How to Get Mushroom Brown Hair Color

The world of hair color is constantly evolving, with new trends emerging every season. One look that has proven its staying power is mushroom brown. This stunning shade mimics the cool, earthy, and multi-tonal colors of a portobello mushroom, blending shades of ashy brown and subtle gray for a look that is both sophisticated and effortlessly natural. It’s a perfect middle ground for those who find traditional brown too warm and ash blonde too light. This guide will provide clear, beginner-friendly instructions and walk you through the process of how to get mushroom brown hair color, whether you’re visiting a salon or trying it at home.

Achieving the perfect mushroom brown hair color doesn’t have to be a daunting task. This trendy, natural-looking shade has gained popularity for its versatility and ability to complement a wide range of skin tones. Whether you’re aiming for subtle dimension or a bold transformation, this guide will help you understand the key steps and considerations to achieve the look you desire. With the right approach and products, you can easily make this chic and modern hair color your own. So why wait? Let’s dive into the world of mushroom brown hair and explore the endless possibilities.

Understanding Mushroom Brown Hair Color

Before diving into the process of achieving mushroom brown hair color, it’s important to understand what exactly this shade entails. Mushroom brown is a cool-toned, multidimensional blend of brown and grey tones that mimic the colors found in – you guessed it – mushrooms. This unique combination results in a muted, earthy hue that can range from light to dark shades. Its subtle yet striking appearance makes it a popular choice for those looking to add dimension and depth to their hair without going too drastic.

Step-by-Step Guide on How to Get Mushroom Brown Hair Color

Step 1: Find Your Inspiration and Ideal Shade

Before you start, it’s crucial to gather inspiration photos to pinpoint the exact shade of mushroom brown you want. This hair color isn’t a single shade; it’s a spectrum. It can range from a lighter, greige-toned brown to a deeper, more dramatic dark ash. Look for pictures of people with a similar skin tone to yours to see how the color might look on you. Having clear visual references is incredibly helpful, especially if you are going to a salon. It allows your colorist to understand the specific blend of ashy, gray, and brown tones you are envisioning.

Step 2: Assess Your Starting Hair Color and Condition

The process of achieving mushroom brown largely depends on your starting point. If you have light brown or dark blonde hair, your journey will be relatively straightforward. However, if you have very dark brown or black hair, you will need to lighten your hair first to allow the cool, ashy tones to show up. Likewise, if your hair is already color-treated, especially with warm or red tones, a color correction process might be necessary. Be honest about your hair’s history and its current condition. Healthy, well-moisturized hair will always take color more evenly and beautifully.

Step 3: Go to a Professional Colorist

For the most reliable and beautiful results, visiting a professional colorist is highly recommended. This hair color is complex and relies on a masterful blend of multiple tones and often requires techniques like balayage or lowlights to create its signature dimension. A professional has the expertise to properly lighten your hair if needed, formulate the perfect ashy toners to counteract any unwanted warmth, and place the color strategically to create a natural, multi-dimensional look. They can customize the shade to perfectly flatter your skin tone and ensure your hair remains as healthy as possible throughout the process.

Step 4: The DIY At-Home Approach

If you are confident in your at-home coloring skills and have a suitable starting hair color (light brown or lighter), you can attempt this look yourself. You will need to find an ash brown box dye. Look for dyes with descriptions like “cool,” “ash,” or “natural” and avoid anything with “warm,” “golden,” or “red.” You may need to use a toner after coloring to achieve the signature cool, mushroomy hue. Always perform a strand test first to see how the color will turn out on your hair and to check for any adverse reactions.

Step 5: Pre-Lighten If Necessary

For anyone starting with dark hair, lightening is a non-negotiable step. The cool, gray, and light brown tones that define mushroom brown simply won’t show up on a dark base. This process involves using bleach to lift your hair to a medium or light brown level. This is the stage where professional help is most valuable, as a colorist can lighten your hair safely without causing excessive damage. If you do it at home, use a high-quality bleach kit, follow the instructions precisely, and never leave the bleach on for longer than recommended.

Step 6: Apply the Color and Toner

Once your hair is at the right starting level, it’s time to apply the color. If you’re at a salon, your stylist will likely use a mix of permanent or demi-permanent colors and lowlights to create depth. After the main color is processed and rinsed, the most important step is toning. A toner is what neutralizes any remaining yellow or orange tones in the hair and deposits the cool, ashy, and gray pigments that are the hallmark of mushroom brown. This is what truly transforms a standard brown into the trendy mushroom shade.

Step 7: Maintain Your Color with the Right Products

Mushroom brown is a cool-toned color, which means its biggest enemy is brassiness. To keep your color looking fresh and ashy, you must use the right aftercare products. Invest in a high-quality, sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner designed for color-treated hair. More importantly, incorporate a blue or purple shampoo into your routine once or twice a week. Blue shampoo is specifically designed to neutralize orange and brassy tones in brown hair, helping you maintain that cool, earthy mushroom look between salon appointments. Additionally, using a leave-in hair mask or treatment can help protect and nourish your color.

Styling Tips

Now that you have achieved the perfect mushroom brown hair color, it’s time to explore some styling options to enhance the overall look. Here are a few tips to keep in mind when styling your mushroom brown locks:

• Embrace texture: Mushroom brown hair looks great with added texture and movement. Consider adding loose curls or beachy waves for a more effortless and natural look.
• Try out balayage: Balayage is a popular highlighting technique that involves hand-painting sections of hair to create a subtle, sun-kissed effect. This technique works exceptionally well with mushroom brown hair, as it adds dimension and depth to the color.
• Maintain shine: Mushroom brown hair looks best when it has a healthy, shiny finish. Make sure to use a good quality shampoo and conditioner that is specifically formulated for colored hair to keep your locks looking glossy and vibrant.
• Protect against heat damage: Heat styling tools can cause damage to your hair, which can affect its color and overall health. Before using any heat styling tools, make sure to apply a heat protectant spray or serum to protect your mushroom brown locks.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What Exactly Is Mushroom Brown Hair Color?

Mushroom brown is a multi-tonal, semi-ashy hair color that mimics the earthy, grayish-brown shades of a portobello mushroom. It sits in a cool-to-neutral color family, blending shades of brown, gray, and sometimes beige or dark ash blonde. Unlike warm browns that have red or golden undertones, mushroom brown is defined by its cool, muted, and sophisticated appearance.

Will Mushroom Brown Hair Look Good on Me?

Mushroom brown is a surprisingly versatile color that works well with a wide range of skin tones, precisely because it is so neutral. It’s particularly flattering on those with cool or neutral undertones in their skin, as it complements them beautifully. However, a skilled colorist can adjust the exact blend of tones to create a custom mushroom brown shade that will suit warmer skin tones as well.

How Much Maintenance Does Mushroom Brown Hair Require?

The maintenance level depends on your natural hair color. If you have to lighten your hair significantly to achieve the look, you will need root touch-ups every 6-8 weeks. The most important maintenance task for everyone is to preserve the cool tones. This requires using a blue or purple toning shampoo weekly to combat brassiness and keep the color from turning warm.

Can I Get Mushroom Brown Hair Without Bleach?

You can only get mushroom brown hair without bleach if your starting hair color is already very light, such as a dark blonde or a very light brown. The cool, ashy, and gray tones that define this color need a light base to show up properly. For anyone with medium brown, dark brown, or black hair, bleach will be necessary to lift the natural color first.

What Do I Ask My Stylist for?

When you go to the salon, it’s best to bring inspiration photos. Ask for a “cool-toned or ashy brown” with “multi-dimensional lowlights and highlights.” Use descriptive words like “mushroom,” “ashy,” and “greige” (a mix of gray and beige). Mention that you want to avoid any red or golden warmth. A picture is worth a thousand words and will ensure you and your stylist are on the same page.

Conclusion

Mushroom brown hair is a chic, modern, and beautifully understated choice that offers a refreshing alternative to traditional hair colors. Its appeal lies in its cool, earthy dimension and its ability to look effortlessly sophisticated. While achieving the perfect blend of tones can be complex, particularly if you have dark hair, the stunning result is well worth the effort. Whether you entrust your locks to a professional or embark on a DIY journey, the key is to focus on creating cool, ashy layers. Now that you have a clear roadmap for how to get mushroom brown hair color, you’re ready to embrace this gorgeous trend.