Whether you're looking to change your current color or try something new for the season, mushroom brown is a stylish and low-maintenance option that continues to trend year after year. This cool-toned, earthy hair color blends ashy brown, subtle taupe, and smoky gray hues to create a natural yet sophisticated style that suits a wide range of skin tones.
In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about getting mushroom brown hair. If you are interested, please continue reading.
What Is Mushroom Brown Hair?
Mushroom brown hair is a multi-dimensional shade that often includes a mix of balayage or babylights to add depth and softness. Unlike warm-toned brown or golden brunette shades, mushroom brown leans neutral to cool, making it an ideal choice for those seeking to tone down warmth or add a contemporary edge to their look.
Who Is Mushroom Brown Hair Best For?
Mushroom brown is incredibly versatile and flatters most skin tones, especially those with neutral, cool, or olive undertones. If you naturally have dark brown or medium brown hair, transitioning to mushroom brown is relatively easy, and you won't need extensive bleaching.
It’s also a great choice if:
- ◆You prefer a subtle, natural-looking color.
- ◆You want a professional yet stylish shade.
- ◆You like ashy or gray tones but don’t want to go fully silver or platinum.
- ◆You want a cool-toned brunette alternative.
How To Get Mushroom Brown Hair At the Salon?
1. Schedule a Professional Consultation
Have a professional hairstylist evaluate your current hair color and condition. Bring along or pick up reference photos online to convey the exact look you want—the amount of ash brown in a mushroom brown can range from a subtle taupe to a dimensional taupe mix.
2. Lightning (If Necessary)
If your natural or current hair is dark or warm, your stylist may need to lift your color a few levels using bleach or high-lift color. This creates a neutral canvas so the cool mushroom tones can show through clearly.
💡 Tips: You need to be mentally prepared, after all, the bleaching time will be very long.
3. Neutralizing Warmth
To achieve the signature cool, muted base of mushroom brown, your stylist will need to neutralize any red, orange, or golden tones in your hair. This may involve:
Pre-toning with ash or blue-based colors.
Using a double process (lighten + tone) for highly pigmented hair.
4. Applying the Mushroom Brown Color
Here’s where the magic happens. Your stylist will:
Blend cool brown, ash, taupe, and gray tones to create depth and dimension.
Use techniques like balayage, lowlights, or root shadowing for a natural and soft transition.
Adjust the formula based on your skin tone and preferences — for example, more gray for a smokier effect or more beige for a softer, wearable finish.
5. Finishing and Styling
After the color is complete, your stylist will: Rinse and deep condition your hair. Style it to highlight the new dimension and tone.
DIY: How To Get Mushroom Brown Hair At Home?
If you want to experience the fun of dyeing your hair at home, you can try it according to the following safe steps:
Tools You’ll Need:
- ◆A mushroom brown or ash brown box dye
- ◆Developer (usually 20 volumes)
- ◆Hair toner (like Wella Color Charm T18 or T14)
- ◆Gloves and a mixing bowl
- ◆Purple shampoo and conditioner
Step:
1. Strand Test First
Always perform a hair test to preview the results and check your scalp for any allergic reactions.
2. Prep Your Hair
Start with clean, dry, unwashed hair (natural oils protect the scalp).
Detangle and divide your hair into 4 sections using clips.
3. Apply the Base Color
Mix your ash or mushroom brown box dye according to the instructions.
Apply it evenly from roots to ends, starting at the back and moving forward.Use a tint brush for precision and better saturation.
⏳ This staining process usually takes 30–45 minutes.
4. Tone (If Needed)
If your result looks too warm or brassy:
Use a toner like Wella T14 (pale ash blonde) with a 10 or 20 volume developer. Apply and leave on for 10–20 minutes, checking the tone regularly.Then you rinse thoroughly and condition.
💡 Tip: Toners help neutralize red/orange tones that box dye may not fully cover.
5. Rinse & Condition
Rinse with cool water until the water runs clear.Use the included conditioner or a hydrating mask to seal moisture.
6. Style & Maintain
Once your hair is dry, style it as usual. Cool tones always look great with a smooth finish or soft waves to highlight dimension.
How To Maintain Mushroom Brown Hair?
Mushroom brown is relatively low-maintenance compared to platinum or fashion colors, but you’ll still need a solid hair care routine to keep the color fresh and vibrant.
✔️Use Color-Safe Shampoo: Look for sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners designed for color-treated hair.
✔️Tone Regularly: Use a purple or blue shampoo weekly to counteract brassiness.
✔️Avoid Heat Styling: Excess heat can cause the color to fade. Always use a heat protectant when blow-drying, curling, or straightening.
✔️Touch-Ups Every 6–8 Weeks: Depending on your natural color and how fast your hair grows, you may need to refresh your roots or tone your ends every few weeks.
✔️Hydrate and Protect: Weekly deep conditioning masks and leave-in treatments will help retain shine and softness.
Some Mushroom Brown Hair Inspirations
Mushroom Brown Balayage: Soft, sun-kissed streaks of ash brown and grayish taupe.
Dark Mushroom Brown: Rich, deep brown base with cool undertones.
Mushroom Brown with Face-Framing Highlights: Brighten your face while keeping an overall cool tone.
Smoky Mushroom Ombre: A gradual fade from darker roots to lighter mushroom tips.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Skipping toner: Box dye alone may leave warm undertones — toner is key for that smoky finish.
Using a high-volume developer on fragile hair can cause damage.
Choosing a warm brown dye: Always go for “cool,” “ash,” “taupe,” or “neutral” tones.
Not conditioning after coloring: Hydration is essential for color longevity.
Final Thoughts
Mushroom brown hair is a stylish, versatile shade that offers a modern twist on traditional brown hair. Its blend of cool tones and earthy depth creates a look that's both chic and natural, perfect for any season. Whether you go to a salon or try it yourself, this trend proves that going brown doesn’t have to be boring.
If you have read the above steps and feel that it is very troublesome, and you are afraid that the dyeing effect will not be good, then it is recommended to buy a wig. SunberHair is an online store specializing in the production and sale of wigs. There are all kinds of highlight hair color wigs here, which are very similar to mushroom brown hair. If you are interested, you can click to check them out.
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