minimal beauty

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

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

 

 

the price of feather hair extensions

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

You can read the full article here
GET INFORMED!

Moko and Max green

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

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

 

Green on Display

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

Read the full article here

Good Life

Check out our first feature in Philadelphia Magazine,

Debut: Moko

By Ashley Primis

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

PHOTOGRAPH BY JEFF FUSCO

Coming Clean

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

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

Visit Philly

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

Feather Extensions are Not Moko-friendly

Dear Clients,

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

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

What happened?

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

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

We hope you understand and thank you for your support.

Love,

Moko

summer mokovers

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

Check out these recent moko make overs:

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

another color creation by Jessica...

Edgy pixie cut by Monique

moko loves prom season. hair by Monique

Razor shag by Jessica

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

Don't forget your sunscreen- happy summer.