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