There’s never going to be a shortage of blond hair color trends. To be frank, the color has been remixed and reworked more times than any other shade. However, the latest versions are taking a step back from bright and bold and embracing the warmth of a more natural color. Mushroom blond is the perfect example. Earthy, and rich in soft muted tones, like greige and portobello, this variety of blond is quickly becoming a favorite among stars and the beauty set. Unlike others—think golden old money or a cherry-toned blond, the mushroom hue is versatile, low-maintenance, and extremely easygoing. To learn more about the color, including the best ways to achieve the shade and keep it looking fresh, we tapped two colorist experts. Below, they share tips and even a few hairstyles to show off this gorgeous color.
Featured Experts
- Millie Morales is a celebrity hairstylist
- Adrienne Dara is a colorist, hair educator and design specialist
What is mushroom blond?
The beauty of mushroom blond lies in its balance—not too warm and not too cool—the stability of the shade is what makes it unique. “Mushroom blond is that perfect in-between color and combines a few blond trends in one, making it a dream for any blond lover. It effortlessly blends light tones like ash, beige, and taupe to give a dimensional, earthy blond,” says celebrity hairstylist Millie Morales. Think of it as the ideal mid-blond hue, perfect for those who don’t want to go platinum or too golden and even for those transitioning from a brunette color. This also makes it much more adaptable than other blondes. According to colorist Adrienne Dara, mixing ultra-cool tones with subtle kisses of warmth allows mushroom blond to be universally flattering for blondes of all shades and those with natural brown hues.
How to get mushroom blond hair
Achieving this mushroomy hue is a lot less taxing than platinum or sun-kissed colors. As you’re heading to the salon, the pros stress it’s important to remember that neutral tones are the core of what makes this shade unique. “The most important piece of the mushroom blond puzzle is communicating to your colorist that you are seeking more of a neutral or cool tone. You don’t want to feel caramel or honey, but rather greige and smokey,” she says.
Highlighting techniques are ideal for creating the dimension, but Morales notes that balayage works best. “Mushroom blond is all about creating a soft blend that mimics natural shadows and depth, so ask your colorist for a neutral to cool-toned balayage or highlights using ash and taupe tones,” she says. Communication is key to nailing this shade, so she recommends emphasizing you’re trying to avoid golden or overly warm tones.
What hairstyles work best with mushroom blond?
Given its muted nature, mushroom blond is the perfect hair color for effortless and easy-going styles. “Low buns, braids or loose undone curls are great for showcasing the lived-in look while a blunt cut or romantic beach waves show off the dimensional tones of the color beautifully,” says Morales. The main reason it’s so adaptable is because of the beautiful soft contrast it provides. While other blondes tend to be more high-maintenance in style and appearance, mushroom blond embraces a free-flowing and natural look.
How to maintain mushroom blond
While mushroom blond is considered low-maintenance, it does require some effort to keep the color fresh. “The key is to keep the brassiness at bay,” says Morales. The process of preserving your new hue begins in the shower with a good wash routine prioritizing blond tones. “A high-quality purple shampoo and conditioner such as the Redken Color Extend Blondage ($27) is perfect for maintaining nuances of tones in mushroom blond,” says Dara. Toning products are also essential for neutralizing brassy colors. Morales recommends adding a nourishing hair mask, like Garnier Nutrisse Color Reviver ($9) for blondes, that works double duty to condition and maintain the shade.
