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.
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.
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.
The first thing you're likely to pull out of the box is the developer. The developer, also known as the Color Optimizing Crème, is labeled with a large number one. It's the only clear bottle in the hair color kit, and will be mostly empty.
The level of chemicals in box dye is a much higher concentration than those used in salons due to the ``one size fits all'' nature of the mixture. This usually means that it's more drying and damaging in general for your hair.
Many box dye formulas also contain ammonia, a chemical that can damage strands and cause them to be dry and brittle. Professional hair color formulas are often made without ammonia to ensure that hair isn't damaged during the coloring process.
Here are a few important things to consider: If you're using semi-permanent or demi-permanent hair color, you'll need a developer with a lower volume, between 3 and 20 Vol. 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.
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.
Without a developer, the dye will only coat the hair surface, resulting in patchy, uneven coverage that fades quickly. This means you won't achieve the rich, permanent color you're aiming for.
To keep your Balayage looking fresh, we recommend continued maintenance by glossing with L'Oreal Paris Le Color Gloss every 10 days. What developer comes in the Preference Balayage kit? The Preference Balayage Light Blonde to Dark Blonde and Dark Blonde to Light Brown options both include a 30-volume developer.
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.
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.
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.
Mix the Dye and Developer: The most common mixing ratio for 20 volume developer is 1:1 with permanent hair color. For example, if you're using 50 ml of dye, mix it with 50 ml of 20 volume developer. Make sure the mixture is smooth.
When you need a more significant lift in hair color, opt for a 30 Volume (9%) Developer. It lifts hair by 2-3 levels, making it suitable for achieving medium to lighter shades from darker bases.
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.
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.
Our favorite color-depositing conditioner is the dpHue Gloss+ thanks to its wide range of shades, easy application, and ability to soften and hydrate hair. For a clear gloss that adds shine to any hair color, we recommend the Pureology Color Fanatic Top Coat + Sheer.
In general, it's recommended to wash your hair a day or two before your dye session rather than immediately before it. Skipping a day allows for oils to build up on your scalp, which, in turn, helps protect against irritation that can be caused by hair dye.
They typically contain high amounts of ammonia, PPDs, nitro dyes, metallic salts, and even henna. These are all harsh chemicals that can be extremely damaging to the hair as well as cause reactions to sensitive skin and allergies.
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.
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.
10 volume will slightly open the cuticle and allow for moderate penetration of color molecules. Similar to 5 volume, 10 volume can be used with permanent color lines for depositing color, however, it will not offer much grey coverage or lift.
“It all depends on how light you want to go and what was previously done to the hair,” says Pearl. “On virgin hair, you can most likely lift up to seven levels [in one session]. This can become harder on a darker level hair.”
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.