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

Author: Prof. Ashton Hettinger PhD  |  Last update: Saturday, May 3, 2025

The 10 Volume (3%) developer is ideal for depositing color without significant lightening. It opens the hair cuticle to allow color penetration, adding a tint or tone to the existing hair color. This developer provides a gentle lift of 1-2 levels, making it suitable for subtle changes close to the current hair shade.

What happens if I use a 10% developer with a permanent hair color?

Even if you're using it with a 10 volume, it's still permanent color with a high high amount of ammonia. If you're using this as a filler you're doing unnecessary damage to your hair, and possibly creating more porosity issues.

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.

How to use 10 volume developer with permanent color ratio?

Mix 1 part Color with 2 parts 10 Volume Developer and apply with bowl and brush or bottle. Formulated to help color penetrate deep into the hair for rich, multidimensional end results. Can be used with Demi and Permanent formulas.

Can I use 10 volume developer with semi-permanent color?

No, you should not mix semi-permanent hair color with a developer. Semi-permanent hair color is designed to deposit color without the need for a developer, as it typically does not contain ammonia or peroxide.

HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST VOLUME HAIR DEVELOPER- Damage from high volume developer explained.

What happens if I mix developer with semi-permanent hair dye?

By adding developer to your semi-permanent hair color, you can expect the following benefits: Enhanced Vibrancy: As mentioned before, the addition of developer helps the color molecules penetrate deeper into the hair shaft, resulting in a more vibrant and intense color.

Will a 10 volume 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.

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.

How much 10 developer do I mix with hair dye?

The general rule is to use one part of hair dye and two parts of developer (or 1:2) while mixing hair color. That means, if you have 2 oz of hair color, you should use 4 oz of a developer.

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 many levels does 10 volume developer lift?

10 Volume (3%) Developer

It opens the hair cuticle to allow color penetration, adding a tint or tone to the existing hair color. This developer provides a gentle lift of 1-2 levels, making it suitable for subtle changes close to the current hair shade.

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 happens if I use more developer than color?

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.

Should I use 10 or 20 developer with permanent color?

Use 10 Vol for tone down coloring and level-on-level coloring. 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.

Can you tone hair with 10 developer?

If you are using toner that mixes with a 10 or less volume developer, it's going to do little to no damage to your hair. That's because the higher the volume of developer, the more damage.

What happens if you don't use developer with permanent dye?

The developer is a crucial component of permanent hair dye as it activates the color and allows it to penetrate the hair shaft. Without it, the dye sits on the surface, leading to uneven and short-lived results. The chemical reaction between the developer and the dye ensures long-lasting, vibrant color.

What happens if I use a 10 developer with a permanent hair 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.

What developer to use with permanent hair color on dark hair?

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. And if you're looking to really lighten your hair, you'll need a developer with an even higher volume, between 30 and 40 Vol.

Will developer lighten hair without bleach?

Box or professional color can lighten your hair 1-2 levels without the need for bleach. This is because you often use a developer along with these colors, which can lighten your hair even without the interaction with bleach.

How much 10 developer to mix with color?

1:1 Hair dye to developer ratio

An equal parts ratio of 1:1 is best for working with single-shade dyes close to the natural color or covering a few grays. Most developers contain a certain percentage of hydrogen peroxide that lifts the cuticle. allowing the color to seep into the hair shaft.

Will 10 volume developer lighten brown hair?

Things You Should Know. Select a 10-volume developer to lift your hair by 1 shade. 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.

What developer to use with Ion permanent hair color?

Using a non-metallic bowl, mix 2 oz of ion™ Color Brilliance™ permanent brights with 2 oz ion™ Sensitive Scalp® Crème Developer 10 volume. Mixing ratio is 1:1. Application: For the most vibrant result, apply to pre-lightened hair.

What level 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.

How many sessions to go from dark brown to blonde?

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.

How to use 10 volume developer?

10 volume Wella® colorcharm Developer in a non-metal bowl or bottle. Apply color mixture starting at the roots, thoroughly distributing through lengths and ends. Let the color develop for 20 minutes without heat. Rinse the color out of the hair until water runs clear, shampoo and condition.

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