12 Savory and Smoky Mushroom Brunettes

This winter, we're all about the chill! During these frigid months, your clients are likely transitioning to darker, cooler shades that are also low-maintenance, so they can extend their time in-between salon visits. We recently saw lived-in blondes trending, but how does that translate for brunettes? While some clients may prefer a rich, chocolately shade similar to that of a warm cup of hot chocolate, we're seeing a rise in smoky, savory brunettes. Enter: mushroom brunettes.

Named after the ashy gray-brown tint of a portobello mushroom, this down-to-earth shade is a twist on a standard brunette that features light gray and brown hues peeking through. This dimensional shade is customizable, depending upon whether your client prefers a lighter or darker hue. You can opt for a light brown base with lots of blended blonde highlights or an ashy base with chocolate brown lowlights. This color is also a great option to recommend to your clients with salt and pepper strands as the ashy undertone helps grays blend right in! 

If you're feeling as chill as we are, you are going to want to check out these mushroom brunette hair looks and read on for a tutorial to bring this look to life. 

@beautybykhou

Mushroom brunette by @beautybykhouCourtesy of @beautybykhou

@dvcolour

Mushroom brunette by @dvcolourCourtesy of @dvcolour

@elenikhair

Mushroom Brunette by @elenikhairCourtesy of @elenikhair

@hairbydarceee

Mushroom brunette by @hairbydarceeeCourtesy of @hairbydarceee

@hairby.gagan

Mushroom Brunette by @hairby.gaganCourtesy of @hairby.gagan

@hairbykacie1

Mushroom Brunette by @hairbykacie1Courtesy of @hairbykacie1

@hairbymoly 

Mushroom Brunette by @hairbymolyCourtesy of @hairbymoly

@lanhhair 

Mushroom Brunette by @lanhhairCourtesy of @lanhhair

@locksbylauryn

Mushroom Brunette by @locksbylaurynCourtesy of @locksbylauryn

@paintitblonde

Mushroom Brunette by @paintitblondeCourtesy of @paintitblonde

@thehair.bruja 

Mushroom Brunette by @thehair.brujaCourtesy of @thehair.bruja

Mushroom Brunette Hair Tutorial 

Richmond, VA-based hairstylist Chloe Jones (@createdbychloej) is a brunette specialist that is no stranger to this smoky shade. 

"Dark brunettes are drawn to mushroom brown because it adds lightness and dimension while still feeling brunette and not too 'blonde.' It’s a modern trend, especially popular during the cooler months when clients are wanting to tone down their summer look and transition into winter," she explains. 

Mushroom Brunette by @createdbychloejCourtesy of @createdbychloej

Below, Jones shares her process for creating the color. 

1.  I sectioned out and teased ultra-fine sections using Truss Blanc Blonde Lightener. It’s incredibly time consuming but key for lifting the hair up to seven levels. 
2. Once lifted to yellow, I toned the hair using Truss Semi-Permanent Color: 2 parts 7.89, 1 part 10.89 and a dash of 0.03 to prevent the hair grabbing too purple. 
3. I always apply a mask during blonding services to rehydrate and restructure the hair fiber. Right now, my go to is the Truss Blond Revolution Restructure Soft Cream and Pro Acid Anti-Breakage.
4. The look is styled and finished with Truss Impassable Blonde, Deluxe Prime and Frizz Zero for a sleek, frizz-free and hydrated look.