What developer to use to deposit color?

Author: Nakia Reilly Jr.  |  Last update: Sunday, April 20, 2025

Here are a few important things to consider: If you're using semi-permanent or demi-permanent hair color, you'll need a developer with a lower volume, between 3 and 20 Vol. If you're using a permanent hair color, you'll need a developer with a higher volume. This is usually between 20 and 30 Vol.

What developer is best for depositing color?

  • 20 Volume Developer : This is typically recommended for depositing color and providing good coverage on light blonde hair.
  • 30 Volume Developer : If you want to achieve a more vibrant or intense red, you might consider using a 30 volume developer.
  • Avoid 40 Volume Developer : This is

What developer should you use for deposit only?

Depositing Color: If you're just depositing color (like a semi-permanent dye), a lower volume developer (10 or 20 volume) is often sufficient. 10 Volume: Used for deposit only, no lift. 20 Volume: Can lift 1-2 levels and is often used for grey coverage. 2. Type of Hair Dye:

Can I use 20 vol to deposit color?

10 Volume Developer: Best for slight color deposit or darkening natural hair. It doesn't lift, so it's not ideal if you're looking for a lighter shade. 20 Volume Developer: Ideal for one to two levels of lightening and effective for gray coverage. Great for both depositing color and subtle lightening.

Should I use 10 or 20 developer to darken hair?

If you are trying to go darker or just deposit the color, a low-level developer like a 10 vol (or lower in some brands) would be used. If you are using a permanent, they usually use a higher developer like 20, to lift the hair and deposit color at the same time.

How To Use Peroxide Color Developers to avoid Orange Hair

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.

Will 20% developer lighten dark hair?

A Volume 20 developer is also a common strength for mixing with bleach because it provides 2-3 levels of lift, which is enough to lighten dark brown hair. It will take you to a medium blonde hair color if your current hair color is light brown.

What happens if I use 10 volume developer with permanent color?

Use 10 Volume if you are applying permanent, no-lift hair color. If the desired result is keeping color at the same color level by simply adding a tone or a tint, this is exactly what you should mix with. It won't significantly lift your base color and is the least damaging to the hair.

Is 10 or 20 developer better for gray 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.

How long do you leave 20 volume developer on dark hair?

Using a 20-volume developer is relatively easy. Mix the developer with the hair color. Apply the mixture to the hair, making sure to cover all areas evenly. Leave the developer mix on for 30-45 minutes, depending on the desired results and the hair type.

Is 10 volume developer deposit only?

20 volume is the recommended usage because it opens the cuticle farther for penetration of color molecules. 10 volume is for deposit only and will not penetrate as well, nor cover as well.

How do you mark a check for deposit only?

Restrictive endorsement.

This type of endorsement includes your signature and the words, "for deposit only." A check endorsed this way can be deposited into a bank account but not cashed.

What can I use to set up direct deposit?

Get a direct deposit form from your employer. Ask for a written or online direct deposit form. If that isn't available, ask your bank or credit union for one. We've included a list of forms from top banks and credit unions, including the Capital One and Bank of America direct deposit forms.

What developer to use for deposit?

10 volume will slightly open the cuticle and allow for moderate penetration of color molecules. Similar to 5 volume, 10 volume can be used with permanent color lines for depositing color, however, it will not offer much grey coverage or lift.

How many levels will 20 volume lift?

A 20 Volume developer provides a lift of 1-2 levels, which is great for subtle changes and gray coverage. For a more significant lift of 2-3 levels, opt for a 30 Volume developer.

Should I wash my hair before depositing color?

The answer depends on your strands. The ideal base for applying color is hair that's not too clean but not greasy. If your hair is very oily, you should wash the day before coloring, and normal to dry hair types should wash 48-72 hours before.

What happens if I use 10 developer instead of 20?

Use 10 Vol for level on level-on-level coloring and going darker. Use 20 Vol for 1-2 levels lift, for toning blonde hair and for grey hair coverage. Use 40 Vol for 3 levels lift and more. The mix for Ugly Duckling cream color is 1 part color to 1 part developer.

Why won't my gray hair hold color?

Gray hair tends to be resistant and typically takes longer to grab hold of the hair. Since there is no pigment, there is no need to lift. You just need to open the cuticle enough to deposit the color. If you feel you can get full coverage using a 10 or 15 volume then by all means use a lower volume.

What is the best color depositing conditioner?

Our favorite color-depositing conditioner is the dpHue Gloss+ thanks to its wide range of shades, easy application, and ability to soften and hydrate hair. For a clear gloss that adds shine to any hair color, we recommend the Pureology Color Fanatic Top Coat + Sheer.

Can I use 10 developer to go darker?

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.

What level of developer is in box dye?

The developer found in box color ranges between 20 and 40 volume because that is what is needed to cover gray or to change a very dark shade. Frequently coating the hair shaft with a high volume developer will cause damage, particularly if the starting condition is weakened or fragile.

Will 10 developer lighten hair?

10 Volume (3%): Used for depositing colour without lifting the natural hair colour. This volume is suitable for toning or darkening. 20 Volume (6%): Provides moderate lift and is commonly used for covering grey hair or lightening natural hair colour by one to two shades.

What can I mix with 20 volume developer to lighten my hair?

Typically, mix 20-volume developer with bleach in a 1:2 ratio, meaning one part bleach to two parts developer for effective lightening.

What happens when you use 20 developer with hair dye?

20 volume hair developer

It won't lighten your hair much, but it will help the hair dye to better penetrate the hair shaft and result in longer-lasting, more vibrant color. 20 volume developer is also a good option if you're looking to cover up some gray hair.

Is color activator the same as developer?

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.

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