What is Mushroom Blonde?
Mushroom blonde is a cool-toned, smoky blend of blonde and light brown, combining ash, beige and soft taupe tones.
It sits between blonde and brunette, giving a natural, multi-dimensional finish that looks expensive and grows out softly.
Often described as:
- ash blonde with a hint of grey
- taupe or “mink” blonde
- a muted, neutral alternative to icy blonde
Unlike warmer blondes, mushroom tones reduce brassiness and create a softer, more wearable result.
Who is Mushroom Blonde best for?
- Clients who don’t want warmth or gold tones
- Brunettes going lighter but staying natural
- Blondes wanting a softer, cooler refresh
- Low-maintenance colour clients
How to create Mushroom Blonde
1. Pre-lighten the hair
A clean base is essential for a true mushroom tone.
- Level 9–10 → lighter, cooler mushroom blonde
- Level 6–8 → deeper, brunette-leaning mushroom
Any remaining warmth will affect the final result, so lifting clean is key.
2. Choose your technique
Mushroom blonde is all about dimension, not flat colour.
Use techniques such as:
- Balayage
- Highlights or babylights
- Reverse balayage (root shadow)
- Soft ombre or lived-in colour
The goal is a soft blend of depth and lightness.
3. Tone the hair
Shinefinity (gloss / low commitment)
For a soft, modern mushroom blonde finish, Shinefinity is ideal.
- Mix 1:1 with Shinefinity Activator
- Apply to towel-dried or dry hair
- Develop for up to 20 minutes
- Use heat to increase intensity if needed
Result:
Creates a cool, grey-beige blonde that:
- neutralises warmth without over-toning
- delivers high shine
- keeps the finish soft and natural
Often described as a cool tone without looking flat or overly ashy.
👉 For full Shinefinity application techniques and shade selection, see our Shinefinity Colour Guide.
Alternative colour options
Koleston Perfect (permanent colour)
Best for longer-lasting results and stronger tone deposit.
Creates a more defined, structured mushroom blonde with depth.
Illumina Color (natural high shine)
Ideal for softer, more natural-looking mushroom tones.
Gives a sheer, reflective finish with subtle dimension.
Color Touch (demi permanent)
Best for refreshing tone or blending without commitment.
Great for maintaining mushroom tones between services.
REAL SALON FORMULAS
Looking for real salon formulas? Here are examples using Shinefinity to create true mushroom blonde results.
Mushroom Blonde with Shinefinity (Lowlight + Gloss)
Credit: Work by @emmaharleyhair (TikTok)
Formula:
- Lowlights: 04/0 + 07/81 (equal parts)
- Gloss: 010/6 (Flash shade)
Result:
A soft, multi-dimensional mushroom blonde with a cool taupe base and brighter reflective pieces through the lengths.
Why it works:
- Lowlights add depth and that “mink” tone
- Gloss keeps the blonde clean without going flat
- Keeps dimension instead of over-toning
Highlight Blend Formula with Shinefinity
Formula:
- 07/12
- 09/81
- 08/98
- 00/00 (Clear)
Application:
Used over highlights to create a blended mushroom blonde finish.
Result:
A cool, dimensional blonde with ash, beige and subtle pearl tones.
Gives a soft, lived-in result without harsh lines.
Why it works:
- 07/12 builds the mushroom base
- 09/81 adds brightness
- 08/98 neutralises warmth
- Clear softens the overall tone
Mushroom Blonde with Illumina (Root Melt + Gloss)
Work by Wella Professionals: Created by Barbora Škváčková
Formula:
Roots:
- 7/81
- 8/
- 8/1
- 12%
Lengths & Ends:
Application:
Root melt with permanent colour, followed by a gloss through the lengths to create a seamless blend.
Result:
A soft, luminous mushroom blonde with:
- cool beige and ash tones at the root
- clean, reflective blonde through the ends
- a natural, blended transition
Gives a high-end, “expensive blonde” finish with shine and movement.
Why it works:
- Root formula builds depth and structure
- Opal Essence tones add softness and reflect
- Keeps the result cool without going flat or overly grey
- Creates that premium salon finish clients ask for
Mushroom Blonde Root + Gloss (Illumina + Shinefinity)
Formula:
Root colour (Illumina):
- 7/
- 7/81
- 8/05
- 4% (13 vol)
Gloss (Shinefinity):
- 07/13
- 09/05
- Shinefinity Activator
Application:
Permanent root colour to create depth and structure, followed by a Shinefinity gloss through mid-lengths and ends to soften and refine the tone.
Result:
A soft, blended mushroom blonde with:
- natural depth at the root
- cool beige and taupe tones through the lengths
- high shine, diffused finish
Creates a polished, expensive blonde that still feels soft and wearable.
Why it works:
- Illumina root = clean, controlled depth
- Shinefinity gloss = softness and shine
- 07/13 + 09/05 = perfect balance of cool + beige
- Keeps tone neutral without going flat or too grey
💡 Pro tip
Developer choice is key.
Using 4% (13 vol) helps deepen the tone slightly while maintaining softness and control.
Mushroom Blonde with Koleston Perfect
Image credit: Wella Professionals, colour by Saphira Latifi
For a more permanent mushroom blonde result, Koleston Perfect can be used to create a cool beige, ashy finish with strong longevity.
Formula:
- 9/31 for soft beige warmth
- 8/97 for ash depth and control
This combination helps neutralise underlying warmth while keeping the result soft and natural rather than overly flat or grey.
Pro Tips for Better Results
All formula credits to original stylists. Results may vary depending on base and technique.
Pro Tips for Better Results
- Apply on towel-dried hair for softer tones
- Apply on dry hair for stronger colour deposit
- Add Clear to soften and diffuse results
- Use heat for more intensity when needed
Common Mistakes
- Not lifting enough → muddy result
- Too much warmth → loses mushroom tone
- Over-ashing → flat or dull finish
- No dimension → colour looks blocky
Shop Mushroom Blonde Essentials
- Shop Shinefinity No Lift Gloss
- Shop Wella Colour
- Shop Wella Lighteners
FAQ
What colour is mushroom blonde?
A cool-toned blend of blonde and light brown with ash, taupe and beige undertones.
What level do you need for mushroom blonde?
Typically between level 6 and 10 depending on the depth of the final look.
What toner is best for mushroom blonde?
Cool and neutral tones such as ash, violet and beige. Shinefinity is ideal for soft glossing results.
Is mushroom blonde high maintenance?
No. It grows out softer than traditional blonde and doesn’t show warmth as quickly.
Can you achieve mushroom blonde with Shinefinity?
Yes. Shinefinity can be used as a glaze on pre-lightened hair to create a soft, cool mushroom tone with high shine.
