Developer is an important part in the hair coloring process. The active ingredient in hair developer is hydrogen peroxide, which helps open the hair cuticle. The volume developer you choose when coloring your hair will determine how light or dark the color will appear in your hair. Choosing a volume developer, as well as combining it with hair dye correctly, will help ensure that your hair turns out the way you want it to.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Selecting the Developer Volume
Step 1. Use developer volume 10 to increase your hair color by one level
Volume 10 is the weakest developer, containing only 3% hydrogen peroxide. Volume 10 is perfect if you just want to darken your hair color slightly compared to your current one and you don't need to increase or remove your existing hair color.
- This developer is also recommended if you have thin or fine hair as it is not so harsh.
- This developer is also suitable if you will be using toner on your hair because the developer will balance the toner. You may need to use a toner if your hair is yellowish.
Step 2. Select developer volume 20 to change hair color by 1-2 shadows
Volume 20 is the most popular developer grade because it contains 6% hydrogen peroxide, which is considered moderate. This option is also good for those of you who want to cover gray hair.
Volume 20 is good for thick hair as it is strong enough to open the hair cuticles
Step 3. Choose developer volume 30 to change hair color by 3-4 levels
Volume 30 contains 9% hydrogen peroxide and is suitable for changing hair as much as a few shades. This product is quite strong and should only be used for thick and coarse hair as it will damage thin and fine hair.
Many packs of hair dye and developer sold in stores contain volumes of 20 or volumes of 30
Step 4. Avoid using developer volume 40 so as not to damage the hair
Volume 40 is not recommended for layman use because it is very strong and can dry out hair if not done properly. This developer level is often only used for drastic color changes and not done in-house.
If you're sure you need volume 40 to dye your hair properly, go to a salon and get a professional to dye your hair
Part 2 of 3: Buying Developer
Step 1. Look for hair dye and developer that are sold together to make it easy
Developers are often sold in one package so you don't have to worry about choosing the right volume. Buying a package is an ideal step because the developer's strength will match the colors in the package.
However, you need to keep in mind that the hair color will likely look different from the model on the package. Your hair color will most likely be a shade or two darker or lighter than the picture on the box
Step 2. Purchase the developer separately if you have already purchased the hair dye
If you have purchased a single tube of paint for your hair dye, purchase a developer separately. Select the required developer volume. Purchasing developers separately can help you get the results you want.
- If you have purchased a hair dye box that includes a developer, it is best not to buy a developer separately. Use the developer included in the box for best results.
- It's a good idea to buy the same brand of hair dye and developer to make sure they blend well.
Step 3. Buy more developer and hair dye than you need
Running out of developer and paint while undergoing the coloring process can cause the resulting hair color to be unequal or incorrect. Avoid this by stocking up on developer and hair dye so that they are readily available when you need them.
A good rule of thumb is to have at least 2-3 boxes of hair dye and developer ready for long hair (over the shoulders) and 1-2 boxes of hair dye and developer for short hair (above the shoulders)
Part 3 of 3: Combining Developer with Hair Dye
Step 1. Put on salon gloves and robes
Wear latex or nitrile gloves to protect your hands from paint. Put on a pair of clean gloves before mixing and using the paint. You should also wear salon robes or old clothes so that nice clothes don't get paint or developer on them.
To keep your bathroom or kitchen counter protected, spread newspaper around the sink
Step 2. Find the developer to paint ratio on the package
Most developer to paint ratios are paint and developer. Check the paint ratio on the packaging to make sure it's the right dose.
If you doubt the ratio, don't second-guess. An improper mix ratio will result in a hair color that is different from what was originally expected. Ask a professional hair stylist or visit a salon and let him do it for you
Step 3. Mix the developer with the hair dye at once
Combine the right amount of developer and hair dye in a plastic bowl. Mix developer with paint until combined using a plastic spoon. Make sure the paint and developer mix well. Then, apply the mixture to your hair as desired.
- If you want to dye your entire hair, work the dye all over your head starting at the tips of your hair and working your way up to the roots.
- If you only want to dye part of your hair, part your hair and apply hair dye only to certain sections. You can use a sheet of aluminum foil to wrap each section and prevent the surrounding hair from getting dyed.
