Is color activator the same as developer?

Author: Daniela Bode DDS  |  Last update: Monday, December 1, 2025

A: Activator and Developer are basically two terms for products that do the same thing. Developer "activates" the chemical processes that allow the haircolor to be deposited into the hair shaft, and so some specific color makers use the term "activator" for their specific developer product.

Can I use developer instead of activator?

Peroxide Developers are a stronger type of developer and are typically used for bleaching hair. Activators are the strongest type of developer and are typically used for very resistant hair.

What does color activator do to your hair?

The activator creates an oxidising effect, making your hair absorb the new colour. Usually, the ratio of hair dye to activator is 1:1, so the same amount of dye as activator.

Is 10 or 20 developer better for dark hair?

Yes, as long as the shade of dye you choose is darker than your current hair color. A 10 volume developer would be recommended but a 20 volume will absolutely work as long as the dye itself is darker than what your hair is beforehand. If you're looking for grey coverage, a 20 is needed.

Is color charm activating lotion a developer?

Size : 15.4 oz - Wella Color Charm Demi-Permanent Activating Lotion/Developer.

hair color developer explained- 10, 20, 30 & 40 volume | 2024

Does Wella Color Charm work without developer?

Your colour must be mixed with developer. Developer (also called peroxide) activates the colour - without it your colour won't work. It is recommended to use 20 Vol Developer with Wella Permanent Colours, but you can also choose to use 10 Vol Developer if that suits you better.

Does color charm need developer?

What makes it special? Mix 1 part Wella colorcharm Color (or any permanent hair color) with 2 parts Wella colorcharm Cream Developer. Apply to the hair using your desired technique, develop for 30 minutes and up to 45 minutes if additional depth or gray coverage is needed.

What happens if I use 20 developer instead of 10?

Using a 20-volume developer instead of a 10-volume developer will result in a greater lift and a lighter color outcome. The higher hydrogen peroxide content helps open the hair cuticle more, allowing the color to penetrate deeper and lighten your natural shade.

What does 20 developer do to black hair?

20 Volume (6%) Developer

This is a common strength in permanent hair colors as well, but it raises the hair color level by 1-2 levels. The most common developer strength is Volume 20, which works best when the starting level of the hair is no more than one shade darker than the color you want to achieve.

Is Wella color Charm professional?

Wella Hair Color

Whether your client wants a subtle change or a complete transformation, Color Charm is a trusted brand for professional hair color. As a colorist and stylist, you know your clients deserve the best professional brands that work reliably to deliver beautiful results.

What happens if you put too much activator in hair dye?

Using too much developer can lead to over-processing, which means that the hair cuticles can get damaged, leaving the hair looking dull, dry, and brittle. Plus, the color won't turn out the way you want it to, and you might even end up with a funky, uneven color that looks like a unicorn threw up on your head.

What can I use as a substitute for developer?

Natural Alternatives to Chemical-Based Hair Developer

Lemon Juice: Lemon juice contains citric acid, which acts as a natural bleaching agent, making it an ideal substitute for developing when lightening hair.

How do you use hair activator?

Use on damp or dry hair to define curls and coils. Divide hair into sections, take a dollop of curl activator and smooth between palms, then evenly distribute product through your hair, section by section. For definition and to deal with flyaways quickly, smooth a small amount over curls and coils anytime.

What does color activator do?

A: Activator and Developer are basically two terms for products that do the same thing. Developer "activates" the chemical processes that allow the haircolor to be deposited into the hair shaft, and so some specific color makers use the term "activator" for their specific developer product.

Which developer is best for dark hair?

10 volume developers contain 3% hydrogen peroxide. These developers are also called no lift developers because they only provide moderate lift to your cuticles, i.e., lift by 1 level. This developer is perfect for when you are going to color your hair a darker color than the natural shade.

How much 20 volume developer to mix with hair color?

Mix the Dye and Developer: The most common mixing ratio for 20 volume developer is 1:1 with permanent hair color. For example, if you're using 50 ml of dye, mix it with 50 ml of 20 volume developer. Make sure the mixture is smooth.

Can I dye my hair without developer?

If you don't use developer, your hair color will not process properly. Developer is needed to open up the hair cuticle and activate the dye molecules. Without developer, the dye molecules will not penetrate the hair shaft, and your hair color will not change!

What developer to use to cover grey hair?

The standard developer for gray coverage is 20 Volume; however, 30 Volume and 40 Volume can also be used if the percentage of gray is low and additional lift is needed to achieve the desired result.

Will 30 developer lift black hair?

If you have dark brown or black hair and want to go lighter, 30 volume developer can provide the lift you need to reach a medium brown or dark blonde shade.

Will 20 developer lift roots?

Hot roots happen when you apply a colour mixed with a 20 vol developer to your natural root area as this strength developer lifts the hair slightly. This is more common with lighter shades and toners.

How long to leave 20 volume developer on hair without bleach?

How long should you leave a 20-volume developer on? Leave a 20-volume developer on for 30 to 45 minutes, depending on the desired lift and product instructions.

Is there a big difference between 20 and 30 developer?

30 volume developer, also called as the developer with 9% peroxide, is frequently used with lighteners and will raise the hair up to a higher level, but causes a little more damage than 20 volume developer.

Which Wella toner cancels out orange?

Purple cancels out yellow and blue cancels out orange, for example, so if you have orange in your hair, you will want a Wella toner with blue tones.

Do you apply demi-permanent to wet or dry hair?

You can apply this colour to dry or damp hair. Step 4: Apply using a tint brush to the back sections of your hair first, before moving to the front sections.

How long to leave hair dye in for grey hair?

Processing time with grey hair

The pigments in the dye need more time to penetrate through that so they can do their job. So with grey hair it's also best to let the dye sit for 45 minutes from the moment you've finished applying all of the dye so you'll be sure you have enough coverage.

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