Can you use 40 volume developer safely for at-home hair bleaching? Yes, but it requires careful application and monitoring. If you're a beginner, consider using a lower-volume developer or consult a professional.
Using 40 volume developer to bleach the ends of your hair is possible, but it's important to approach it with caution. Here are some key points to consider: Strength: A 40 volume developer is very strong and can lift hair color significantly.
Clip up your hair and wait 30-45 min if you are using the 20 vol developer or 15-20 min if you are using the 40 vol developer. Paying close attention to the condition of your hair while it is processing. The bleach will warm and may tingle the scalp.
40 Volume (12%) Developer
A Volume 40 developer is only used for lightening and can lift up to 8 levels. It is recommended for use with a lightening cream or powder for those who want to achieve blonde results.
Developer choice going lighter with regular color
Use 20 Vol if you are aiming for a 1-2 level lift (and if you have grey hair that needs covering). Use 30 Vol if you are aiming for a 2-3 level lift. Use 40 Vol if you are aiming for a 3 level lift and if the hair is particularly difficult to color.
40 volume developer is the strongest level of developer, and we do not recommend it for at home use. Even with dark hair, it is easier and safer to do several rounds of lightning with a lower volume developer rather than try to lift your hair an extreme amount in one go with a higher volume developer.
The release of oxygen will indeed allow the hair to lighten. And 30 Vol will definitely do this to a greater extent than 20 Vol. But we don't recommend that you apply just developer to the hair. You will get an uncontrolled lift, without any re-coloration and you will end up damaging the hair.
Natural bleaching agents like apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, chamomile tea, or cinnamon and honey can lighten hair gently and naturally with minimal damage.
1 part 40 volume, 3 parts water =10 volume. Equal parts 40 volume and water = 20 volume. 3 parts 40 volume and 1 part water =30 volume.
My best recommendation is to start very low with your developer strength, starting at 6 or 10 volume. I never recommend starting above 20 volume with bleach.
Step 7: Wash it
Use lukewarm water, too hot or cold of water can shock your hair in its already fragile state. Make sure to completely rinse out the bleach and gently wash your hair to get out all the product.
Bleaching your knots for 30-60 minutes is what gave me the best results!
Make sure you leave the bleach on for the correct time - nothing more and nothing less! Be careful when mixing your bleach. If your kit involves peroxide, make sure you have the correct the ratio else the bleach could be too intense or not strong enough. As we mentioned earlier - don't rush the sectioning of your hair!
The stronger the developer, the more the hair cuticle opens and with a super high level developer, it's way easier to do serious irreversible damage to your hair. Never use 40 volume on your scalp.
From a strand test, you should also get a better sense of how many sessions you'll need to make the full transition. For example, going from dark brown to light blonde hair may require three to four sessions.
High Lift Color On Colored Hair
Color does not lift color, and at the end of the day, a high lift is just that — permanent hair color.
40-volume developer should not be left on your hair for more than 30 minutes. Generally, a processing time of 10–20 minutes is enough to achieve a lift without causing excessive damage. Check the hair frequently to monitor the color lift, and rinse thoroughly when the desired shade is achieved.
What is the correct bleach to developer ratio? The recommended bleach to developer ratio is 1 part bleach to 2 parts developer. This will give you a fairly runny mix which will be easy and quick to apply. Our recommended "fairly runny" mix will make it easier to cover all the hair evenly, thus avoiding patchy results.
A 10 Volume developer provides minimal lift, perfect for depositing color. A 20 Volume developer lifts hair by 1-2 levels, while a 30 Volume developer lifts by 2-3 levels. A 40 Volume developer offers the most significant lift, up to 8 levels, for dramatic color changes.
Tip 1: Prepare your hair
Minimise the use of chemicals and maximise the use of moisturising and protein-boosting treatments a few weeks in advance of bleaching.” Treat your hair with TRESemmé Botanic Moisture & Replenish Oil Mist. It's enriched with coconut oil and aloe vera to boost moisture and replenish hair.
The short answer is no—developer alone does not lighten hair. It needs to be mixed with a color or bleach to achieve the lightening effect. While 40 volume developer can lighten the hair to a certain degree on its own, it is far more effective when used with bleach.
Both permanent and developer-based dyes should not be mixed with conditioner. "There are particular reactions and interactions between the chemicals within them that make these dyes work on the hair," Oxley says.
Developer can be mixed with colour and you'll get 1-2 levels of lift. I've seen people just put straight developer on their hair and have some lift. Obviously the best choice is to mix developer with powder/cream bleach if you want to lift it several shades.