10 Trendy Mushroom Brown Hair Ideas: Embrace the Latest Style Craze

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OK, it doesn’t sound too appealing on paper, but don’t be fooled! This season, mushroom brown hair color is giving gorgeous, earthy-colored life to our locks.

This super on-trend shade is a great alternative to light ash brown for those with warmer skin tones. It’s the perfect for those who want natural-looking brunette hues without having to go too dark or too light.

Plus, it’s easy to take care of and maintain so you can flaunt your look without having to worry about fading – making this hue totally worth investing in!

We’ve got 10 trendy and on-point styles that will make you stand out from the crowd. From subtle and natural vibes to edgy and bold looks, there’s something for everyone here.

Plus we guide you through the hair dyes you need to get the look at home and help you find out whether this on-trend shade of the moment is even right for you.

Say goodbye to boring hair and hello to the latest trend that’s taking the world by storm.

Let’s go!

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What is mushroom hair color?

This shade is one of this year’s most popular hair color trends due to its versatility and flattering nature on most people who wear it.

It adds rich hues and blended highlights that create an earthy portobello mushroom color.

Mushroom is a subtle shade that’s ashier than chocolate brown but not as warm as sandy brown or chestnut brown.

It’s blendable from one shade into another so you can change up your look on demand!

It’s also a fantastic base color to create a natural or dramatic look – depending on your preference and the tone you want to go for.

From light to dark brown shades, brunette or gray hair, your locks will look really full, glossy and unique when blended with these beautiful natural tones.

It’s a multidimensional look that can be sandy blonde, then graduating into warmer chestnut brown hues. And bronde or brown hair with blonde highlights can be a dream come true for wannabe mushroom brunettes.

Check out the latest looks for ideas and inspiration.

mushroom brown hair color pinterest board
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10 Gorgeous Mushroom Brown Hair Color Ideas

This chic blend of brown and gray hues is all over instagram and TikTok right now, with everyone from celebrities to your favorite influencers rocking the look.

And with so many variations and styles to choose from, there’s a mushroom brown hair color to suit every skin tone and style preference.

Here are some of our favorite mushroom hair color ideas to inspire your next look!

#1. Sandy Blonde Mushroom Brown

This color blends warm sandy golden tones with earthy brown hues to create a stunning multidimensional and sun-kissed look.

This hair color not only complements a wide range of skin tones, but is also super low maintainance.

The subtle blend of shades means that even as it grows out, it will continue to look fabulous.

#2. Dark Brown with Mushroom Blonde Highlights

If you want to go for a more natural look, consider adding some mushroom blonde highlights to your brunette base.

This hair color gives off major cool girl vibes and is perfect for those who want to make a statement with their hair.

The dark brown hair base adds a touch of edge, while the mushroom blonde highlights soften the look and add dimension. It’s the perfect mix of dark and light. Plus, it looks great on all skin tones!

#3. Ash blonde Mushroom Bronde

If you’re looking for a hair color that matches your trendy and modern vibe, look no further than ash blonde mushroom brown bronde.

This color truly has it all. The perfect balance of warmth and coolness – a natural and grounded base of brown, delicate ash blonde tones, and a multi-dimensional effect that adds depth to your mane.

Start with an ash base and add in some mushroom brown lowlights for depth and dimension, and you’re good to go!

#4.Mushroom brown ombre

This look is perfect for those who want to add a touch of mushroom brown to their hair without going full-on commit.

Just ask your stylist to create an ombre effect, with the darker shade concentrated at the roots and gradually lightening towards the ends.

#5. Chocolate Mushroom Brown Balayage

For a richer, deeper take on mushroom brown color, go for a shade that’s closer to chocolate brown.

Balayage lowlights or highlights are peak hair trends right now and a unique way to add depth, dimension and drama to your look!

#6. Auburn Mushroom Brown Hair

This warm red hair color is lighter and ashier than chestnut brown but still has those sought-after red undertones.

It’s a great option for those who want to switch up their hair game without straying too far from their natural color.

The warm tones in Auburn Mushroom Brown are perfect for bringing out the natural glow of your skin. Not too mention, it’s an easy color to maintain and can suit a variety of hair textures and lengths. What’s not to love?

#7 Smoky Mushroom Brown Balayage

This cool-toned hue is the perfect mix of brown and grey and a modern take on the mushroom brown hair trend.

This cool-toned hue blends soft browns and cool grays to create a subtle yet statement-making look. Go or this if you have medium or naturally dark hair or are looking to darken your locks a bit.

#8 Mushroom with Ash Blonde Highlights

This style is perfect for those who want to take the plunge into the mushroom brown look without going full-on brunette.

The ashy blonde highlights brighten up the color, adding dimension and giving you a unique twist on the brunette trend.

#9 Caramel Mushroom Brown

If you’re looking for something a little warmer than the smoky mushroom brown hue, then caramel mushroom brown could be the one for you.

This style blends caramel tones into mushroom brown, resulting in a golden and naturally sun-kissed look.

#10 Mushroom Gray

If you’re daring enough to try something different, the mushroom gray hair color is as edgy as it gets.

It blends various grey tones with the mushroom brown shade, creating and smoky and daring effect. Add in silver highlights for a brighter on-trend look.

It is perfect for both shorter and longer hair, and if you have a black hair base, this is the color for you.

Mushroom Brown Hair Color FAQs

Is mushroom brown cool or warm?

This super on-trend version of ash brown hair is a warmer take on an earthy tone.

It has more warmth than ash with its deep rich hues, which makes it perfect for those who have warm skin tones!

That’s not to say you can’t cool it down too. With ash blonde or ash brown highlights, balayage or ombre, you can create multi-dimensional tones that frames faces and makes eye color pop!

Light brown/blonde highlights, silver-grey and smokey ashy brown and ashy blonde hair are all gorgeous tones with cooler undertones.

Use our checklist below to find out what skin tones you have!

If you have cool undertones:

  • Your skin tones looks pale or light pink
  • You blush very easily!
  • Jewel and pastel colours wash you out
  • Yellow is not a colour you can wear with confidence
  • You have blue not green veins showing in your wrist
  • Pearls and silver jewellery look awesome on you

If you have warm undertones:

  • Gold jewellery looks awesome on you.
  • Your skin tone is golden, tan or olive.
  • You have red or golden tones in your natural hair.
  • You might have freckles.
  • You have green not blue veins in your wrist.
  • You suit bright or rich shades better.
cool or warm undertones infographic
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Will mushroom hair suit me?

You can also find out which hair color suits you by taking our quiz! Just answer a few quick questions to find out what other hair colors most suit you!

Which Hair Color Suits You?

You can also try on some virtual hair colors with the Best hair colour changing apps you need to use!

What is mushroom brown hair color?

This is a natural-looking color that is also low maintenance.

If you’re a natural brunette already, this will look awesome on you.

Mushroom brown has undertones of light brown with creamy highlights, and is often considered an easier version of the balayage trend since it requires very little commitment.

With it’s very natural appearance, ashy mushroom hair is fabulous for anyone looking to cover up grey, conceal root re-growth or simply change their overall look without too much commitment.

What is mushroom blonde hair color?

This lighter version of mushroom is a trendy and contemporary color that blends well with most skin tones.

It’s best described as a neutral shade of blonde that has undertones which are almost grey in tone; we know it as ash-blonde.

This style features subtle blonde highlighted strands blended throughout the hair alongside cool/ashy brown lowlights.

It’s perfect for adding depth to darker colored hair or just for refreshing your look without having to commit to an all over lighter hue.

What are mushroom highlights?

This multi-tonal hairstyle usually features two or three shades blended together to create a ‘natural’ looking mushroom look.

Soft highlights or babylights are either placed throughout your entire head (starting from the roots and lightly feathered through the mid-lengths and ends), or you can opt for a lower maintenance, half head version by having them added onto your parting only.

The result is low-key but still softens your overall look without being too bright. Perfect if you want a color trend that’s easy to maintain.

How to get mushroom brown hair at home.

The best way to score this natural-looking vibe is to visit your professional hairstylist or colorist at your local salon.

However, if you feel like giving it a go yourself, there are plenty of mushroom brown hair dyes that suit any complexion and will help you get the look. 

If you want to stay low-key, stick to using subtle hints of brunette hair colors which will give you a warmer look; ask your stylist for help in picking out the best shade for you.

However, if you want something bolder or more high maintenance (more on that later), go for an ashier tone like light ash blonde to give yourself some serious cool tones!

What is the best mushroom brown hair dye?

There are plenty of mushroom brown hair dyes out there that will help you get the look.

If you are going to dye your hair mushroom home, it’s best to start with a light brown base.

Always check the color chart on the side of the box and do a strand test 24 hours beforehand to make sure you’ll get the right results.

Be sure to take some time and experiment with different tones and hair dyes until you find one that best suits you.

Here are the best mushroom brown hair dyes we recommend to get the look!

Best mushroom hair dye

Hair dyeLooks likeBuy it now
L'Oréal Paris Excellence Crème Permanent Hair Dye, Natural Dark Blonde
L'Oreal Paris Excellence Creme Permanent Hair Color, 7 Dark Blonde, 100 percent Gray Coverage Hair Dye, Pack of 2
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L'Oreal Paris Superior Preference, Light Brown
L'Oreal Paris Superior Preference Fade-Defying + Shine Permanent Hair Color, 6 Light Brown, Pack of 1, Hair Dye
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Schwarzkopf Keratin Color, Dark Golden Blonde
Schwarzkopf Keratin Color 7.55 Dark Golden Blonde Permanent 100% Gray Coverage
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L'Oreal Paris Feria Multi-Faceted Shimmering Permanent Hair Color, Crystal Brown
L'Oreal Paris Feria Multi-Faceted Shimmering Permanent Hair Color, 60 Crystal Brown (Light Brown), Pack of 1, Hair Dye
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L'Oreal Superior Preference, Dark Ash Blonde
L'Oreal Paris Superior Preference Fade-Defying + Shine Permanent Hair Color, 7 Dark Blonde, Pack of 1, Hair Dye
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L'Oreal Paris Excellence Creme, Light Ash Brown
L'Oreal Paris Excellence Creme Permanent Triple Care Hair Color, 6A Light Ash Brown, Gray Coverage For Up to 8 Weeks, All Hair Types, Pack of 1
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Does mushroom brown hair require bleach?

Whether or not you need to lighten your hair first to get the look, all depends on what your current base hair color is now.

If your hair color now is light brown or darker – you’ll need to lighten your hair first to get the right base for this shade.

This will involve bleach! And can be quite an intense process for your hair to go through. Bleach can damage your hair and leave it feeling brittle and dry. Always check with your hairdresser to make sure your hair is in good enough condition for the job.

If your hair color is dark blonde and lighter – you’re good to go! Choose the hair dye that best matches with your color.

Watch and learn: How to dye your hair mushroom brown.

Here’s a great video that shows you the process of dyeing your hair mushroom brown including what colors to mix into the perfect formula.

Is mushroom brown hair hard to maintain?

The truth is, mushroom hair color can be low-key or very high maintenance depending on the blend of shades you choose.

Choosing hair dye similar to your natural color will give it a more subtle, low-maintenance appearance which is perfect if you’re just starting out with this trend.

However, if you decide to go for ashy undertones like light ash brown or ash blonde, then the color will grow out quickly and require far more upkeep; think re-touching every four weeks maximum!

If you must go for an all over lighter hue, you can tone it down by using some rich chocolate brown/dark mushroom brown shades in the mix. This way, when it starts to fade, it’ll do so gradually.

How long does mushroom brown hair last?

Once you get this color at home, you’ll need to maintain it to stop it fading away. Fortunately, it’s one that can keep well with the right care.

Our top tips for making hair color last longer include protecting your hair against sunshine, heat damage and sea and pool water with the right products.

The good news about this style is that it still looks good while it’s growing out. Darker root styles and root blurs are so on-trend and blend well with this unique hair color.

You might find the color becomes warmer as it fades. Use a good blue shampoo or toner to stop your color becoming too warm or brassy.

And use deep conditioning hair masks once a week to keep your hair supple and healthy and your color locked in.


Parting words

That’s it! If you follow this guide, you should be able to score the soft brown look without too much trouble.

Remember to take your hair type into consideration before dyeing (bleached blonde may not suit every hair type/texture!), and to always use a nourishing shampoo to keep your colour cool.

Good Luck!

Found your perfect shade? We’d love to see it! Tag us on Instagram @colouredhaircare or Facebook and share your hair dye success stories. Looking for more hair care tips? Check out How to Look After Colored Hair: 11 Expert Secrets For Long-Lasting Color.

This article was written by:

  • Nicola Freeman, Creative Director & Content Lead
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    Creative Director & Content Lead

    With over two decades of passionate hair dyeing experience, I've experimented with nearly every shade imaginable. My journey began long before blogging; as an award-winning copywriter in London and New York, I shaped narratives for iconic brands. However, when friends sought advice during lockdown for at-home hair dyeing, I realized my true calling. Beyond being your hair color expert, I'm a mom of two girls, wife to artist Tony, and an avid soccer player!