Will 20% developer lighten hair?

Author: Bella McGlynn  |  Last update: Friday, July 11, 2025

10 Volume Developer: Best for slight color deposit or darkening natural hair. It doesn't lift, so it's not ideal if you're looking for a lighter shade. 20 Volume Developer: Ideal for one to two levels of lightening and effective for gray coverage. Great for both depositing color and subtle lightening.

Can you lighten hair with just 20% developer?

Yes, you can use a 20 volume developer (creme) to lighten dark hair, but the results will depend on several factors, including your natural hair color, the condition of your hair, and how long you leave the product on. Here are some key points to consider:

Which developer makes your hair lighter, 20 or 30?

30 volume developer is usually used to dark hair while 10 volume and 20 volume developer are typically used for lighter hair.

Will 20% volume peroxide lift up to 2 levels of hair color?

10 Volume is only used to open the cuticle layer so the color molecules deposit in the cortex for long-term results. Use 20 Volume when lifting hair color one or two levels (levels refer to the oxidizing potential).

How long do you leave 20% developer in your hair?

Apply the Mixture: Using a hair dye brush, apply the mixture evenly, starting from the roots and working your way down. This helps ensure you get even coverage. Wait and Process: Follow the recommended processing time on your hair dye instructions, usually 30-45 minutes.

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

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.

Can I go blonde with 20 developer?

20 Volume (6%) Developer

It will take you to a medium blonde hair color if your current hair color is light brown. However, this developer concentration is insufficient to turn black or dark brown hair blonde in a single bleaching process.

What does 20 developer do to dark hair?

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.

How many levels will 20 volume 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.

Will 20 developer lift roots?

Hot roots happen when you apply a colour mixed with a 20 vol developer to your natural root area as this strength developer lifts the hair slightly. This is more common with lighter shades and toners.

Will 20 volume developer lighten hair without bleach reddit?

20 vol can lift or deposit up to 2 level. Also you need with bleach powder or cream bleach. The bleach is what actually does the lightening.

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.

How much will 20 developer lighten hair?

Benefits of hair developer

By using a 20-volume developer, you can lighten your hair by 1-2 levels, making it a versatile choice for both coloring and lightening. The developer also helps in opening the hair cuticle, allowing the color to adhere better and last longer.

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.

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.

Is 20 developer enough for black hair?

Select a 10-volume developer to lift your hair by 1 shade. Volume 10 developer is the gentlest option and is best for minor hair color changes like brown to black. Choose a 20-volume developer to lift hair by 2 shades and help cover greys. Go for a 30-volume developer to lift your hair 3-4 shades.

What developer is best for dark hair?

10 volume developers contain 3% hydrogen peroxide. These developers are also called no lift developers because they only provide moderate lift to your cuticles, i.e., lift by 1 level. This developer is perfect for when you are going to color your hair a darker color than the natural shade.

Will developer lighten hair without bleach?

Box or professional color can lighten your hair 1-2 levels without the need for bleach. This is because you often use a developer along with these colors, which can lighten your hair even without the interaction with bleach.

How can I lighten my dark hair without bleach?

The easiest way to lighten hair is to use a clarifying shampoo or a mixture of baking soda and lemon juice. These methods are gentle and can gradually lighten the hair over a few washes. For more immediate results, a professional toner or hair lightener can be used.

How to get hair platinum white?

How To Get Platinum Blonde Hair
  1. Pick up an at-home bleaching kit. ...
  2. Choose your platinum hair dye. ...
  3. Protect your eyes, skin, and clothes. ...
  4. Section your hair. ...
  5. Bleach your strands. ...
  6. Rinse and dry your hair. ...
  7. Wait. ...
  8. Apply color.

How do you get caramel highlights on dark brown hair?

Caramel highlights on dark brown hair can be achieved through hand-painted balayage or foils to lighten the base subtly. When the color is evenly distributed and placed in the right areas, it should mimic what the sun does naturally: give the hair a more dimensional look.

Is there a big difference between 20 and 30 developer?

30 volume developer, also called as the developer with 9% peroxide, is frequently used with lighteners and will raise the hair up to a higher level, but causes a little more damage than 20 volume developer.

How long can I leave 20 vol bleach on hair?

How long should I leave the bleach on the hair? If your client's hair is blonde (level 7 and higher) aim at between 15-20 minutes using 20 Vol developer. If your client's hair is dark blonde/light brown (level 5-6), aim at around 30 minutes using 30 Vol developer.

When to use 20 volume developer?

20 volume is likely the most used developer in the salon. Twenty volume will give 1-2 levels of lift when used with permanent hair color. On finer fabrics it may even give up to 3 levels of lift. It is the standard developer for grey coverage, however, a stronger developer may be needed for more resistant hair types.

Previous article
Does LaserAway do nose fillers?
Next article
Can body firm Crepe Erase be used on the face?