What level of peroxide to use for grey hair?

Author: Nina Raynor  |  Last update: Thursday, July 10, 2025

For any grey hair application, use 20 Volume developer (6% peroxide). Grey hair needs extra softening to open up. Also, in the case of salt and pepper hair when going blonde, the "pepper" part needs to be lifted up.

What volume of peroxide to cover grey hair?

To cover grey hair and achieve an intense ash-brown color, you need to choose the right volume of developer that gives the correct depth and coverage. Generally, the most recommended developer is the 20-volume developer, as it helps in darkening hair by 3 - 4 levels.

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 you use hydrogen peroxide on grey hair?

Using hydrogen peroxide on natural gray hair can have mixed effects. On one hand, it can help lighten the hair and create subtle highlights, giving a more dynamic look. However, excessive use may lead to dryness and damage. It's crucial to find the right balance to avoid unwanted side effects.

Does 3% cover grey?

Our National Education Manager, Sarah Pleskot says we normally suggest 3% Infiniti Developer for grey coverage if hair is fine to medium.

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

What is the ratio of developer to color for gray hair?

The typical ratio is 1 part hair color to 1.5 or 2 parts developer for effective gray coverage.

Why is my hair dye not covering grey?

The outer cuticle layer of greys can be more tightly packed and layered, making them resistant to colour absorption. As a result, it can be more difficult to colour resistant grey hair and to cover visible regrowth.

What does adding baking soda to gray hair do?

Regarding using baking soda for gray hair, experts endorse its potential benefits such as controlling pigmentation loss, lightening the strands, and providing texture. It can be used on coarse grey locks to make them smoother too by eliminating product buildup from oils or soaps.

Can B12 reverse gray hair?

Premature graying may be reversed with vitamin B12 supplementation only if vitamin B12 deficiency is the cause. If you are graying due to other factors, such as genetics, zinc deficiency, and medications, your gray hair cannot be reversed.

What happens if you use 30 developer instead of 20?

The choice between a 20 and 30 Volume developer hinges on your desired lift. A 20 Volume developer provides a lift of 1-2 levels, which is great for subtle changes and gray coverage. For a more significant lift of 2-3 levels, opt for a 30 Volume developer.

How to pretreat gray hair before coloring?

Pre-pigmenting and pre-softening

Pickle your hair first to open up the hair cuticles. You can make the grey hair wet with the developer with a brush or a comb. After ten minutes, apply the tint mixed with water to these areas. Let this sit for ten minutes as well and then apply the dye as you're used to.

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.

What is the strongest peroxide for hair?

The concentration of hydrogen peroxide in the developer can vary, and different volumes are available to achieve various levels of lift or colour intensity. The volumes typically range from 10 to 40, with ten being the least aggressive and 40 being the most potent.

Which volume is best for gray hair?

20 volume is likely the most used developer in the salon. 20volume will give 1-2 levels of lift when used with permanent hair color. It is the standard developer for grey coverage, however, a stronger developer may be needed for more resistant hair types.

What is the standard hydrogen peroxide volume used when doing a retouch on gray hair?

Grey hair needs to be opened up so that color molecules penetrate deep into the hair cuticle. So 20 Vol is the best solution in most cases. For any grey hair application, use 20 Volume developer (6% peroxide).

What does hydrogen peroxide do to gray hair?

Hydrogen peroxide is a natural oxidant; we produce an enzyme called catalase that breaks down hydrogen peroxide turning it into water and oxygen. As catalase function decreases, the levels of hydrogen peroxide increase. High levels of hydrogen peroxide block the production of pigment, leading to gray hair.

Can 3% hydrogen peroxide lighten hair?

To bleach your hair with peroxide, you'll need the following materials. Gather them together and set them up on a table in your kitchen or bathroom: A 3% hydrogen peroxide solution. Any higher than 3% and you risk hair loss when applying.

How long does hair peroxide last once opened?

The key ingredient in both hair and beard dye is hydrogen peroxide, which acts as an oxidizing agent and has a shelf life of 3 years when kept in a sealed container. However, once the container is opened, the chemical will start to break down, making it effective for only 1 to 6 months.

What does vinegar do to grey hair?

Apple cider vinegar not only lightens hair color to diminish brassy tones but also acts as a natural cleanser, removing product buildup and hard water residues. You can make an apple cider vinegar hair rinse for gray hair at home. Mix one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar with one cup of water.

How can I make my grey hair more silver?

How to make gray hair soft, shiny, and silver
  1. Use a hydrating shampoo regularly. ...
  2. Swap in a clarifying shampoo. ...
  3. Use a purple shampoo and conditioner. ...
  4. Use a serum for shine. ...
  5. Use hairspray the right way. ...
  6. See a hair stylist for a keratin treatment. ...
  7. Do weekly deep conditioning masks. ...
  8. Get a gloss treatment.

What developer is best for gray hair?

Always Use a 20 Volume Developer

Gray hair tends to be resistant and typically takes longer to grab hold of the hair. Since there is no pigment, there is no need to lift.

How do you dye stubborn grey hair?

10 Tricks to Help You Color Resistant Gray Hair
  1. Use a Permanent Color. ...
  2. Add a Dose of Pure Naturals. ...
  3. Choose the Right Developer. ...
  4. Saturate Stubborn Silver Strays. ...
  5. Start With the Most Resistant Patches. ...
  6. Develop Color Under Heat. ...
  7. Get Inspired by Formulas. ...
  8. Blend Away Grays with Highlights.

How can I hide my gray hair without dying it?

Root sprays and root powders offer a quick and temporary way to cover up gray hairs: simply choose a shade that matches your natural color and apply to the roots.

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