Using developer to lighten dyed hair is a popular method for lightening hair color, but does it actually work? And if it does, how well?
A developer is a chemical that is used in most hair dyes to help the dye penetrate the hair shaft. It can also be used alone to lighten hair color, but it does require some caution.
In this article, we’ll take a look at the science behind developer and hair color, and find out whether or not it’s a safe way to lighten your locks. Also here are some tips on how to use developer safely and effectively to lighten your hair.
What is developer?
A developer is a chemical used in hair coloring which contains hydrogen peroxide. This raises the hair cuticles and helps to lighten the hair color. However, it has limited color lifting abilities and is usually used in combination with bleach.
It is also used to remove any artificial color from the hair. When used with bleach, the developer helps to lift the natural color of the hair and allows the bleach to penetrate the hair shaft more easily.
This makes the hair lightening process quicker and more effective. The developer also helps to stabilize the bleach so that it doesn’t break down too quickly. There are different types of developers available on the market, each with their own specific purpose.
The most common type of developer is hydrogen peroxide, which is available in different strengths depending on how light or dark you want your hair to be. Other types of developer include ammonium hydroxide and sodium hydroxide.
It’s important to choose the right type of developer for your hair coloring needs. If you’re using bleach, you’ll need a stronger developer such as hydrogen peroxide.
If you’re just trying to lighten your natural hair color, a weaker developer such as ammonium hydroxide will suffice. When using a developer, be sure to follow the instructions on the bottle carefully.
A developer can cause irritation and burns if used improperly, so it’s important to be safe when using it. Always wear gloves and protective eyewear when handling the developer, and be sure to rinse it out thoroughly after use.
Developer comes in different strengths, or volumes, including 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50 which means:
- 10 volume = 3% peroxide
- 20 volume = 6% peroxide
- 30 volume = 9% peroxide
- 40 volume = 12% peroxide.
The higher the volume of hydrogen peroxide, the faster it will lighten hair but it can also be more damaging. For this reason, it’s important to choose a developer that’s compatible with your hair type.
If you have very dark hair, you will need a higher volume developer to achieve your desired results. For example, if you want to go from black to blonde, you will need to use a 40 or 50-volume developer. If you have lighter hair, you can use a lower volume developer like 20 or 30.
Does 20 developer lighten hair? If a 20-volume developer is used, your hair will be lighter by 1 or 2 levels.
Does 30 developer lighten hair? A developer will lighten your hair by 2 to 3 levels if it’s a 30-volume developer.
Does 40 developer lighten hair? A developer solution with a 40 volume should only be used mixed with bleach and can produce up to 8 levels of lift.
It’s also important to note that the developer expires quickly, so it’s best to buy small quantities that you will use within a few months.
Developer can be purchased at most beauty supply stores or online.
It is important to read the instructions carefully before using, as developers can cause serious damage to hair if used incorrectly. When used correctly, the developer can help you achieve the hair color you desire.
However, it is important to take care of your hair after using the developer, as it can be damaging. Be sure to use a deep conditioner or mask regularly to keep your hair healthy and hydrated.
Can developer alone lighten hair?
There is no definitive answer to this question as every person’s hair will react differently to a developer. The results may vary depending on the brand of developer used and the hair’s natural color.
So does the developer lighten hair? While it is generally recommended that a complete hair lightening kit be used in order to achieve the best possible results when lightening hair, the hair developer can lighten your hair by itself.
You can lighten hair without bleach if you use the right developer. The developer has hydrogen peroxide in it, and peroxide will oxidize the melanin pigments in your hair, making it lighter in color.
However, a complete kit will contain all of the necessary products and instructions needed to safely and effectively lighten hair. Therefore, it is generally not advised to attempt to lighten hair using the developer alone.
If you want to go blonde, a developer won’t be enough. You need bleach to lighten your hair. The developer can only lift your hair up to 2 levels safely. For many people, 1-2 levels aren’t enough to get the results they want.
If you’re interested in trying this method, I’d recommend consulting with your stylist to ensure that you achieve the desired results.
How to lighten hair with developer alone?
As with any hair color treatment, it is always advisable to do a patch test first to check for any adverse reactions.
Here’s a step-by-step guide if you use a liquid developer:
- Decide on the developer strength you will be using. For lightening hair, a 20 or 30-volume developer is generally used.
- Shampoo your hair and towel dry it so that it is slightly damp.
- Section your hair into four even parts.
- Starting with the back section of your head, take a small amount of developer, and apply it to your hair, making sure to focus on the roots.
- Leave the developer in your hair for 20-30 minutes, depending on how light you want your hair to be.
- Rinse your hair thoroughly with cool water until the water runs clear.
- You can use a mild shampoo and condition your hair.
- Dry your hair completely before styling as desired.
If you are using a developer alone to lighten your hair, you may want to try using a toner afterward to get a better color.
If you pick a creme developer, the steps are mostly the same, the only difference is that you should apply it to dry hair.
Also, you can use developer with your shampoo:
- Take two tablespoons of developer and mix it with the normal amount of shampoo you would normally use.
- Apply this mixture to already damp and detangled hair.
- Comb it through and cover with a shower or processing cap.
- Wait 10-30 minutes, checking at intervals of 5 minutes to watch for the desired results.
- Rinse with warm water.
- Apply masks, conditioners and treatments to soften and nourish the hair if needed.
With this method, you can lighten your hair with the developer alone for the best results. However, be sure to check your hair at intervals of 5 minutes to avoid over-processing. If you notice any adverse effects, rinse immediately and consult a professional.
Lighten hair with developer and baking soda
To lighten hair with a developer and baking soda, mix together 1/4 cup of baking soda with 3/4 cup of warm water. Add in 10-15 drops of the developer, then apply the mixture to your hair.
Leave it in for 15-30 minutes, then rinse it out. You may need to repeat this process a few times to get desired results. Be sure to shampoo and condition your hair after using this method, as the baking soda can be drying.
Another recipe:
To lighten hair with a developer and baking soda, mix together 2 tablespoons of baking soda with enough developer to create a paste. Apply the paste to your hair and leave it in for around 20 minutes.
Rinse the paste out of your hair and then style it as usual. You may need to repeat this process a few times to get the desired effect. Be sure to follow the instructions on the developer packaging to avoid damaging your hair.
How to lighten hair with developer and bleach?
A developer is an important tool for hair colorists and stylists. It can be used to lighten hair, activate hair color and perm solutions.
When using a developer, it’s important to follow the instructions on the product label and use a clarifying shampoo afterwards to remove any residue.
The developer can be used to lighten hair by adding it to shampoo or conditioner, or by applying it directly to the hair. Be sure to follow the instructions on the developer bottle, and always do a patch test before using it on your hair.
Generally, you will mix equal parts developer and bleach, or hair color. For example, if you are using boxed hair color that comes with a small bottle of developer, you would mix 1 ounce (2 tablespoons) of hair color with 1 ounce of the developer.
If you are bleaching your hair, you will want to use a 1:2 ratio of developer to bleach. So, if you are using 4 ounces (1/2 cup) of bleach, you would mix it with 8 ounces (1 cup) of developer.
Once you have mixed the developer and bleach (or hair color), apply it to your hair starting at the roots and working your way down to the ends. Allow the mixture to sit on your hair for the amount of time specified in the instructions.
As a general rule, the longer you leave bleach or hair color in your hair, the more dramatic the results will be. When you are ready to rinse out the mixture, shampoo your hair with a clarifying shampoo to remove any residue.
Follow up with a conditioner to hydrate your hair and help repair any damage that may have been caused by the bleaching process. Developer can also be used to create highlights or lowlights.
To do this, apply the developer to the sections of hair you want to lighten or darken, and then use a foil wrapping technique to keep the product in place. Again, be sure to follow the instructions on the developer bottle, and always do a patch test before using it on your hair.
Does developer damage hair?
Yes, a developer can damage hair. When a developer is applied to the hair, it breaks down the protein structure of the hair, making it more susceptible to damage and breakage.
In addition, a developer can strip away the natural oils from the hair, leaving it dry and brittle. If you are considering bleaching your hair, it is important to consult with a professional stylist to ensure that the process is done safely and correctly.
FAQ
How to lighten roots with developer?
It should be a 20 Vol developer for the root area alone. It works quickly as a result of the scalp’s heat. Make sure you apply a developer to each section of your hair equally with the brush.
Try to achieve saturation in each part, but don’t go crazy and leave too much extra developer on your hair. After you’ve finished applying, cover your hair with a shower cap. Set a timer for 20 minutes.
Check your hair to see how it’s progressing. If your lift has been reached, rinse the developer out and follow with shampoo and conditioner if it’s not yet there. Make sure to wash it properly.
How to lighten hair with developer and shampoo?
If you’re afraid of bleaching treatments or don’t have bleach powder but want to lighten your hair, there is a tried-and-true method that might help. Combine 4 parts baking soda, 3 parts developer, 1 part shampoo, and 1 part conditioner in equal proportions.
What can I mix with developer to lighten my hair?
You can mix developer with bleach or baking soda to lighten your hair.
How long does it take for developer to lighten hair?
Developer bleach should not be left in your hair for more than 30 minutes. However, a half-hour is a long time.
Ideally, you should be able to eliminate the bleach before hitting the 30-minute barrier, however, this will vary depending on your natural hair color, desired shade, and type.
Summary
A developer is an important tool for hair colorists and stylists. It can be used to lighten hair, activate hair color, and perm solutions. When using a developer, it’s important to follow the instructions on the product label and use a clarifying shampoo afterwards to remove any residue.
Developer can also be used to create highlights or lowlights. Again, be sure to follow the instructions on the developer bottle, and always do a patch test before using it on your hair.
The developer can be used to lighten hair by adding it to shampoo or conditioner, or by applying it directly to the hair. Be sure to follow the instructions on the developer bottle, and always do a patch test before using it on your hair.
Generally, you will mix equal parts developer and bleach, or hair color. The developer can be used alone to lighten hair, but it is not generally recommended.
A hair lightening kit should be used instead, as it will contain all of the necessary products and instructions needed to safely and effectively lighten hair. If you’re interested in trying to lighten hair using developer alone, be sure to consult with a professional stylist to ensure that you achieve the desired results.
Also read:
- Can You Mix Hair Dye With Conditioner
- Can You Mix Hair Dye With Shampoo
- How Long Does Manic Panic Last
- Should I Wash My Hair Before Dying It
- Split Dyed Hair
Allyson Carter
Ally is a professional hairstylist with more than 6 years of experience, but hair has been her passion since early childhood. Here, at Hair Spies, she blogs about all things hairdressing, hair tools, and everyday hair care. Read more about Allyson here.
