What happens if you use 30 developer instead of 20?

Author: Gage Muller  |  Last update: Sunday, April 27, 2025

20 developer works slower so it's easier to get an evenly bleached. If you're not wanting to be waiting around for a couple of hours then grab a 30 developer, just know you have to work faster and your hair for even color and due to it having more peroxide it is a tad more drying.

Can you use 30 developer instead of 20?

Next time, if you need to you, can always use 30 volume if you find that the 20 wasn't strong enough, but again, for most people it's plenty.

What happens if I use 30 volume developer with permanent color?

20 volume is the cutoff point for permanent hair color. So permanent color is 20 volume or higher. 20 volume lifts a MAX of two levels. 30 volume lifts a MAX of 3 levels and 40 volume lifts a maximum of 4 levels. All these developers can be used with permanent hair color.

Will 30% developer lighten hair without bleach?

Because 30 volume developer cannot bring effectively to lighten your hair by only itself. It just makes your hair a little lighter than your natural color hair. Hence, in order to get the full effect, 30 volume developer should be combined with bleach powder or dye powder to lighten your hair fastest.

Is 30 volume developer too strong?

Any time you use a 30-volume developer on hair, it will cause some level of damage. However, when applied properly on the right type and texture of hair, a 30-volume developer will be just fine.

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

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.

Should I use 20 or 30 developer for red hair?

“Using different developers is key, and a HUGE pro tip to keep the red from going too dark, and old highlights from absorbing too much pigment,” explains Jill, who uses 20 volume on virgin hair, and 25 – 30 volume on previously highlighted hair. The why: Shifting developers depending on porosity is key.

How long to leave 30% developer on 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.

Is 20 volume developer damaging?

Using too much 20 volume 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 tie-dye gone wrong.

Is high lift color permanent?

High Lift Color On Colored Hair

Color does not lift color, and at the end of the day, a high lift is just that — permanent hair color.

Is 20 or 30 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.

Can I use 30 vol on roots?

Use 30 Vol developer when the hair is very dark and when you want an ultra white blonde result. Be careful: this bleach processes very fast, especially at the root area. You will need to work fast and rinse fast.

How to make 30 volume developer into 20?

2 parts 30 vol to 1 part distilled water will give you 20 vol.

What happens if you just put 30 developer in your hair?

The release of oxygen will indeed allow the hair to lighten. And 30 Vol will definitely do this to a greater extent than 20 Vol. But we don't recommend that you apply just developer to the hair. You will get an uncontrolled lift, without any re-coloration and you will end up damaging the hair.

How to use 30 volume developer with permanent color on dark hair?

How to Use 30 Volume Developer
  1. Choose the Right Hair Color and Developer.
  2. Prepare the Color Mixture.
  3. Apply the Mixture to Dry, Unwashed Hair.
  4. Let the Color Develop.
  5. Rinse and Condition.
  6. For Grey Hair Coverage.
  7. For Lightening Dark Hair.
  8. For Vibrant Color Results.

Should I use 20 or 30 developer reddit?

Vol 20 in multiple rounds: If they're worried about damage, this is the safer option, though it'll take longer to lift. Vol 30 in one go: Faster lift, but riskier for hair health. Monitor closely if used.

Is 30 volume developer stronger than 20?

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 . 10% developer is lowest strength developer , you use that to tone or just add a slight color difference .

Can you use 30 volume developer on scalp?

Using 30 Volume Developer on Sensitive Scalp

If you have a sensitive scalp, it's especially important to be cautious when using a 30 volume developer, as higher volumes can cause irritation.

Does 30 volume developer go 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 ...

How many levels does 30 vol lift?

30 Volume (9%) Developer

Although a Volume 30 developer is strong enough to cause scalp irritation in most people, it allows you to achieve a 3-4 level lift with bleach.

What happens if you put 20 developer on hair?

Hair developer is essential for achieving the desired hair color because it activates the dye and ensures it penetrates the hair shaft. By using a 20-volume developer, you can lighten your hair by 1-2 levels, making it a versatile choice for both coloring and lightening.

How to bleach hair at 30 volume?

Depending on how much you're trying to bleach, you might need more mixture as you go, but start with 2 oz of a 30v developer and 1 oz of lightener, add the ingredients to your mixing bowl and combine them together using the painting brush until smooth.

Will 20 developer darken hair?

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.

Is 40 developer too strong?

40 volume developer is very strong, so it should not be left on the hair for too long. Typically, you should leave it on for no more than 45 minutes. Over-processing can lead to hair damage, breakage, or unwanted brassy tones.

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.

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