What does too much developer do to hair?

Author: Alvis Ullrich  |  Last update: Saturday, July 12, 2025

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 happens if you use too much hair developer?

Over-processing: Too much developer can cause the hair dye to over-process, which means it stays on the hair for too long. This can result in damage to the hair, making it dry, brittle, and prone to breakage (1). Over-processed hair may also lose its natural shine and become dull.

Is it better to have too much or too little developer?

It's a good chance that less developer will not allow the color to attach correctly and the color will simply slide off after a wash or three. But if you use too much developer it can water the color down and leave holes in your cuticle which is essentially super damaging.

Does higher developer damage hair more?

It's crucial to choose the appropriate developer volume based on your client's desired hair colour outcome and the condition of their 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.

What happens if you just put 40 developer in your hair?

Damage Risk: The high strength of a 40 volume developer can cause considerable damage to the hair. It can lead to dryness, breakage, and an overall unhealthy appearance, especially if the hair is already compromised or previously colored.

HOW TO DYE YOUR HAIR WITH DEVELOPER ONLY!!!

Is 40 volume developer too strong?

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.

Can developer mess up your hair?

Dryness and Damage: As mentioned earlier, higher volumes of developers can cause severe damage and dryness. 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.

Can developer cause hair loss?

Yes, because the harsh chemicals can cause allergies, leading to hair fall, as also cause weakening of the hair, in turn leading to hair breakage.

Will 20% developer lighten hair?

20 Volume Developer: Ideal for one to two levels of lightening and effective for gray coverage. Great for both depositing color and subtle lightening. 30 Volume Developer: Used for lifting color by up to three shades. This is a stronger developer and generally used for more dramatic color changes.

How many levels does 40 volume developer lift?

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.

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 is least damaging?

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.

What happens if you put too much toner in your hair?

So, why has your hair become stained with hues of blue or purple? Well, you may have either over toned your hair, the toner is too strong, you've applied too much or your hair is very porous. Uh oh! Luckily, there are ways to reverse this!

How damaging is 30 vol developer?

30 Volume Developers

It is usable and can be used with a lightening scram, a powder, or permanent hair color. It is advisable to stay away from this developer if you are not a hair coloring professional because it contains high concentrations of peroxide and might cause hair damage if not used with care.

What happens if you put too much product in your hair?

Actually, all you'll get is limp, weighed down hair, scalp buildup and a higher budget for replacements. Your hair can only hold so much, and any product that isn't absorbed into the shaft will lie on top. This isn't usually a problem, until it begins to weigh your hair down and cause it to look greasy or crunchy.

Should I use 10 or 20 developer to darken 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.

How long should I leave 20% developer in my hair without bleach?

Leave the developer mix on for 30-45 minutes, depending on the desired results and the hair type. Rinse with warm water and shampoo thoroughly.

Will 30% developer lighten hair by itself?

While bleach opens up the hair cuticle more forcefully for intense lightening, a 30 volume developer on its own can still help to lift color by about two to three levels, depending on your natural hair color. This option is ideal if you want to avoid the harsh effects of bleach but still desire a lighter color.

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.

Will my hair be healthier if I stop coloring it?

And your hair might feel healthier

While hair dyes and techniques have come a long way since their follicle-frying beginnings, they do still leave some damage. Taking a hiatus from color will help your hair return to its previous state--especially as dyed ends get chopped off.

What hair color is best to hide thinning hair?

Brightened-up colors, such as golden blonde, can work wonders when applied to the money pieces around your face. Likewise, rich colors—like chestnut or caramel brown—can create a shadow effect throughout that feigns depth and thickness.

What's the healthiest hair dye?

What Is the Best Natural Hair Dye?
  • Hally Color Cloud*
  • IROIRO Premium Natural Semi-Permanent Hair Color*
  • ARCTIC FOX's Vegan Semi-Permanent Dyes*
  • MANIC PANIC SuperNatural Hair Dyes*
  • Moroccanoil Color Depositing Mask*
  • Lime Crime Unicorn Semi-Permanent Hair*
  • Khadi Natural Hair Color*
  • Surya Brasil Henné Color*

What happens if you use too much developer?

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.

What happens if you use hair color without developer?

Developers play a vital role in opening the hair cuticle, allowing the dye to penetrate deeply and deliver long-lasting, vibrant color. Without a developer, the dye will only coat the hair surface, resulting in patchy, uneven coverage that fades quickly.

How long before hair developer goes bad?

Peroxides or Developers don't 'spoil' or go bad but they can deteriorate meaning the Hydrogen Peroxide breaks down to free oxygen and water causing the product to weaken (go from 10 Vol. to 9 Vol. or less) or it can dehydrate or lose water and get more 'concentrated' (go from 20 Vol. to 22 vol. or more) However, all ...

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