Wella Developer: Understanding the Power of Peroxide
Wella developer is a crucial component in hair color formulations, acting as the catalyst that allows the color pigment to penetrate the hair shaft and deposit its color. It's not a standalone product, but rather a developer solution that needs to be mixed with a Wella color product to achieve the desired results.
What is Wella Developer?
Wella developer is essentially a hydrogen peroxide solution, available in different strengths ranging from 10 volume to 40 volume. The volume refers to the percentage of hydrogen peroxide present in the solution, directly impacting the lifting power and the speed of the color development.
- Lower volume developers (10-20 volume) are suitable for toning, refreshing, or covering gray hair. They provide a subtle lift, usually one level lighter than the natural hair color.
- Higher volume developers (30-40 volume) are designed for significant color changes, such as lightening multiple levels or achieving vibrant, intense colors. They can lift the natural pigment of the hair more drastically.
Choosing the Right Wella Developer:
Selecting the right developer strength is crucial for achieving the desired color results. Several factors influence the choice:
- Your natural hair color: Darker hair requires higher volume developers for noticeable lifting.
- Desired hair color: Lighter colors often require higher volume developers for achieving the desired brightness.
- Previous color treatments: Previously colored hair might require higher volume for lifting previously deposited pigments.
- Hair condition: Damaged or porous hair can be more susceptible to damage with higher volume developers.
Understanding the Process:
When mixed with Wella color, the developer triggers a chemical reaction, lifting the natural pigment in the hair and allowing the color molecules to deposit within the hair shaft.
- Developer strength determines the extent of lifting.
- The color product determines the actual color that is deposited.
Using Wella Developer Safely:
- Always follow the instructions provided by Wella.
- Never use developer alone. It needs to be mixed with a Wella color product for proper application.
- Avoid contact with eyes and skin.
- Store developer in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight.
- Do a strand test before applying the full color treatment to see how your hair reacts to the specific developer and color combination.
Conclusion:
Wella developer is an essential component for successful hair color results. Choosing the right developer strength, understanding the lifting process, and using it safely is paramount for achieving the desired color transformation while maintaining healthy hair.
