What's the difference between a 30 developer and a 40 developer?

Author: Bernie Lindgren  |  Last update: Tuesday, July 15, 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 .

Should I use 30 or 40 volume developer?

For lifting the color by 1-2 levels, opt for a 20 Volume (6%) developer. A 30 Volume (9%) developer is suitable for more noticeable lifts of 2-3 levels, while a 40 Volume (12%) developer is used for significant lightening up to 8 levels.

What is a 40 volume developer used for?

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.

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.

Is 40 volume developer too strong?

Strength of Developer: A 40-volume developer contains 12% peroxide, which is very strong and can lift hair color significantly. However, using such a strong developer can also cause damage to the hair.

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

How long do I leave 40% developer in my hair?

40-volume developer should not be left on your hair for more than 30 minutes. Generally, a processing time of 10–20 minutes is enough to achieve a lift without causing excessive damage. Check the hair frequently to monitor the color lift, and rinse thoroughly when the desired shade is achieved.

Will 30% developer lighten black hair?

Yes, 30 volume developer is often recommended for dark hair because it provides the lift needed to lighten effectively.

Will 40 developer lighten hair without bleach?

Without bleach, the 40 volume developer will only deposit color and may lighten the hair slightly, but not enough to achieve the desired blonde or light color.

How long should I leave 30% developer in my hair?

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.

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.

How many levels does 40 volume developer lift?

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.

Is 30 developer bad for your hair?

30 volume hair developer

As with the 20, it's also a good choice if you're looking to cover up some gray hair. Many people choose 30 volume for highlights because it's strong enough to lighten the hair, but not so strong that it will damage it.

What developer to use to cover grey 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.

How many shades does 30 vol lift?

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.

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 happens if you use more developer than hair color?

Using too much 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 unicorn threw up on your head.

Should I rinse bleach out of hair with cold or hot water?

Step 7: Wash it

Use lukewarm water, too hot or cold of water can shock your hair in its already fragile state. Make sure to completely rinse out the bleach and gently wash your hair to get out all the product.

What happens if you put 30% developer in your hair by itself?

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. Always use developer combined with bleach or color or toner. Never by itself.

Do I have to bleach my hair again to change the color?

Do I need to bleach my hair before I color it? If you already have pre-lightened or bleached hair you don't need to bleach it again, otherwise, yes. You can bleach your hair once for colors like red, pink, and purple.

Does apple cider vinegar lighten hair?

Apple cider vinegar is known for its ability to restore the hair's natural pH balance. When used as a rinse, it helps to gently strip away excess dye and product buildup, which can contribute to lightening the hair color over time.

Can I mix developer with conditioner?

Both permanent and developer-based dyes should not be mixed with conditioner. "There are particular reactions and interactions between the chemicals within them that make these dyes work on the hair," Oxley says.

How many sessions to go from dark brown to blonde?

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.

When should I use a 30 developer?

30 volume developer is ideal for lifting 2-4 levels using permanent hair color depending on the texture of the hair. It can also be used for grey coverage on more resistant hair types. Thirty volume should never be used for basic deposit only color as it will blast the cuticle for no reason.

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