Updated date:

Apr 16, 2020

DIY Hair: What Is Developer and How Do You Use It?

Author:

I love to dye my hair all colors of the rainbow. I love all things vintage, and I enjoy creating art, taking photos, and doing it myself.

diy-hair-what-is-developer-and-how-do-you-use-it — author

Developer: What Is It?

I've been very interested in bleaching and dying my hair on my own, in the comfort of my own home, for many years now. When I first began, I didn't have a clue what I was doing—what strength developer to use, what a toner is, or how bleach worked. Now that I've been doing this for 5+ years, I'd like to share my knowledge with others looking to dye at home!

Understanding developer is crucial to the hair lightening/toning process. My first go-round, I used the highest-volume developer I could find. This resulted in horribly damaged hair that I ended up having to cut off. I aim to help you guys from failing as catastrophically as I did.

Developer is a product containing hydrogen peroxide that aids in the bleaching/toning process. The hydrogen peroxide opens up the cuticle of your hair, allowing for color to take hold. If you've seen developer at your local beauty store, you'll notice that there are many different levels. The levels refer to the amount of hydrogen peroxide present—the higher the number, the more peroxide, the more lift you're going to get.

Important Note

Bleaching and toning your hair will cause damage to it. It's up to you to decide if you're okay with that! It doesn't matter if you go to a stylist or do it yourself—the chemicals will tend to dry out your locks and strip them of their nutrients.

If you're planning to bleach or tone your hair, be sure to follow the product instructions. Using a strong developer for an extended period of time can totally fry your hair, and nobody wants that.

Some great steps to take before and after processing your hair include dousing it with olive oil, coconut oil, conditioner, etc. Give the shampoo a rest, because that will strip your hair of its natural oils as well. Since having bleached hair, I have reduced my shampooing to once a week. It starts out gross, but eventually your chemistry will even out and your head will produce just the right amount of oils.

That being said, let's get into developer volumes!

40+ Volume Developer

For me, this is a big no. This is what I used the first time I tried to bleach my hair. It worked alright, but my hair turned to spaghetti. Use extreme caution if you're bleaching with this stuff.

As a general rule, I say it's much better to do several rounds of bleaching with a lower developer volume than to ruin it all with "quick fix" 40.

If you're set on doing something as quickly as possible, I recommend going to a hairstylist. It's going to be expensive, but they are professionals and can get your hair done in a day. Personally, I prefer to take my time and do it myself. That might mean spacing bleaching out over the course of two weeks, but it's cheaper and safer than using super strong products!

Super damage after using a 40 volume developer. 0/10 do not recommend
author

30 Volume Developer

If you are going from dark hair and looking to lift several levels of color away, 30 may be the right developer strength for you. However, at 9% hydrogen peroxide, it's still pretty strong. If you decide to use this volume of developer, be mindful of how long you're leaving it in. It's totally okay to do multiple rounds of lightening!

I would recommend a 30 developer to anyone who has medium brown hair and darker. If you're a light brown, you can probably stand to just use a 20 instead.

20 Volume Developer

This volume is used pretty widely for both bleaching and toning. It's great for lightening one to two levels, and will also help you achieve some lift when mixed with a toner.

I have naturally dark brown hair, and I did maybe 4 rounds of bleaching with the Salon Care 20 Volume Creame Developer to get it to a level 10 blonde. I was also being very cautious about how long I left the bleach in for, so I probably could have gotten more lift in fewer rounds if I had left it in a few minutes longer.

After several rounds of 20 volume bleaching!
author

10 Volume Developer

10 volume developer is another great one for use with toner, but beware - it's pretty weak. I will sometimes use 10 volume when bleaching my roots, because virgin hair close to the scalp bleaches pretty easily. Just be prepared to do a few rounds of bleaching if you've got a darker hair color already.

Using Developer

Once you've figured out which developer will best suit your hair goals, mixing it is pretty easy.

Developer comes in both a cream and a liquid form—I've used both and prefer cream.

If you're mixing developer with bleach powder, be sure to read the instructions. The radio of developer to powder will vary depending on what volume you are using and what bleach powder you have picked up.

As for toner, I can say with certainty that Wella Color Charm toner calls for a 2:1 developer to toner ratio, with a 20 volume developer. Better safe than sorry though—check the instructions for whatever type of toner you end up to make sure you get the best results.

If you found this article helpful, check out some of my others! I frequently post hair dye ideas, reviews, and instructionals.

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10 Green Hair Color Ideas

A Guide to Hair Extensions

This content is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge and is not meant to substitute for formal and individualized advice from a qualified professional.

Comments

Alex Rose (author) from Virginia on August 26, 2020:

Don't mix developer with a dye unless it is instructed on the dye's box! It will only work properly for a mixture it is meant to be in. If you mix it with a semi-permanent dye you're just causing unnecessary damage to your hair.

Jenna on August 17, 2020:

Hi so does developer in color dye such as green, makes the color stand out more or does that not work?

Sophie on May 10, 2020:

I bleached my hair a few days ago and it's currently pretty orange (I have originally dark brown hair) I was wondering if it's okay to use developer by itself on it now? And what volume should I use if so. Or should I do it mixed with bleach?

Alex Rose (author) from Virginia on May 01, 2020:

Check the directions of the permanent green you purchase! You should be able to see the directions even if you are ordering online. I always use what is recommended by the dye, but I'd assume it is anywhere from a 10 to 20 volume developer.

Sami on April 30, 2020:

Hi! I’m currently at a dark brown wanting to go to a dark green, I was going to strip the color of my dyed hair and then get a permanent green that requires developer, I’m not sure what volume to use?

azalea on February 20, 2020:

do you HAVE to mix it with bleach or is it okay to use developer by itself?

Nancy on July 17, 2019:

Hair consultant said to use 10vol developer with pale ash blond toner after powder bleach . The powder bleach is to remove a bad color job.

Is 10vol the right amount with toner? Package says 20vol.

Alex Rose (author) from Virginia on May 23, 2019:

I wouldn't do more than 30 minutes! I have done 40 without much issue but my hair is very thick.

Peach Wilson on May 04, 2019:

Hello- I was wondering how long you left the developer in at 20 volume?? Thanks

Saskia on April 25, 2019:

can you use hydrogen Peroxide B.P 30 volume (fluid) and mix it in with the dye of your choice ?

Dase on September 01, 2018: