipes

Paleo/Grain-Free Keeping It Real: Gluten Free Recipes the Whole Family Will Love by Jessica Espinoza of Delicious Obsessions Keeping Your Cool: Refreshing Real Food Beverages by Jessica Espinoza of Delicious Obsessions 28 Days of AIP: Get Fed. Get Well. Get Out of the Kitchen! by Christina Feindel of A Clean Plate Grain Free Grab-n-Go by Hayley Ryczek of Health Starts in the Kitchen The Paleo Approach Cookbook: A Detailed Guide to Heal Your Body and Nourish Your Soul by Sarah Ballantyne of The Paleo Mom Make It Paleo: Over 200 Grain Free Recipes for Any Occasion by Billy Staley and Hayley Mason of Primal Palate Make it Paleo II: Over 175 New Grain Free Recipes for the Primal Palate by Billy Staley and Hayley Mason of Primal Palate Grain Free Holiday Feast by Lauren Geertsen of Empowered Sustenance Indulge and Heal: Nourishing Grain-Free Treats by Lauren Geertsen of Empowered Sustenance The Paleo Slow Cooker: Healthy, Gluten-free Meals the Easy Way by Arsy Vartanian of Rubies and Radishes The Wellness Mama Cookbook by Katie the Wellness Mama Ancestral Nourishment: How Eating Like Your Ancestors Will Give You Glowing Skin, Beautiful Hair and Radiant Health by Dani Andrew of Ancestral Nutrition Vegan Superfood Beauty Elixirs: Low-Glycemic Recipes for Vitality, Immunity & Weight Loss by Bethanne Wanamaker of Edible Goddess Chocolate Superfood Desserts by Bethanne Wanamaker of Edible Goddess Rawsome Vegan Baking: An Un-cookbook for Raw, Gluten-Free, Vegan, Beautiful and Sinfully Sweet Cookies, Cakes, Bars & Cupcakes by Emily von Euw of This Rawsome Vegan Life 100 Best Juices, Smoothies & Healthy Snacks: Recipes for Natural Energy & Weight Control the Easy & Healthy Way by Emily von Euw of This Rawsome Vegan Life

And of course...

Awaken Your Roots: Secrets of the Master Hair Shaman Revealed by Anthony Morrocco of Morrocco Method (FREE EBOOK AND AUDIOBOOK!)  Did we miss a book you love? Comment below!

You Won't Believe These Henna Hair Color Transformations

Henna hair dye is an all-natural alternative to traditional chemical dyes. It's amazing the colors you can achieve with only three simple plant-based ingredients. Whether you want to create a sun-streak effect, add soft shades of brunette or simply touch up your roots,  henna hair color is the right choice. Once you see the results, you may never chemically color your hair again.

Our Fabulous Customers

Lucky for those wanting to see some before and after pictures of henna, our lovely customers have been kind enough to send in their photos. Check them out below. You won't believe some of these transformations!

Dark Brown

Medium Brown

Red

Blonde Henna

Grey Coverage

Neutral

Black

Feel free to post your fabulous henna hair color transformations!

The Secret of Where Our Boxes Come From

If you have ordered from our raw store before, then you may have noticed a white sticker on your box that reads "RECYCLED." But when we say "recycled," we mean something quite different than just boxes made from recycled material...

The Secret

You see, here at Morrocco Method, we make the rounds to local businesses and shops, collecting excess boxes and packing material that would otherwise be thrown away. These orphaned boxes end up in our warehouse, where we they are reused for our orders. This is why our boxes come in all different shapes and sizes. You'll also find our products wrapped in various packing materials--peanuts, tissue paper and air cushions. (Don't worry! We take extra precautions to ensure that your products are safely handled, no matter what packing material we use.)

It's the Little Things

Reusing packaging is just one of the many ways we remain committed to green, eco-friendly business practices. We believe that it's the little things that add up in the end. For more tips on how to run a greener home, check out our 10 Tips for Going Green(er). You'll find that there are plenty of materials around the house that can be reused for a variety of purposes. For example, glass jars and pots can be reused as containers to store odd and ends or as beverage holders.

What things from around the house have you reused in creative ways?

How to Style Hair Without Heat: 5 Easy Tips

We've all been told at some point or another that we should limit the amount of heat that we apply to our hair. Heat thins hair, causes frizz and overtime results in premature hair fall. Problem is: heat is hard to quit when it makes things so much easier. But easier is not always the right choice for our hair. Here are a couple ways we can style hair without causing heat damage:

1. Squeeze dry your hair, don't rub it.

Most people step out from the shower, grab the towel and immediately begin rubbing their hair. Here's our first tip: don't! When you rub your hair, you create frizz, add static and damage your hair. Instead, use a towel to gently squeeze the water from your hair. This will keep your hair cuticles smooth. It may take more time, but your hair will thank you.

2. Brush with a boar bristle brush.

Boar hair is very similar to human hair. This makes it perfect for brushing, because it carries the sebum oil from your scalp and evenly distributes it throughout the rest of your hair. By using a boar bristle brush, not only will you reduce oil buildup at the base of your scalp, but the rest of your hair will become more conditioned. You'll be enjoying reduced frizz and an added soft, healthy shine. It will also add volume to your hair, giving you a blow-dried look without the heat. For more instructions on how to use a boar bristle brush, check out this video.

3. Brush in different directions each time.

When you brush your hair in the same direction everyday, your hair gets used to it and begins to settle. Your part becomes more pronounced and your hair becomes flat. Instead, alternative the direction you brush over your hair's part to add volume without heat. To make things easier, we have this helpful video to show you how: http://youtu.be/tyTcEKR0fug

 4. Makes curls with buns, flexi rods and even socks!

There are a ton of no-heat methods for turning straight hair into beautiful curls. The easiest way is to twist dry hair into a bun and leave it that way for a couple hours (freshly washed hair will hold curls better than unwashed hair). There are also a couple tools you can use, including flexi rods and even socks!

5. Use Blood of the Dragon Styling Gel.

Blood of the Dragon Styling Gel can be used on either wet or dry hair. Apply a dab to your strands, twist and hold, then release for no-heat curls. It also works great for taming frizz or smoothing pesky flyaway strands. If your style starts to lose definition, simply wet your hands and then shape and re-texture your hair.

What methods have you used to style your hair without heat? Let us know in the comments.

How to Naturally Treat Head Lice with Henna

Treatments for head lice are some of the most chemically-laden products on the market. Luckily, there are plenty of natural remedies for head lice that have proved very effective, one of which is henna.

How Does It Work?

Effective head lice treatments need to work on two fronts, addressing both the adult lice and the nits (eggs) that cling to the hair strands. Henna works quite simply in both these regards. The gritty texture of henna when properly mixed acts as a fine-toothed comb for nits. The acidic solutions that are commonly mixed with henna (lemon juice, etc.) also break down the glue-like substance that nits use to attached to hair strands. Additionally, the muddy, sticky qualities of henna makes it perfect for smothering the live bugs that are roaming the scalp.

Things You'll Need:

• Fine-toothed comb
• Bath towels
• Morrocco Method henna

To use henna as a head lice treatment, prepare and apply henna as normal. Use cling wrap or a shower cap and keep the henna on your head for at least three hours. After rinsing, comb your hair using the fine-toothed comb and let dry. For particularly bad infestations, Artemisia has been shown to improve effectiveness of henna for lice removal. Mix 25g of Artemisia with each 100g of henna.

NOTE:

Artemisia should not be used if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Also, while henna is generally safe, consider consulting a physician before using henna on a child under the age of 12 to determine if the child has a G6PD deficiency. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6K_mykXDT6c&list=UUt2XZvvkoORRTLqc1CuzVdA

Sources:

http://www.mehandi.com/shop/headlice/ http://hubpages.com/hub/5-Natural-Solutions-for-Eliminating-Lice http://www.selfgrowth.com/articles/does-hair-dye-kill-head-lice-how-about-henna-paste

Shower Like a Caveman: Paleo Healing Clay for Hair

The paleo movement has long since expanded beyond it's humble origins as a diet fad, becoming an entire lifestyle that embraces the eating habits, activities and wisdom of our cave-dwelling ancestors. Put most plainly, adherents of the paleo movement avoid any overly-processed foods or products that a paleolithic person wouldn't have access to. You can bet that our ancestors weren't dousing their heads with chemically-laden shampoos when they showered. But one thing they did have access to is clay.

Paleo Healing Clay for Hair

We're big proponents of clay, so big that we put clay in all our shampoos. The clay we're talking about is Bentonite. For centuries, bentonite has been used for healing, body detoxification and disease prevention. When used topically this natural clay works as a great alternative to clarifying shampoos that can strip hair of its natural oils, leaving it dry and damage. Bentonite works by drawing out dirt and impurities from the hair and scalp. Here are just some of the benefits:

• Detoxification: Bentonite clay is highly absorbent. It pulls away chemicals deposited by the environment but leaves in essential moisture and oils, making it perfect for those wanting soft, supple strands.
• Moisturizing and Conditioning: Frizziness and breakage is often caused by poor conditioning. Bentonite restore's hair luster and adds moisture to get rid of those tangled ends.
• Beneficial Minerals: This nutrient-rich clay takes out the bad and puts in the good. Bentonite contains essential minerals that are beneficial to hair growth and strength, including magnesium, silica and potassium.

To give your hair a clay-powered boost, use our Zen Detox Clay Mask, rich with paleo healing clays.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-rNo2tclmlM

Sources:

http://www.bliss.com/why-you-need-healing-clays-for-your-hair-and-skin/ http://durablehealth.net/bentonite-clay/bentonite-clay-for-hair-natural-hair-loss-benefits/

How the Fall Equinox Gives You Stronger Hair

We previously discussed how to cut hair to beautify, lengthen, thicken and improve root health. But this year's fall equinox gives us the perfect opportunity to discuss the fifth lunar cutting goal: strengthening.

Not sure what all this lunar hair cutting talk is about? Click here for an intro!

The Fall Equinox

If you're a follower of our Lunar Hair Chart, then you're probably aware of the upcoming Fall Equinox. The Lunar Hair Chart prescribes cutting your hair at least four times a year to maintain hair and scalp health, and the Fall Equinox (September 26, 27 & 28) is the perfect time to do so, as it is the ideal date to cut for strengthening. The equinoxes and solstices are powerful times, both scientifically and spiritually. Your hair responds to certain cycles of the moon when cut, and during these powerful times, your hair receives the maximum benefit of the lunar cutting goals.

Why Cut for Strengthening?

Healthy hair is much more than just appearances; hair can look good on the outside but be weak and damaged at the follicle level. Strengthening is an important lunar cutting goal for those wanting add resilience to their hair and avoid premature hair fall. Cutting your hair on these dates reinforces roots, follicles, and the bulbs of your hair, reaching down to the root levels. This is especially powerful for new hairs, which will actually grow in with stronger roots and bulbs. Strengthening is recommended for those with fine, thin or unmanageable hair.

The Blunt Snip Cut

To take full advantage of the Fall Equinox, cut your hair using the blunt snip cut. The best thing about the blunt snip cut is that you can do it yourself! For tips and tricks on blunt snipping your own hair, visit our blog post "How to Cut Your Own Hair: Blunt Snip."

For More Info on the Lunar Hair Chart and Cutting Goals, Check Out Our Lunar FAQ Article.

http://youtu.be/L-mEfANz9bM

MM Ingredient: Seaweed for Stronger Hair

  In the last few years, people have become increasingly cautious of what they eat. But what often gets ignored is the fact that our skin and scalp are highly absorbent, so much so that up to 70% of what we put on it gets absorbed into our bloodstream. Knowing this, we treat our shampoos much like the way we treat the food that goes into our bodies, sourcing only raw, vegan ingredients. One such ingredient is seaweed, which can be found in all our shampoos.

The Secret to Stronger Hair?

Seaweed benefits hair in a variety of ways. Firstly, it is a very mineral-rich plant. In particular, it contains high levels of zinc and iron, which are essential to healthy, strong hair growth. Many seaweeds also get high levels direct sunlight, making them dense with antioxidants. In addition, the abundance of amino acids and proteins that are found in seaweed stimulates hair follicles and hair growth. The plant is also noted to have detoxifying agents that can help to eliminate toxins and heavy metals from the scalp and hair. Follow us on facebook for more insight and information on the ingredients found in your favorite Morrocco Method products.

Is seaweed a part of your healthy hair diet?

Sources:

http://www.livestrong.com/article/279409-about-seaweed-and-hair-growth/ http://www.ehow.com/about_6500736_nori-seaweed-hair-growth.html http://www.jolenehart.com/beauty-is-wellness/featured/seaweed-the-secret-to-strong-hair

Decoding the Label: 5 Shampoo Ingredients to Avoid

More and more, people are checking the backs of shampoo bottles for ingredients lists, reading to see exactly what they are putting in their hair. However, that long list of scientific names and numbers can often be difficult to discern. You might as well be reading a foreign language. As a general rule, you want to be wary of any ingredient name you can't pronounce. In particular, here are five shampoo ingredients that should be an immediate red flag in any hair care product.

The Culprits:

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate. The mother of them all, sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) is found in virtually every supermarket shampoo. This harsh detergent is the reason why shampoos foam and bubble when lathered. SLS destroyers your hair in the long run by stripping your scalp of its natural oils and causing flaky, irritated skin. Polyethelyne Glycol. This ingredient, commonly disguised as PEG/Polyethelyne or Polyoxyethelyne, is designed to aggressively penetrate and cleanse strands. What it actually does is overtime break down healthy hair proteins, causing dryness and brittleness. [caption id="attachment_7136" align="alignright" width="240"] MM Shampoos are Chemical Free, always.[/caption] Cocamide Diethanolamine. Here's a tricky one. Shampoos often advertise themselves as containing "coconut oil." But if the product foams, check the back; you'll most likely find cocamide diethanolamine (DEA), a foaming chemical derived from coconut oil in a laboratory. DEA can cause scalp irritation or a bad allergic reaction. Fragrance or Parfum. You never know what you're going to get when you see "Fragrance" on the back of a shampoo bottle. This enigmatic ingredient can be a mixture of any 3,000+ chemicals, which shampoo companies are not required to disclose. Many of these chemicals can be scalp irritants. Synthetic Colors. Usually appearing at the end of the ingredients list, synthetic colors are listed as either FD&C or D&C followed by a color and a number. These dyes are entirely for aesthetic purposes and may cause scalp sensitivity or allergic reactions.

Avoid the cycle of SLS and other harmful ingredients by choosing only chemical-free shampoos.

http://youtu.be/doUi1bwAjFY

4 Things NOT to Do During Detox

The detox phase is always the first step of the journey to healthy hair. For some, it can be a daunting challenge (check out our 5 Detox Tips for more ways to ease the process). Today, instead of focusing on what to do, I want to talk about what NOT to do while you're detoxing.

1. Not Brush with a Boar Bristle Brush

The two most common symptoms of detox can be alleviated with proper brushing patterns: dry ends and oily roots. Brushing will disperse your scalp's natural oils, reducing oil buildup while simultaneously adding shine and strengthening your hair. Ideally, you'll want to brush multiple times each day, using a boar bristle brush. For more brushing tips, check out our Ultimate Hair Brushing How-to.

2. Over Shampoo

Oily, sticky, grainy--your hair becomes a mess during the detox phase. And to compensate, many people begin shampooing more often, once a day or sometimes more. This may, however, be counterproductive. Natural shampoos are very conditioning, which can cause excess oiliness for some people who are over-shampooing. Other shampoos can be drying, which will have the opposite effect. Try cutting back on how often you shampoo and find a routine that works with your hair.

3. Worry About It

Detoxing can be a stressful process, but you can't let that stress get to you. Your body reacts very negatively to prolonged periods of stress, one of the symptoms being hair loss and degradation. Put aside some time each day, or at the very least each week, to mediate or really clear your head from stress.

4.Quit!

Detox is no fun, and it's really easy to just give up, especially considering that the detox phase is so varied; some people take only a few weeks to detox, while others can take multiple months. The key is to not give up. Beautiful hair awaits you on the other side of this long journey. For a little inspiration, like our Facebook page to receive weekly detox stories, motivational mantras, and other helpful hair tips.

Share your motivational quotes or detox stories in the comments.

Why Is My Shampoo Brown?

Yellow 5 (CI 19140), Red 40 (CI 16035), Red 33 (CI 17200), Blue 1 (CI 42090). If you take a good look at any supermarket shampoo, then you may find this litany of food dyes or something similar at the end of the ingredient list. You see, that milky white color that is so prevalent in shampoos is actually a result of processed food coloring.

Why Is My Shampoo Brown?

This question is often asked by people who are trying out Morrocco Method shampoos for the first time. For those used to the whites, blues and greens of popular hair care products, then the brown coloration of our shampoos may come as a surprise. This coloration is primarily attributed to the earthen clays, Kaolin and Montmorillonite, present in all our shampoos. And unlike many other hair care companies, we choose not to mask our shampoo's coloration with unnatural or processed dyes.

So Will This Turn My Hair Brown?

Absolutely not! The clay in our shampoos do not contain any dyeing properties. In fact, the clays are detoxifying agents, meaning they will naturally brighten and enhance your hair's natural color.

That's a Relief. Anything Else I Should Know?

Similar to our refusal to use any dyes, we also abstain from using any processed perfumes or fragrances in our products. What you smell when you open up a Morrocco Method shampoo is 100% natural ingredients--apples, algae and other botanicals, all mixed together to create a wonderful hair smoothie. It's only by chance that they came out smelling as good as they do!

The Question You May Want to Start Asking is Why Aren't Other Shampoos Brown as Well?

Get Longer Hair This Full Moon

In three days time, we'll be having another full moon. August 11 & 12 is the perfect time to cut your hair if you're looking to boost your hair growth.

The Lunar Hair Chart

For centuries humans have followed the moon's cycles to determine when to plant and harvest crops; this same practice can be applied to your hair with the Lunar Hair Chart. The full moon, in particular, is the most powerful day to your hair for a particular cutting goal. This month's cutting goal is lengthen.

How Does it Work?

Overtime, the ends of your hair becomes frail or damaged, resulting in split ends that stunt hair growth. Cutting your hair on regular intervals removes these split ends and allows your hair to grow at a faster rate. We recommend cutting your hair at least four times a year--on the equinoxes and solstices. Some may even want to cut their hair every month or every other month if they want to follow a particular cutting goal. Check our our previous blog post on how to cut your own hair using the blunt snip method.

What Else Can I Do to Increase Hair Growth

• Avoid using blow dryers or heated styling tools as these further damage your hair and result in more split ends.
• Avoid any silicon-based shampoos. Normal shampoos are filled with plastics that coat hairs and stunt growth. Instead, choose a silicon and sulfate free shampoo.
• Condition your ends using a natural conditioner to moisturize, strengthen and reduce breakage.
• Drink lots of fluids. Water naturally detoxes the body and scalp and a healthy scalp allows for healthy hair growth.

Follow our Lunar Hair Cutting chart for more cutting dates and info on the other lunar goals.

Introducing: Our New Henna Hair Dye!

In the ever-ongoing effort to improve our products, we've made a big switch in the way we do henna hair dye.

What's New?

Previously, our henna hair dye came as a pre-mixed combination of henna leaf powder, indigo leaf powder or cassia. We have discovered that by keeping the ingredients separate until the time of application we can achieve truer, more effective color results. If you have ordered henna from us in the last few days, then you may have already noticed that we made the switch from jars to bags in order to save plastic and reduce waste. Starting next week, our henna will be sold in separate bags of henna, indigo and cassia. Additionally, we have moved the henna manufacturing process into our San Luis Obispo facility where we can hand mix the products and better control the quality of our henna.

So What Can I Expect?

Better color and longer-lasting results! For those of you who prefer our previous way of doing henna, simply pre-mix the powders. You'll just be getting higher-quality henna hair dye in more economical packaging. For those of you who are ready for the magic of our new henna, we've completely revamped our henna instructions so that you can be ready when it arrives.

Happy (Natural) Coloring!

4 Tips for Treating Scalp Acne

Scalp acne functions the same and is caused by the same factors as traditional face or body acne. Your scalp naturally produces a protective layer of oil known as sebum. And when dead skin cells, excess oils or chemicals build up on the scalp, pores become clogged and acne forms. Fortunately, scalp acne is much less visible than traditional acne. It may go undiscovered for some time until you run a comb through your hair and notice tender or sensitive spot. Severe scalp acne can even be painful.

1. Avoid Oily or Chemical-Based Shampoos

The majority of shampoos contain heavy, oily or chemical ingredients that clog pores and contribute to scalp acne. Avoid shampoos that contain ingredients such as sodium lauryl sulfate or any type of fragrance. Instead, choose a mild, light shampoo or a dandruff shampoo that will remove flakes and dandruff while gently cleansing pores. (Tip: if your shampoo is too oily, try diluting it with water.)

2. Use Apple Cider Vinegar

Mix equal amounts of apple cider vinegar and lukewarm water and pour it onto your scalp, light massaging the mixture through your hair. Rinse after about five minutes. Apple cider vinegar helps disinfect the scalp and restore scalp pH levels. As an added bonuses, your may find that your hair is softer and sleeker. Shampoos containing apple cider vinegar will also have the same effect.

3. Only Condition Your Ends

Conditioners are formulated to soften hair and provide extra moisture. But all that moisture may be too much for your scalp to handle if you're noticing acne. Try conditioning only the ends of your hair if needed and avoid using any conditioner on the scalp.  

4. Brush!

The best oils for your hair are the ones produced naturally by your scalp. However, hats or certain hair styles can cause this natural oil to buildup in certain areas, thereby clogging the pores. Regular brushing with a boar bristle brush will spread this concentrated oil to the rest of your hair, removing buildup and naturally improving the health of your hair. Our recommendation is to brush your once a day, more or less depending on your hair type.

Have you dealt with scalp acne before? What remedies or tips worked for you?

3 Home Habits to Treat Scalp Eczema

One of the most common places for eczema to develop is the scalp. It often manifests as inflamed, itchy or dry skin and goes by many names, including, most commonly, seborrheic dermatitis. Many people simply call it dandruff. And while there are many over-the-counter remedies for eczema, these three home habits can actually go a long way in alleviating some of the symptoms.

1. Change Up Your Shampoo Routine

Consider only wetting your scalp every other day. Now, this may seem counter intuitive, but the daily habit of rinsing your scalp may actually dry out the skin even further and aggravate your symptoms.

2. Take Short, Lukewarm Showers

This may be a tough one to do. We all love long, hot showers, but our scalps definitely do not. Not only will hot water irritate the scalp, but prolonged exposure to water will result in increased dryness and worsening symptoms.

3. Relax!

Stress is an often overlooked agitator of eczema symptoms. During times of stress, your skin automatically inflames as a way to protect itself. There are many ways to reduce stress: getting enough sleep, exercising, practicing meditation. Not only will this reduce eczema symptoms, but you may find your days a little bit brighter and happier.

Have any home treatments of your own? Let us know in the comments.

DIY Herbal Tea Rinses for Hair

What do you think about a herbal remedy that strengthens hair and promotes healthy hair growth? What if I told you that you probably already have this herbal remedy in your kitchen cabinet?

The three step process:

Tea rinses are a simple way of supplementing your natural hair care routine. Start by brewing two cups of strong tea in a bowl or pitcher. Then, after shampooing, slowly rinse your hair with the tea (you can even use a spray bottle, if you prefer). Follow with a deep conditioner as tea can often have drying properties.

How do tea rinses work?

Most teas contain trace amounts of caffeine that penetrate hair strands and promote hair growth by increasing blood flow. Teas are also rich in antioxidants and amino acids that naturally soften hair, increase manageability and restore luster and shine. Certain teas also contain vitamins and cleansing properties that protect against chemical damage, repair split ends and exfoliate the scalp.

What kind of teas should I use?

There are MANY types of tea that can be used as a tea rinse:

• Green tea - reduces shedding, stimulates hair growth and exfoliates dry flakes and dandruff
• Black tea - strengthens and thickens hair, adds luster and naturally darkens hair
• Nettle - helps with dandruff and strengthens hair strands
• Rosemary - stimulates hair follicles for hair growth

Have you ever used tea rinses before? What were your experiences?