The Complete Guide to Getting Mushroom Brown Hair: This Chic, Cool-Toned Style

A fashionable and low-maintenance option that keeps coming in style year after year is mushroom brown, whether you're seeking to switch up your existing color or try something new for the season.  Ashy brown, delicate taupe, and smoky gray tones are blended in this cool-toned, earthy hair color to give a sophisticated yet natural look that works well on a variety of complexion tones. 

We'll go over all you need to know about getting mushroom brown hair in this article.  Please continue reading if you're interested.

What Is Mushroom Brown Hair?

A combination of babylights or balayage is frequently used to add softness and depth to the multifaceted shade of mushroom brown hair.  Mushroom brown, as opposed to warm-toned brown or golden brunette, leans neutral to cool, making it a great option for people who want to give a modern edge to their appearance or tone down warmth.

Who Is Mushroom Brown Hair Best For?

Most skin tones look great with mushroom brown, especially those with cool, neutral, or olive undertones.  You won't require a lot of bleaching if your hair is originally dark or medium brown; the shift to mushroom brown is really simple.

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

Ask a qualified hairstylist to assess the color and condition of your hair right now.  The quantity of ash brown in a mushroom brown can range from a faint taupe to a complex taupe blend, so bring along reference photographs or look them up online to get the exact appearance you desire.

2. Lightning (If Necessary)

Your stylist might need to use bleach or high-lift color to lighten the color of your hair if it's already dark or warm.  This produces a neutral background that allows the cool mushroom tones to shine through. Additionally,

💡 Tips: You need to be mentally prepared, after all, the bleaching time will be very long.

3. Neutralizing Warmth

Any red, orange, or golden tones in your hair must be neutralized by your hairdresser in order to obtain the distinctively cool, subdued base of mushroom brown.  This could include:

Pre-toning with ash or blue-based colors.

Using a double process (lighten + tone) for highly pigmented hair.

4. Applying the Mushroom Brown Color

This is where the magic takes place.  Your stylist is going to:

To provide depth and dimension, mix taupe, gray, cool brown, and ash.

For a gentle and organic transition, apply methods like root shadowing, balayage, or lowlights.

Adapt the mix to your preferences and skin tone; for instance, use more beige for a softer, wearing finish or more gray for a smokier look.

5. Finishing and Styling

Your hairdresser will rinse and thoroughly condition your hair after the color is finished. Style it to emphasize the new tone and dimension.

DIY: How To Get Mushroom Brown Hair At Home?

The following safe procedures can be followed if you wish to enjoy the delight of doing your own hair coloring:

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

Follow the directions to mix your ash or mushroom brown box color.

Start at the rear and work your way forward, applying it evenly from roots to ends. To achieve greater saturation and accuracy, use a tint brush.

Typically, this staining procedure takes 30 to 45 minutes.

4. Tone (If Needed)

If your outcome appears overly brassy or warm:

 Use a 10 or 20 volume developer with a toner such as Wella T14 (light ash blonde).  Check the tone frequently as you apply and leave it on for 10 to 20 minutes. After that, you carefully rinse and condition.

 💡 Tip: Box dye might not completely hide red or orange tones; toners can counteract them.

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. Cheetahbeauty 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.