Hair Developer: A Guide to Understanding This Essential Ingredient
Hair developer, also known as hydrogen peroxide, is a crucial component in hair dyeing processes. While the name might sound intimidating, it plays a vital role in achieving desired hair color changes. Let's break down what hair developer does, its different strengths, and its importance in the hair coloring process.
What is Hair Developer?
Hair developer is essentially a solution of hydrogen peroxide that helps to lift natural hair color. It works by oxidizing the melanin pigments in the hair shaft, making them lighter. The higher the volume of developer, the stronger the lifting power and the more dramatic the color change.
Understanding Developer Volumes
Developer comes in various volumes, each offering a different level of lifting power:
- 10 Volume (3%): This is the weakest developer, used for toning, refreshing existing color, and covering grays on light-blonde hair. It offers minimal lifting.
- 20 Volume (6%): Ideal for depositing color on pre-lightened hair or lifting one or two levels on virgin hair. It offers moderate lifting.
- 30 Volume (9%): Used for lifting darker hair by two to three levels, highlighting, and creating dramatic color changes. It offers strong lifting power.
- 40 Volume (12%): The strongest developer used for bleaching hair to achieve extremely light blonde shades. It offers maximum lifting power.
How Developer Works with Hair Color
When mixed with hair color, developer activates the color molecules. It helps them penetrate the hair shaft, where they deposit and change the hair's pigment. The developer's lifting power determines the final color result.
For example, if you use a dark brown hair color with a 20 volume developer, the color will likely result in a light brown shade. However, using the same color with a 40 volume developer will lead to a significantly lighter blonde shade.
Choosing the Right Developer
The choice of developer volume depends on several factors:
- Your natural hair color: Darker hair requires a higher volume developer to achieve the desired lightness.
- Your desired color: The more significant the color change, the higher the volume developer required.
- Your hair's health: Higher volume developers can cause damage to hair, especially when used frequently. It's best to consult a professional for advice.
Safety and Precautions
- Always follow the instructions on the hair color product.
- Use developer in a well-ventilated area.
- Wear gloves to avoid skin contact.
- Do a strand test before applying color to your whole head to see how the developer affects your hair.
Remember: Hair developer is a powerful chemical. Using it incorrectly can damage hair and cause allergic reactions. It's crucial to use it responsibly and consult a professional for guidance if needed.
