Mushroom brown is a cool, ashy light-to-medium brown with gray and beige tones, like the underside of a mushroom. Here's what sets it apart, who it suits, what to ask your colorist for and how to keep it looking fresh.
Mushroom brown hair at a glance
- Type: Brown
- Tone: Cool
- Lightening needed: Usually, yes: dark hair is lightened first, then toned cool.
- Maintenance: Medium
- Touch-ups: 6 to 8 weeks, with toner refreshes
What makes it different
It sits between ash brown and ash blonde. It's muted and earthy, with no red or gold.
Who it suits
Cool and neutral undertones, and anyone who finds warm browns too red.
Not sure whether you're warm or cool? See how to find your undertone and the best hair color for your skin tone, or get your full palette with the free color analysis.
What to ask your colorist
- Ask for a cool, ashy brown with gray-beige tones.
- Choose all-over color or mushroom balayage.
- Ask how often to tone.
- Bring photos taken in daylight, and say what you don't want as well as what you do.
How to maintain it
Use blue or purple shampoo weekly and a cool gloss every 4 to 6 weeks.
Shades and variations
- Mushroom blonde: lighter, ashy and beige.
- Dark mushroom brown: deeper and smokier.
- Mushroom brown balayage: soft cool highlights on a dark base.
Try it before you dye
Color is hard to undo. Upload a selfie to the AI hair color changer and see mushroom brown hair on your own hair before you book.
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FAQ
What is mushroom brown hair?
Mushroom brown is a cool, ashy light-to-medium brown with gray and beige tones, like the underside of a mushroom.
Who suits mushroom brown hair?
Cool and neutral undertones, and anyone who finds warm browns too red.
Do you need bleach for mushroom brown hair?
Usually, yes: dark hair is lightened first, then toned cool.
How often does it need touching up?
About every 6 to 8 weeks, with toner refreshes.
