1. Introduction
Mushroom brown hair is the ultimate cool-toned brunette trend, blending shades of taupe, gray, and earthy browns for a natural yet modern look. Inspired by the soft, muted tones of mushrooms, this ashy brunette shade offers depth and dimension without the warmth of traditional brown hair.
Perfect for brunettes seeking a low-maintenance yet stylish hair color, mushroom brown is versatile and effortlessly chic. It creates a multi-dimensional effect with subtle highlights and lowlights, making it a great option for those who prefer a natural but polished aesthetic.
This trend has been spotted on celebrities like Gigi Hadid and Hailee Steinfeld, adding to its popularity on Instagram and Pinterest. Hairstylists love it because it grows out gracefully, meaning fewer salon visits compared to high-maintenance blonde or red shades.
Wondering if it’s right for you? Mushroom brown works best on light to medium brunettes and looks especially stunning on cool-toned or neutral skin tones. However, with the right shade variation, even warmer complexions can pull it off beautifully.
Whether you want a subtle refresh or a full transformation, mushroom brown hair offers a sophisticated yet natural look that’s perfect for any season. This guide will cover everything you need to know—from the best techniques to maintenance tips—to help you achieve and keep the perfect mushroom brown shade.
2. What Makes Mushroom Brown Hair So Popular?
Mushroom brown hair has taken over as the go-to shade for brunettes looking for a cool-toned, effortless style. It’s subtle yet striking, offering a dimensional look that stands out without being overly bold. Unlike warmer brown shades, mushroom brown creates a soft, smoky effect with taupe and gray undertones, making it a perfect balance between natural and trendy.
One of its biggest advantages? It’s incredibly low-maintenance. The ashy tones help camouflage root growth, meaning you won’t need frequent touch-ups. Unlike vibrant colors that fade quickly, mushroom brown softens over time rather than turning brassy, making it an easy-to-manage choice for busy individuals.
For those who love dimensional color but don’t want the commitment of bleaching, mushroom brown is the perfect alternative to blonde. It adds depth and movement with strategically placed highlights and lowlights, giving the same multi-tonal effect as balayage or ombré—without the damage of going lighter.
Another reason for its rising popularity? It’s a versatile, year-round shade. Some colors feel seasonal—platinum blonde in summer, rich brunette in winter—but mushroom brown is neither too dark nor too light. Whether it’s summer sun or cozy winter vibes, this cool brunette tone always looks effortlessly chic.
With celebrities and influencers embracing the trend, it’s no surprise that mushroom brown hair has become a social media favorite. If you’re looking for a modern, low-maintenance brunette shade, this is the perfect choice.
3. How to Achieve Mushroom Brown Hair
Mushroom brown hair is all about cool, earthy tones with soft dimension, making it a trendy yet natural-looking brunette shade. Whether you’re transitioning from dark hair or refreshing a faded color, achieving the perfect mushroom brown hue requires the right base and coloring techniques.
1. Start with the Right Base
The best mushroom brown results come from a light to medium brown base. If your hair is darker, your stylist may need to lift it slightly to create a neutral starting point. If you’re lighter, a toner or gloss can be applied to cool down any warm undertones.
2. Techniques for the Perfect Mushroom Brown Shade
Balayage or Babylights: These techniques create a soft, natural gradient, mimicking the way light naturally hits the hair. This is ideal for dimensional color without harsh lines.
Shadow Root: A darker, cool-toned root blends into the rest of the hair, creating a lived-in look that grows out seamlessly. This method also adds depth and contrast.
Glossing Treatment: A gloss or toner is key to achieving the signature cool, ashy finish. Since brown hair can pull warm, a cool-toned glaze helps neutralize brassiness and keeps the tone fresh.
3. How to Ask Your Stylist for Mushroom Brown Hair
To get the best results, bring photos of the specific mushroom brown tone you love. Since this shade is all about subtle variations, communication with your stylist is key. Here’s what to request:
· A neutral to cool-toned brunette base (avoid warm, golden tones).
· Ashy lowlights for depth and dimension.
· A soft, blended balayage or babylights to create movement.
· A toner or gloss to eliminate warmth and enhance the mushroom brown effect.
With the right techniques and professional guidance, you can achieve the perfect mushroom brown shade that is chic, sophisticated, and effortlessly low-maintenance.
4. Mushroom Brown vs. Other Brown Hair Shades
Mushroom brown is a unique, cool-toned brunette that stands out among other brown shades. While it shares similarities with ash brown, chestnut brown, and bronde, it has distinct qualities that make it a top choice for those who prefer a neutral, taupe-inspired color with a modern edge.
1. Mushroom Brown vs. Ash Brown
Mushroom Brown: Leans toward taupe, gray, and earthy undertones, creating a soft, muted effect. It has a balance of neutral and cool tones, making it neither too dark nor too light.
Ash Brown: More silvery and smoky, with a stronger blue-gray tint. Ash brown often appears brighter and cooler than mushroom brown, which has a more natural, organic feel.
Best for: Those who want a cooler brunette but prefer a soft, dimensional look over a stark, silver-ash finish.
2. Mushroom Brown vs. Chestnut Brown
Mushroom Brown: Completely cool and neutral, with no red or warm undertones. The muted hues make it a low-maintenance choice since it fades naturally without brassiness.
Chestnut Brown: Warmer, with rich red or golden undertones that give the hair a warm, sun-kissed glow. It’s a deeper and cozier brunette option, ideal for those who love warmth in their hair color.
Best for: If you’re looking for a trendy, modern brunette without any warm or reddish hues, mushroom brown is the better option.
3. Mushroom Brown vs. Bronde
Mushroom Brown: A deeper, richer brunette with a taupe-gray base, making it more subtle and sophisticated.
Bronde: A blend of brown and blonde tones, making it lighter and warmer. Bronde is ideal for those who want a sun-kissed, dimensional brunette with hints of golden warmth.
Best for: If you want a darker, more neutral alternative to bronde that still has multi-tonal dimension, mushroom brown is the perfect choice.
Which One Is Right for You?
If you love cool, earthy tones with a chic, low-maintenance appeal, mushroom brown is an excellent option. However, if you prefer warmer tones, brighter highlights, or deeper reds, then chestnut brown or bronde might be a better fit. The key is choosing a shade that complements your skin tone and style preferences while giving you the perfect balance of dimension and depth.
5. The Best Hair Products to Maintain Mushroom Brown Hair
Mushroom brown hair is a cool-toned brunette shade that requires the right products to maintain its ashy, taupe hues and prevent unwanted brassiness. Since this color is all about subtle dimension and softness, it’s essential to use products that enhance shine, preserve tone, and keep hair healthy.
1. Purple Shampoo: Keeps Brassiness Away
While purple shampoo is typically associated with blonde hair, it’s just as important for maintaining mushroom brown hair. The ashy, cool tones in this shade can start to fade, allowing warm, brassy undertones to peek through.
How to Use: Apply once or twice a week to neutralize unwanted yellow or orange hues.
Best Picks: Look for a gentle, hydrating formula to avoid drying out your hair.
2. Sulfate-Free Shampoo: Preserves Color Longevity
Harsh sulfates strip the hair of natural oils and color molecules, causing your mushroom brown shade to fade faster. A sulfate-free shampoo helps keep the color vibrant while maintaining moisture.
Why It’s Essential: Protects your salon color and keeps hair from becoming dull or dry.
How to Use: Use a color-safe, sulfate-free shampoo every wash to maintain softness and shine.
3. Glossing Treatments: Refresh the Cool Tones Between Salon Visits
A glossing treatment is a game-changer for keeping mushroom brown hair fresh and multidimensional. These treatments help restore cool, taupe tones and add a healthy shine.
Salon vs. At-Home Glossing:
Salon glosses are stronger and last longer (typically 4–6 weeks).
At-home glosses are a great way to refresh color between appointments.
Best Pick: Choose a cool-toned gloss to enhance ashy hues while boosting shine.
4. Heat Protectant Sprays: Prevents Color Fading from Styling Tools
Heat styling can fade color and dry out the hair, making the taupe and gray undertones lose their vibrancy. A good heat protectant spray shields the hair from high temperatures while locking in moisture.
How to Use: Apply before blow-drying, curling, or straightening.
Best Feature: Look for one with UV protection to shield against sun-induced fading as well.
Final Tip:
To keep your mushroom brown hair looking fresh, combine these products with regular deep conditioning and minimal heat styling. By using the right haircare routine, you can extend the life of your color and maintain its cool, earthy tones effortlessly!
6. Styling Tips for Mushroom Brown Hair
Mushroom brown hair is all about soft, cool-toned dimension, and the right styling techniques can help enhance its richness and depth. Whether you prefer effortless waves, sleek styles, or voluminous curls, this versatile shade looks stunning in various hairstyles.
1. Loose Waves: Enhancing the Multidimensional Tones
Soft, beachy waves bring out the taupe, gray, and ashy undertones in mushroom brown hair. This style creates a natural, effortless look while adding movement to the color.
How to Achieve It: Use a 1.25-inch curling wand and loosely curl sections of hair, then brush through for a soft wave.
Pro Tip: A texturizing spray adds extra definition without weighing down the hair.
2. Sleek, Straight Styles: Showing Off the Ashy, Blended Hues
For a modern, polished look, wearing mushroom brown hair straight highlights the cool-toned gradient and natural shine.
How to Achieve It:
· Use a heat protectant spray before straightening.
· Flat iron hair in small sections for an ultra-smooth finish.
· Finish with a lightweight shine serum to enhance the taupe tones.
Best Occasion: This sleek look is perfect for formal events, work, or a night out.
3. Soft Curls with Balayage: Adding Movement and Depth
If you have balayage or babylights in your mushroom brown hair, soft curls help accentuate the lighter, cooler-toned pieces for a stunning dimensional effect.
How to Achieve It:
· Use a curling iron or rollers to create bouncy, voluminous curls.
· Finger-comb the curls for a soft, romantic feel.
· Add a glossing spray to reflect light and enhance color contrast.
FAQ: Does Mushroom Brown Hair Work on Curly Hair?
Yes! This shade works beautifully on naturally curly and textured hair by adding depth and cool-toned dimension.
Curly Hair Tips:
· Use a hydrating curl cream to define curls and prevent frizz.
· A diffuser attachment on your blow dryer helps maintain volume and shape.
· A cool-toned gloss every few weeks keeps the ashy hues vibrant.
Final Tip:
Whether you style it wavy, straight, or curly, mushroom brown hair looks best when healthy and well-maintained. Regular trims, deep conditioning, and color-safe products will keep your shade looking rich and multidimensional!
7. Is Mushroom Brown Hair Right for You?
Mushroom brown hair is a versatile, cool-toned brunette shade that suits many people, but it works best for certain skin tones and natural hair colors. Here’s how to determine if this trendy, earthy brunette shade is right for you and how to customize it for a perfect match.
Best for:
✅ Cool-Toned Skin – The ashy taupe and gray undertones in mushroom brown hair complement cool and neutral complexions beautifully. If your skin has pink, blue, or neutral undertones, this shade will enhance your natural features and give you an effortlessly chic look.
✅ Brunettes Looking for a Subtle Change – If you want to add dimension and depth to your hair without going too warm or dramatic, mushroom brown is an ideal choice. It’s a great way to refresh your color without the commitment of blonde highlights or drastic lightening.
Not Ideal for:
❌ People with Very Warm Undertones – If your skin has golden, peach, or yellow undertones, mushroom brown hair might wash you out. However, this can be adjusted by adding warmer beige or caramel lowlights to create a balanced, neutralized version of the look.
Customization Tips for Different Hair Colors
⭐ For Darker Hair – If your natural hair is deep brown or black, achieving mushroom brown requires lightening first. A subtle balayage or babylights can help blend the transition while keeping the look natural. Ask your stylist for an ashy brown base with soft taupe highlights to maintain a multidimensional effect.
⭐ For Lighter Hair – If you have blonde or light brown hair, mushroom brown can be achieved with a cool-toned gloss or toner. This helps to tone down any warm hues and create the signature ashy brunette effect. A shadow root can also add depth and keep the look low-maintenance.
Mushroom brown hair is a perfect choice if you love cool, natural-looking brunette shades with a hint of dimension. With the right customization, it can work on a variety of skin tones and natural hair colors. The key is to adjust the shade to suit your undertones while keeping the ashy, taupe hues that make this color so unique!
8. Celebrity & Influencer Inspiration
Mushroom brown hair has become a go-to trend among celebrities and influencers, thanks to its cool, dimensional tones that look effortlessly chic. Whether styled in soft waves, sleek straight locks, or a lived-in balayage, this shade is versatile and universally flattering. Let’s take a look at some of the biggest names rocking the mushroom brown trend.
Gigi Hadid’s Soft Mushroom Brown Waves
Supermodel Gigi Hadid has embraced mushroom brown with soft, blended waves, giving her hair a natural, sun-kissed effect. Her take on the trend often leans toward a cool-toned brunette with subtle taupe and ash highlights, making it a perfect choice for those who want a low-maintenance yet polished style.
Hailee Steinfeld’s Darker, Richer Take
Actress and singer Hailee Steinfeld has worn a deeper, more intense version of mushroom brown. Her hair features dark, neutral brown roots that melt into soft, ashy brunette tones, creating a sophisticated and modern look. This variation is ideal for those who prefer a darker base while still maintaining the cool-toned elegance of mushroom brown.
Kaia Gerber’s Lived-In Mushroom Balayage
Model Kaia Gerber is known for her effortless, “undone” beauty, and her take on mushroom brown hair is no exception. She wears a lived-in balayage that allows for natural regrowth, making the style easy to maintain while still looking chic and dimensional. This version works especially well for those who want a seamless grow-out phase between salon visits.
Influencer-Approved Variations from TikTok & Instagram
Mushroom brown hair has taken over social media, with influencers putting their own spin on the trend. From subtle babylights to ashy brunette ombré, the style has evolved to fit different hair textures and preferences. Some of the most popular influencer-approved versions include:
✨ Cool-Toned Balayage: A mix of taupe and ash highlights that add depth and brightness.
✨ Shadow Root Mushroom Brown: A darker, natural-looking root that seamlessly blends into lighter mushroom brown ends.
✨ Glossy, Straight Mushroom Brown: Achieved with shine-enhancing treatments, this sleek style brings out the cool, multidimensional tones of the color.
From red carpets to social media, mushroom brown hair has become a celebrity and influencer favorite. Whether you prefer soft waves, a dark and moody brunette, or a sun-kissed balayage, there’s a version of mushroom brown for everyone!
9. Conclusion
Mushroom brown hair is the perfect balance of trendy, low-maintenance, and effortlessly chic. Its cool, earthy tones make it a flattering choice for brunettes who want dimension without the high upkeep of lighter shades. Whether you prefer soft balayage, a sleek solid hue, or a shadow-root effect, this versatile color works across different hair textures and styles.
To keep your mushroom brown shade looking fresh and vibrant, regular toning is key. Using a purple or blue shampoo will help neutralize brassiness, while glossing treatments can enhance the cool, taupe tones between salon visits. A sulfate-free shampoo and heat protectant spray will also go a long way in preserving your color.
If you’re looking for a subtle yet stunning transformation, mushroom brown is a great choice. It’s modern, sophisticated, and works year-round, making it a favorite among celebrities, influencers, and hairstylists alike. Whether you want a small refresh or a major color update, this shade offers endless possibilities—so why not give it a try?