Our Complete Guide to the Mushroom Brown Hair Trend

We hear all kinds of creative names for hair colors and styles in the cosmetology world. From cotton candy hair to fruit juice hair, we’ve found ways to tame the rainbow and create stunning looks for every color and personality. But mushroom brown? This has to be one of the first hair colors that looks better than it sounds! With earthy tones becoming more popular in both interior design and fashion styles, those shades have finally made their way into hair trends.

What is Mushroom Brown Hair?

Mushroom brown hair gets its name from the similarity it shares with how natural brown mushrooms look. If you visualize what a portobello or other mushrooms looks like, they have more colors than just brown. They can have creamy colors, grays, and whites. Similarly, mushroom brown hair has many of these elements, combining earthy brown as the primary color, and bringing it to life with ashy gray or creamy highlights. The finished look is subtle, stunning, and simple!

How to Get Mushroom Brown Hair

Mushroom brown hair may sound simple, but nailing the look can be tricky. This is why we recommend most people to visit a licensed cosmetologist or hairstylist to get the color perfect. Skin tone and eye color can impact the shade of your hair. Make sure to consult your colorist to help decide which undertones of mushroom brown to pair with your natural coloring.
Mushroom brown hair is usually achieved through a mix of a few different colors and techniques:

• 1. The first step is to get the base color right. Your hairstylist can lighten or darken your natural hair color to get the right shade of brown, depending on what will look good with your skin tone. If your hair is naturally a suitable shade of brown, your stylist might be able to skip this step.
• 2. The next step is to add darkened lowlights. This helps the final look to appear fuller and more dynamic. Similar to highlights, lowlights can give dimension and add contrast!
• 3. The final step is to add ashy brown highlights. This step is what really makes the entire look stand out! Highlights add additional depth and contrast to the base color/lowlights. No need to worry about your hair falling flat!

As with most advanced hair color treatments, your hair stylist will likely use balayage, hair painting, or foiling techniques to help the color look as natural as possible. Be prepared for this process to take some time! The look you want can’t be achieved as quickly as a simple haircut.

How to Maintain Mushroom Brown Hair

For people who have had color treated hair before, maintaining mushroom brown hair will come naturally. With how natural this style looks, there may be many hair color first-timers who are getting mushroom brown hair for their first hair color. Just because the color looks more natural, doesn’t mean it can be treated like natural hair. Here are a few important tips to keep your mushroom brown hair looking perky and earthy:

Use Color-Specific Hair Care Products

“Normal” shampoo and conditioner shouldn’t necessarily be used on color treated hair because it could affect how the color looks. Some shampoos strip your hair of natural, healthy oils and can also gradually strip color. This can cause weird and undesirable side effects, such as changes to your new color as the shampoo and hair dye react. Finding a hair care product to keep your new hair color alive and well should be your first priority. Aveda Color Conserve hair care products are a great example of something you can use!

Mind the Temp of Your Showers

If you like your shower hot enough to leave your skin turning red, now you need to be more mindful of your new hair. Excessively hot showers can strip your hair of important natural oils and reduce the lifespan of your new look. Take that hot shower, but try to keep your hair out of the hot water. When it’s time to wash your hair, go for lukewarm temperatures.

Give Your Hair a Break

Blow dryers, flat irons, and other heating tools may be a regular part of your routine, but your hair needs a break once in a while. Too much exposure to direct heat can alter the color and impact the health of your hair, so try to enjoy some days without heat. When using hot tools, make sure to add heat protectant to your routine. These types of products are designed to protect your hair from the damage caused by high temperatures. 

Get Your Mushroom Brown Today!

Looking to try this new trendy hairstyle for yourself? Book an appointment at one of our *student salons in Boise or Twin Falls to try the trend for yourself! We’d love to get started on your new look!

Interested in being on the other side of the salon chair? If you’re a creative and driven individual with a passion for beauty, then cosmetology may be the perfect fit for you! Any of the programs at Aveda Institute can get you started on your journey to the beauty industry. Contact us for more information today! We can’t wait to meet you!

*All services provided by students under the supervision of licensed professionals.