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How to Choose the Right Developer for Hair Color: A Quick Guide

12 days ago
How to Choose the Right Developer for Hair Color: A Quick Guide
12 days ago

When coloring your hair at home or in the salon, choosing the right developer is just as important as selecting the perfect shade. The developer determines how light or dark your color will turn out and how long it will last. So, how do you know which one to use? Let’s break it down.

What is Hair Developer?

Developer (also called peroxide) is the liquid mixed with hair dye or bleach to activate it. Developers come in different strengths, measured by volume (V). The higher the volume, the stronger the lift and the lighter the hair can become.

Types of Developers and When to Use Them

10 Volume Developer (3%)

Best For: Deposit-only color, toning, and slight darkening.
Use When: You’re matching or going darker than your natural color.
Effect: Adds shine and richness without lightening.

20 Volume Developer (6%)

Best For: Grey coverage and lifting hair 1-2 levels.
Use When: You’re covering greys or making a subtle change.
Effect: Lightens hair slightly while allowing full color development.

30 Volume Developer (9%)

Best For: Lifting hair 2-3 levels.
Use When: You want a more noticeable color change or to lighten dark hair.
Effect: Provides significant lightening but can cause more damage if not used properly.

40 Volume Developer (12%)

Best For: Maximum lift and lightening (3-4 levels).
Use When: You’re bleaching or doing high-lift blonde shades.
Effect: Drastically lightens hair but can be damaging if overused.

Tips for Choosing the Right Developer

  1. Know Your Goal: Are you lifting, darkening, or covering greys? Choose your developer based on the desired result.
  2. Consider Hair Health: If your hair is damaged, opt for a lower-volume developer to reduce further breakage.
  3. When in Doubt, Start Low: It’s safer to use a lower volume and gradually go lighter with multiple sessions.

Pro Tip:

For best results, always follow the hair dye or bleach manufacturer’s instructions. Some products are formulated specifically for certain developer strengths.

By understanding how developers work, you’ll achieve salon-quality results while keeping your hair healthy and vibrant.

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