What's stronger, a 20 or 30 developer?

Author: Susanna Jerde  |  Last update: Monday, June 23, 2025

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 .

Should I use 20 or 30 volume developer?

  • 20 Volume Developer: This is a good choice if you want a more gradual lightening effect. It will lift the hair color by about 1.5 to 2 levels.
  • 30 Volume Developer: This developer will lift the hair color by about 2 to 3 levels, making it suitable if you want a more significant lightening effect.

What does 30% developer do?

30-volume developers contain 9% hydrogen peroxide. These developers provide a lift up to four levels and are perfect for people with thick hair. This is ideal if you are intending on shifting to a blonde or a platinum blonde. It is usable and can be used with a lightening scram, a powder, or permanent hair color.

What happens if you use 30 developer instead of 20 on dark hair?

Using 30 volume for a dye meant for 20 volume can sometimes leave the hair too brassy bc it doesn't contain enough pigment for 3 levels of lift.

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 long to keep 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.

What does 40 developer do?

Known to be the strongest developer that makes the biggest impact, 40 Volume lifts up to four levels and lightens hair quickly. It is often used with Satin Bleach to remove dark color pigment from natural hair or with high-lift color to create highlights or vibrant blondes.

How many levels does 30 volume developer lift without bleach?

The 30 Volume (9%) developer is ideal for achieving more dramatic color changes, lifting hair by 2-3 levels and creating noticeable lightening. It is effective for lightening dark hair to a medium shade, though it may cause scalp irritation.

What will 30 developer do to black hair?

Using 30 Vol developer with a high lift color on dark hair

You can get good highlights that way. Of course, you won't get to level 10 blonde. But you will get very nice highlights.

Which developer is best for dark hair?

Developer choice for level-on-level coloring or coloring darker
  • When coloring level-on-level or darker, you can use 10 or 20 Vol developer.
  • Once again, the mix should always be respected: 1 part color to 1 part developer.

Should I use 20 or 30 developer with red hair dye?

“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.

How long do you leave 20 volume developer on dark 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.

What can I use instead of hair developer?

Lemon Juice: Lemon juice contains citric acid, which acts as a natural bleaching agent, making it an ideal substitute for developing when lightening hair.

Will 20 volume developer lift hair?

20 volume: This is stronger than 10 volume and it's commonly used for lightening hair at home as it lifts 1 to 2 levels.

What bleach is best for dark hair?

What is the best bleach for dark hair?
  • Best high lifting bleach - Schwarzkopf BLONDME Bond Enforcing Premium Lightener 9+
  • Best salon value bleach - Lotus Low Dust (Blue) Bleach.
  • Best anti-yellow bleach - Wella Blondor Multi Blonde Powder.
  • Best bleach with colouring system - Goldwell Oxycur Platin Dust Free Blue Bleach.

What level of 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.

Is 30 hair 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 .

How long should I leave 30 developer in my hair to lighten it?

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.

What is the least damaging way to lighten your hair?

Natural bleaching agents like apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, chamomile tea, or cinnamon and honey can lighten hair gently and naturally with minimal damage.

What is level 7 hair?

The level system is made up of 10 numbers which help determine the depth level of your natural hair. 1 is black, 5 is light brown, 6 is dark blonde, 7 is blonde and 10 is the lightest blonde.

What is 30 developer used for?

A 30 volume developer is a chemical solution that is commonly used in hair dyeing to lighten the hair or activate color. The “30 volume” refers to the concentration of hydrogen peroxide in the developer, which is 9% hydrogen peroxide.

What is the highest developer for hair?

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.

How long do you leave 40% developer in your hair without bleach?

Generally, a processing time of 10–20 minutes is enough to achieve a lift without causing excessive damage.

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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