What happens if you don't put enough developer in toner?

Author: Lucious Becker V  |  Last update: Friday, September 12, 2025

If you don't add enough developer to your hair color, you might end up with a lackluster, uneven color that looks like you just dipped your hair in a bucket of paint.

What happens if I use too little developer?

Using less developer than recommended cuts down sufficient developer activity , resulting in insufficient colour deposits within the hair. For lighter shades, it may not provide sufficient developer strength to achieve destired lift, meaning, the colour will be darker than advertised.

What will happen if I use toner without developer?

A developer is a must when you bleach or color your hair, similar to that a developer is a must for toners as well. If you skip the developer while toning, you will not be able to achieve the desired color results.

How much developer goes into toner?

Mix your toner with a developer in a 1:2 ratio. Use an applicator brush to work the mixture into your hair, focusing on the areas with unwanted undertones. Leave the toner in for up to 45 minutes, then rinse, and wash with a moisturizing shampoo and deep conditioner.

What happens if you use 10 volume developer with toner?

10 volume developer is fine for toner, because you are only trying to deposit the corrective tones when you apply it. If you wanted to lighten at all I'd do it before toning.

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

How long to leave toner on with 10 volume developer?

Use about 3-4 ounces of the 10-volume developer with one full bottle of the Wella toner. Mix well before applying. Leave about 20 min and then shampoo with a gentle shampoo and use a good rich conditioner or hair masque.

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.

What happens if you put too much toner?

Toner is a multi-tasking skin-care weapon known for its benefits for the appearance of your skin, including a brighter, glowier complexion — but too much of it can lead to over-exfoliation, dryness or stripping of the skin.

Do I put toner on wet or dry hair?

You want the hair cuticle to be open for toning. Towel-dry hair to about 65 - 75% dry then start toning. Usually color & bleach is on dry hair, even toners and colors that do not require developer; however toner that uses developer is recommended on towel dried hair.

How much developer do I use with t18?

Mix 1 part Wella colorcharm toning color with 2 parts 10 or 20 volume Wella colorcharm developer. Apply to towel dried hair then, develop for up to 30 minutes. Check frequently to see if desired results are achieved. You can customize the toner formula by intermixing shades.

Can I mix toner with conditioner instead of developer?

The answer depends on the type of toner you're using. You won't need a developer if you're using a toning shampoo or conditioner, but an in-salon toner will need to be mixed with a developer at 1:2 ratio.

Do you shampoo after toner?

You should wait to shampoo your hair again after applying toner for about 24 hours. This will allow the toner to set and not wash out of your hair.

What is a substitute for hair developer?

Chemical-based hair developers can cause damage and dryness to your hair, which is why many people are exploring natural alternatives. These include: Lemon Juice: Lemon juice contains citric acid, which acts as a natural bleaching agent, making it an ideal substitute for developing when lightening hair.

Can I use Wella toner without developer?

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

How do I know if I put 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.

Can I use conditioner as a developer?

No, conditioner cannot replace developer. The developer activates the dye and allows it to penetrate the hair, while conditioner only moisturizes the hair.

How much developer to toner?

A 3%/10V developer is better for intense results on a full-head coloring while adding a tint on the same lightness level as your color. To apply, mix the toner and developer with a 1:2 ratio and leave on for 45 minutes.

Is toner hydrating or drying?

When used correctly, toner can help gently cleanse, nourish, and refresh your skin, without stripping away its essential moisture. With so many common misconceptions surrounding the use of facial toners, it's important to understand that not all toning products are drying or harsh on the skin.

Do you apply toner to roots or ends first?

Apply the toner first to areas that require the most color correction or simply apply to the central part of the strands before working up to the roots and down to the tips.

Why did my hair turn purple after toner?

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.

Can you mess up your hair with toner?

When applied correctly and on healthy hair, toners typically do not cause damage. However, there are considerations to keep in mind... Toning can exacerbate damage caused by previous chemical treatments or excessive heat styling.

How long should toner sit in hair?

Toners are different from hair dyes. Toners act immediately and should be left for about 20 minutes. On the other hand, hair dyes require 45 minutes of exposure time. Moreover, toners neutralize brassy tones as soon as applied.

What happens if I put too little developer?

If you don't add enough developer to your hair color, you might end up with a lackluster, uneven color that looks like you just dipped your hair in a bucket of paint. The hair color won't develop properly, which means that the color molecules won't penetrate the hair shaft and you'll be left with a patchy mess.

Should I use 10 or 20 volume developer with toner?

Here are the rules for developer choice when going lighter using regular professional 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.

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.

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