What does developer do to brown hair?

Author: Miss Meggie Sawayn  |  Last update: Thursday, January 8, 2026

Developer alone won't make your hair darker or lighter. Its main purpose is to activate the color molecules in the hair dye and help them penetrate the hair shaft for a more permanent result. So if you want a lighter or darker shade, it's all about the hair dye you choose.

What does 20 developer do to dark hair?

If you're looking to maintain your natural hair color or darken it slightly, 20 volume developer is a good option. 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.

What does 40 developer do to brown hair?

40-volume developers, like the Keywest Professional Silver Sand Developer, contain 12% hydrogen peroxide. This concentration allows it to open the hair cuticle more aggressively, lifting natural pigments and making it an ideal choice for significant lightening or bleaching.

Should I use 10 or 20 developer to darken hair?

10 Volume Developers

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.

Will 30 developer lighten brown hair?

A 30 volume developer can lighten hair, but it is typically used in conjunction with bleach or hair color. It contains a higher concentration of hydrogen peroxide (9% to 12%) compared to lower volume developers, which allows for more significant lifting of the hair color.

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

Is a 20 or 30 developer better?

Developer %. Is what determines how many levels to lift and how strong of a lift . 40% developer is a very strong lift or intensity for the color , 30% developer is a medium lift for 5 shades and is strong , 20% developer is standard lift and what most people use to dye their hair .

How long should you leave 30 volume developer on dark hair?

One of the most common questions is: How long to leave 30 volume developer on hair? In general, it's recommended to leave it on for 15–30 minutes, depending on how much lift you're looking for. However, going over this time can cause significant damage.

What happens if I use 10 developer instead of 20?

Hair dye volumes refer to the strength of the developer, which impacts the level of color lift. 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.

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

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 developer damaging to hair?

Higher volume developers can be more damaging to the hair, so it's important to follow the instructions provided with the hair dye or bleach product. Additionally, using a quality conditioner or treatment such as OLAPLEX after the colouring process can help maintain the health and integrity of the hair.

How to lighten brown hair without turning orange?

A blue shampoo will neutralize orange tones. For hair that has been bleached blonde, use a specifically purple shampoo, and for hair that has been bleached to a lighter brown, use a blue-tinted purple shampoo. Purple shampoos work by balancing out yellow tones, since purple and yellow are opposite on the color wheel.

What developer is best for dark brown hair?

Volume 10 developer is the gentlest option and is best for minor hair color changes like brown to black. Choose a 20-volume developer to lift hair by 2 shades and help cover greys. Go for a 30-volume developer to lift your hair 3-4 shades.

What happens if you use more hair color than developer?

If you use too much hair colour and developer, the excess peroxide can strip your hair of its natural oils, leaving it brittle and prone to breakage. Irritation at the Scalp: Using more hair colour than a developer can also result in scalp irritation due to the chemical reaction between dye and peroxide.

How much will 20 developer lighten 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.

Will 20 developer lighten my roots?

The problem: Applying 20 Vol Developer on Natural 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.

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.

How do you get caramel highlights on dark brown hair?

Caramel highlights on dark brown hair can be achieved through hand-painted balayage or foils to lighten the base subtly. When the color is evenly distributed and placed in the right areas, it should mimic what the sun does naturally: give the hair a more dimensional look.

What happens if I use too much developer?

What happens if you put too much developer in hair dye? Too much developer added to a hair color formula will dilute the artificial dye molecules, and add too much oxygen to the formula. This will typically display a sheer end result that does not have the depth you may have anticipated.

Can I get light brown hair without bleaching?

Shades of brown are perfect to achieve lighter looking hair, without bleaching them. They give body to your hair and amplify your overall appearance. However, if you are looking to opt for a no bleach hair colour, which reduces the darkness of your hair, caramel brown hair colour is your pick!

What happens if you put grey hair dye on brown hair?

If your hair is brown, you may need to bleach it more than once before you apply the grey dye. It's important you get your hair as light as possible before you attempt to turn it grey – this will help ensure a more even tone and vibrant, all-over colour.

What volume developer should I use to darken my hair?

Developer choice for level-on-level coloring or coloring darker. When coloring level-on-level or darker, you can use 10 or 20 Vol developer. Once again, the mix should always be respected: 1 part color to 1 part developer.

What does toner do to hair?

It doesn't completely alter your hair colour, but it helps you subtly manipulate the shade of brassy hair. Hair toners neutralise unwanted warm or brassy tones to help you achieve a shinier, healthier, more natural-looking shade.

What do hot roots look like?

Hot roots – orange or yellow tones right around your scalp that are lighter than the rest of your hair – are the worst of the worst. Beyond not looking great, they can be difficult to fix. Unfortunately, hot roots are a common result for most people when lightening their hair for the first time.

How long to leave hair dye in before rinsing?

We often get the question: how long do you have to let the hair dye sit before rinsing it out? The answer is, you always have to let the dye sit for at least 35 minutes from the moment you've finished applying all of the dye. After 45 minutes the dye loses it's effect so it's no use letting it sit any longer.

What is level 7 hair?

The level system is made up of 10 numbers which help determine the depth level of your natural hair. 1 is black, 5 is light brown, 6 is dark blonde, 7 is blonde and 10 is the lightest blonde.

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