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.
Permanent color LIFTS and DEPOSITS at the same time. Because 20+volume opens the cuticle, the potential for damage exists. There's little risk if permanent color is used CORRECTLY but of course the higher the strength of developer, the more potential for damage there is.
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.
With its strength, a 40-volume developer comes with risks that must be managed carefully. Here are some key considerations: Potential for Damage: High peroxide levels can be tough on hair, potentially causing breakage, dryness, and split ends if not used correctly.
10 is the max you should use to tone. I'm a stylist and I use an even lower developer to tone. Toning is deposit only, meaning no lift. 20 vol will open the cuticle more than 10, which is why it will lift the hair. 20 will create more damage and usually make your toner not last as long too.
It won't significantly lift your base color and is the least damaging to the hair. 10 Volume is only used to open the cuticle layer so the color molecules deposit in the cortex for long-term results.
Yes, 30 volume developer is often recommended for dark hair because it provides the lift needed to lighten effectively. However, you may still need bleach for very light or dramatic color changes.
10 Vol is the weakest commonly available. It corresponds to 3% peroxide strength. This level of developer does not open the cuticle very much.
If you're looking to maintain your natural hair color or darken it slightly, 20 volume developer is a good option. It won't lighten your hair much, but it will help the hair dye to better penetrate the hair shaft and result in longer-lasting, more vibrant color.
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. A 40 Volume developer offers the most significant lift, up to 8 levels, for dramatic color changes.
Lemon Juice: Lemon juice contains citric acid, which acts as a natural bleaching agent, making it an ideal substitute for developing when lightening hair.
Using a 20-volume developer is relatively easy. Mix the developer with the hair color. Apply the mixture to the hair, making sure to cover all areas evenly. Leave the developer mix on for 30-45 minutes, depending on the desired results and the hair type.
Yes. Developer can damage hair. If you pick a developer that is too strong for the hair texture of your client, it has the possibility of lifting the cuticle so much that it can't be smoothed back down. So, how do you pick the right developer for the job?
40 volume developer is the strongest level of developer, and we do not recommend it for at home use. Even with dark hair, it is easier and safer to do several rounds of lightning with a lower volume developer rather than try to lift your hair an extreme amount in one go with a higher volume developer.
If your client's hair is dark blonde/light brown (level 5-6), aim at around 30 minutes using 30 Vol developer. If your client's hair is brown/dark brown (level 4-5), aim at around around 30-40 minutes using 30 Vol developer with fresh mix added in during processing time.
40 Volume (12%) Developer
A Volume 40 developer is only used for lightening and can lift up to 8 levels. It is recommended for use with a lightening cream or powder for those who want to achieve blonde results.
20 Volume Developer: Ideal for one to two levels of lightening and effective for gray coverage. Great for both depositing color and subtle lightening. 30 Volume Developer: Used for lifting color by up to three shades. This is a stronger developer and generally used for more dramatic color changes.
Always Use a 20 Volume Developer
If you feel you can get full coverage using a 10 or 15 volume then by all means use a lower volume.
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.
20 volume developer lifts hair color 2 levels and 30 lifts 3. so figure out how much lighter your desired shade is and go from there. be careful with roots since they are closer to your scalp that is a heat source and they will get lighter faster.
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.
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.