Types of Hair Volume Developer & What's it For?

Developer Decoded: Your Ultimate Guide to Gorgeous Hair Color

Hey Gorgeous! Ever sat in the salon chair, watched your stylist mix those magical concoctions, and wondered what exactly makes your dream hair color a reality? One of the unsung heroes in that process is developer! It’s a key ingredient that often flies under the radar, but trust us, it’s working hard behind the scenes to bring your perfect shade to life.

And you’re in fabulous company exploring this! Did you know that approximately 70% of women in the United States use hair coloring products? That’s a whole lot of gorgeous hair, and developer plays a part in so many of those transformations! So many of us love to express ourselves and embrace change through our hair color, and understanding the tools of the trade, like developer, can make your salon visits even more rewarding. It’s not just about the “magic”; there’s some amazing science involved, and knowing a bit about it empowers you to have even better conversations with your stylist. So, let’s pull back the curtain and get to know this essential ‘power potion’ for your hair!  

What IS Developer? Your Hair Color’s Power Potion

Let’s get to the heart of it! Hair developer, often a creamy lotion, is essentially the activator for your hair color or lightener. Its main active ingredient is a compound you might have heard of: hydrogen peroxide (H2​O2​). This isn’t just any potion; it’s a carefully formulated product designed to kickstart the coloring process.  

Now, how does it actually work its magic on your lovely locks? Think of your hair strand like a delicate pinecone or a knight in shining armor with tiny, overlapping scales called the cuticle. For color to truly transform your hair, especially permanent color, we need to gently nudge these scales open. When developer is mixed with an alkaline agent in your hair dye (like ammonia, which is often part of the color formula itself), it helps to swell the hair shaft and lift these cuticle scales. This “Open Sesame” action creates a pathway for the color to reach the inner part of your hair, the cortex, where the real transformation happens. It’s this clever partnership between the developer and the alkaline ingredients in the dye that makes permanent coloring possible; the developer needs that alkaline environment to effectively do its job of opening the door.  

Once inside the cortex, developer gets to work in two main ways:

1. Lightening Power: It can break down your natural hair pigment, called melanin, to make your hair lighter. This is the crucial step that allows you to go from a deep brunette to a sparkling blonde, or to lift your natural shade just enough to achieve a brighter, more vibrant red. The hydrogen peroxide releases oxygen, which oxidizes the melanin, effectively reducing its color.  
2. Color Activation: It helps the new, tiny color molecules present in the dye to undergo a chemical reaction. These molecules then expand and bond together inside the hair shaft, becoming larger, permanent dye structures. This is why the color you see in the bowl might look different from the final result, and it’s what makes your new shade last!  

So, developer is like the master key that not only unlocks the door to your hair strand (the cuticle) but also helps redecorate the room inside (the cortex) with beautiful new color! It’s a controlled chemical alteration, and the skill of your Lush Hair Folk stylist is to manage this process perfectly, giving you that stunning new look while keeping your hair healthy and happy.

Decoding the “Volume”: What Do Those Numbers Mean?

You’ve probably heard your stylist mention ’10 volume,’ ’20 volume,’ or even ’40 volume’ during your color consultations. But what do these numbers actually tell us? It’s simpler than you think! The ‘volume’ (often abbreviated as ‘Vol.’) refers to the concentration of hydrogen peroxide in the developer.  

Think of it like this: Higher Volume = More Power! A higher volume number means a higher percentage of hydrogen peroxide, which translates to more lifting power (i.e., it can lighten your natural hair more). However, it also means it’s stronger and needs to be used with more care by a professional. There’s a direct relationship here: the more lift you want, the stronger the developer needs to be, but this also means it’s a more active chemical process.  

Here’s a quick peek at the percentages behind those volumes:

• 10 Volume (10 Vol) contains about 3% hydrogen peroxide.  
• 20 Volume (20 Vol) contains about 6% hydrogen peroxide.  
• 30 Volume (30 Vol) contains about 9% hydrogen peroxide.  
• 40 Volume (40 Vol) contains about 12% hydrogen peroxide. You might also occasionally hear about 5 Volume (5 Vol), which is around 1.5% hydrogen peroxide, often used for the most gentle processes like toning or with some semi-permanent colors.  

To make it even clearer, here’s a handy table:

Developer Volumes at a Glance

It’s important to remember that developer isn’t just for lightening. While higher volumes are your go-to for lifting color, lower volumes are absolutely essential for depositing color beautifully with certain types of dyes, like demi-permanents or toners, without giving you unnecessary lift when you don’t want it. The “volume” system is an industry standard, helping professionals like us at Lush Hair Folk choose the precise strength needed for your specific hair goals, ensuring consistent and beautiful results every time.  

Choosing Your Hero: Which Developer is Right for You?

Okay, so we know what developer is and what those ‘volume’ numbers mean. But how do you or, more importantly, how do we at Lush Hair Folk pick the perfect one for your hair goals? It’s not a one-size-fits-all magic wand; it’s about matching the developer’s power to the job at hand, always aiming for the gentlest effective option to keep your hair feeling as amazing as it looks!

For Gentle Color Hugs (5 Vol / 10 Vol – approx. 1.5-3% H2​O2​): If you’re looking to simply deposit color (meaning going darker or staying at the same level), refresh faded ends with a beautiful gloss, try a demi-permanent color that gradually fades, or use a toner to neutralize any unwanted brassy tones in pre-lightened hair (hello, perfect blondes!), a low volume developer is your best friend. These gentle giants open the cuticle just enough for the color to whisper its way in, without significantly lightening your natural pigment. Think of it as adding a gorgeous, sheer topcoat to your existing color or perfecting the tone of your highlights.  

• Example: Perfect for adding richness to your brunette, trying out a playful fashion shade temporarily with a demi-permanent color, or getting that perfect icy or creamy blonde tone after your highlighting service.

The All-Rounder (20 Vol – approx. 6% H2​O2​): This is the most commonly used developer in salons for a very good reason! It’s the standard choice for permanent color when you want 1-2 levels of lift (for instance, going from a dark natural blonde to a lovely medium blonde) or for providing excellent grey coverage. It provides a fantastic balance of lift and color deposit. When it comes to covering those pesky greys, 20 Volume helps the color penetrate those often-resistant strands, giving you beautiful, uniform results.  

• Example: Ideal for your regular root touch-ups to cover greys with permanent color, or if you want to shift your natural color a shade or two lighter for a subtle but noticeable change.

For a Brighter Boost (30 Vol – approx. 9% H2​O2​): When you’re aiming for a more noticeable change, like 2-3 levels of lift, 30 Volume steps up to the plate. It’s often used with permanent color for achieving brighter reds, lighter beautiful browns, and is a common partner with bleach for creating those sun-kissed highlights or seamless balayage. It opens the cuticle more than 20 Volume, allowing for more lightening. It can also be a hero for resistant grey hair that just doesn’t want to take color as easily with 20 Volume.  

• Example: If you have medium brown hair and dream of a light golden brown, or want vibrant copper highlights that truly pop.

Maximum Impact (40 Vol – approx. 12% H2​O2​): This is the strongest developer commonly available and provides the most lift (3+ levels, and even up to 8 levels when expertly paired with bleach). It’s typically reserved for high-lift blonde series (a special type of color that lightens and tones in one step, often used to achieve blonde results on virgin hair without pre-bleaching) or when using bleach for very dark hair aiming for a very light result, like platinum. Because it’s so powerful, it needs to be handled with extreme care and is best left to us professionals, especially for any on-scalp applications. It can be quite harsh on the hair and scalp if not used with precision and expertise.  

• Example: Taking very dark, virgin hair to a significantly lighter blonde (this is often a multi-step process where 40 Volume might be used strategically, usually off-scalp with bleach by a trained professional).

A Note on Your Unique Hair: Remember, your hair’s texture (fine, medium, coarse) and its porosity (how easily it absorbs and retains moisture and color) also play a big role in how it reacts to developer. For instance, fine hair might lift more easily and may not need as strong a developer as coarse, resistant hair to achieve the same result. This is where a professional eye and a thorough consultation are absolutely invaluable!  

Feeling a bit like you’re in a chemistry class? Don’t worry! That’s what we, your Lush Hair Folk stylists, are here for. During your consultation, we’ll chat about your hair dreams, assess your hair’s current state and history, and select the absolute perfect developer strength and color formula to get you those gorgeous results safely. Book a chat with us online – we love talking hair and creating personalized plans!

Handle With Love: Developer Safety & Pro Power

Now, while developer is a superstar ingredient in achieving your dream hair color, it’s also a powerful chemical. Like any star, it needs to be handled with respect and, most importantly, expertise! This is where the difference between a DIY attempt and a professional salon experience truly shines.

The “Oops” & “Ouch” of DIY Developer: We all love a bit of DIY, but when it comes to chemical hair processes, going rogue with developer at home can sometimes lead to less-than-dreamy results, and potentially some hair heartache.  

• Uneven Color or the Wrong Shade: One of the most common issues is patchy color or a shade that’s way too light, too dark, or has developed unexpected brassy or orange tones. This can happen from using the wrong volume, incorrect mixing ratios, or uneven application.  
• Hair Damage: This is the big one, beauties. Over-processing with a developer that’s too strong for your hair type, or leaving it on for too long, can lead to significant dryness, brittleness, breakage, and a loss of your hair’s natural shine and elasticity. The chemical process of opening the cuticle, while necessary for coloring, can make hair vulnerable if not done correctly. Higher volumes, in particular, increase this risk if misapplied.  
• Scalp Irritation: Some people can experience scalp sensitivity, itching, or even redness if developer is applied incorrectly, if it’s too strong for their scalp, or if a patch test wasn’t performed. Statistics show that adverse reactions to hair dyes, which include developer, are not uncommon, affecting around 25% of users in one study, with scalp irritation being a noted issue.  

Why Your Lush Hair Folk Stylist is Your Hair’s BFF (Best Friend Forever!): This is where we, your dedicated stylists at Lush Hair Folk, come in! We’re not just artists who paint beautiful color; we’re trained hair care professionals with a deep understanding of hair science.  

• Expert Assessment: Before we even think about mixing your color, we conduct a thorough consultation. We analyze your hair’s type (fine, medium, coarse), texture, porosity (how it absorbs moisture), health history (previous chemical treatments, etc.), and, of course, your desired outcome. This detailed assessment is crucial for choosing the right developer and technique specifically for you.  
• Precise Application & Timing: We know exactly how to mix your color and developer to the perfect consistency, how to apply it for even, beautiful results (whether it’s roots, full color, balayage, or highlights), and how to time the process precisely to achieve the desired lift and deposit while prioritizing your hair’s integrity.  
• Quality Professional Products: Salons use professional-grade color lines and developers that are often formulated with conditioning agents and are designed for optimal performance and hair health, which can differ significantly from many DIY kits.
• Damage Mitigation Strategies: We have access to and knowledge of advanced treatments, like bond-building additives , that can be incorporated into your color service to protect your hair’s structure during the chemical process.  
• The Consultation is Key: That crucial chat we have before we start your service? It’s where we listen to your hair dreams, discuss realistic expectations, explain the process clearly (no confusing jargon!), and ensure we’re on the same page for your entire hair journey. This collaborative approach minimizes surprises and maximizes satisfaction.  

Think of it like baking a complex, multi-layered wedding cake. You could try it at home with a box mix, and it might turn out okay. But for a guaranteed showstopper that tastes as good as it looks, and is crafted with the finest ingredients and expert skill, you go to a professional baker, right? Your hair color is that showstopper! We have the pro ingredients (perfect developer strength, top-quality color lines) and the precise recipe (expert application, meticulous timing) to create a masterpiece, not a mishap!

Trust your tresses to the pros at Lush Hair Folk. We’re passionate about making your hair dreams come true, beautifully and safely. The initial investment in a professional service can save you the potential cost and distress of correcting DIY mistakes later on. Ready for that peace of mind and absolutely stunning hair? Book your consultation online with us!

Keep That Glow: Aftercare for Colored Tresses

So, you’ve got your gorgeous new color, thanks to the magic of developer and your amazing Lush Hair Folk stylist! Your hair is looking vibrant and feeling fabulous. Now, how do you keep it that way? Maintaining that salon-fresh look and feel is all about giving your newly colored hair a little extra TLC. The chemical process, while creating beauty, does make your hair a bit more porous and in need of some loving care to keep that color locked in and shining bright.

Wash Wisely:

• Give Your Color Time to Settle: This is a golden rule! Wait at least 48-72 hours after your color service before your first shampoo. This allows the cuticle to fully close and the color molecules to properly set.  
• Shampoo Less Often (If You Can!): Every time you shampoo, you risk washing away a tiny bit of your precious color. Try to extend the time between washes – every other day, or even less frequently, can make a big difference in preserving your color and your hair’s natural oils. Dry shampoo will become your absolute best friend for those in-between days!  
• Cool It Down: Rinse your hair with lukewarm or cool water. Hot water can cause the hair cuticle to swell and open, allowing that beautiful color to escape much faster.  

Product Power is Real:

• Sulfate-Free & Color-Safe is Key: Invest in high-quality shampoos and conditioners specifically formulated for color-treated hair. Look for “sulfate-free” on the label. Sulfates can be harsh and strip color and moisture. Color-safe products are designed to be gentle, reduce fading, and help maintain your hair’s hydration.  
• Toning Products for Brilliance: Especially if you’re a blonde, or have highlights or balayage, using a toning shampoo or conditioner (like a purple shampoo for blondes to combat brassiness, or a blue shampoo for brunettes to neutralize orange tones) once a week can work wonders in keeping your shade true and vibrant.  

Moisture is Your Hair’s Queen:

• Deep Condition Regularly: Color-treated hair craves hydration! Incorporate a weekly deep conditioning treatment or hair mask into your routine. This helps to replenish moisture, restore elasticity, combat any dryness from the coloring process, and keep your hair feeling soft and looking incredibly shiny.  
• Leave-In Love: A good leave-in conditioner can provide ongoing protection, detangling, and hydration throughout the day.  

Handle with Extra Care:

• Minimize Heat Styling: Excessive heat from blow dryers, curling irons, and straighteners can fade your color and cause damage. When you do use hot tools, ALWAYS apply a heat protectant spray first to create a barrier.  
• Sun & Chlorine Protection: Just like your skin, your hair needs protection from the sun! UV rays can significantly fade your color over time. Wear a chic hat or use UV-protective hair products when you’re out enjoying the sunshine. Chlorine in pools can also strip color and cause unwanted tonal shifts, so wet your hair and apply a leave-in conditioner before swimming to create a protective barrier.  
• Gentle When Wet: Your hair is most vulnerable to breakage when it’s wet. Avoid aggressive towel drying; gently pat or squeeze out excess water. Use a wide-tooth comb to detangle, starting from the ends and working your way up.  

These simple habits, when practiced consistently, act as an extension of your salon service. They collectively create a supportive environment for your color-treated hair, helping to counteract the impact of environmental factors like sun and water, and ensuring your color stays vibrant and your hair healthy for longer.

Not sure which products are best for your new hue and hair type? Just ask us at your next appointment! We’d love to recommend the perfect at-home care routine from our curated selection at Lush Hair Folk Salon to keep your color investment radiant and your hair feeling incredible.

Ready for Your Dream Hair? Let’s Talk!

Wow, you’re practically a developer expert now! See? The science behind hair color isn’t so scary after all; it’s just super important knowledge that helps us at Lush Hair Folk create hair magic specifically for you!

So, to recap our journey into the world of developer: we’ve learned that this essential activator, powered by hydrogen peroxide, is the key to opening up your hair’s cuticle. It works hand-in-hand with your chosen dye to create beautiful, lasting color, and it comes in different ‘volumes’ or strengths, each carefully selected by your stylist to match your specific hair goals – whether that’s depositing rich tones, covering greys, or lifting to a brilliant new blonde.

Understanding a bit about what’s happening behind the scenes at the salon not only makes the whole process more interesting but also empowers you to have even better, more collaborative conversations with your stylist. When you understand the ‘why’ behind certain choices, you can feel even more confident in the journey to achieving and maintaining your dream hair. An educated client often has a more satisfying salon experience and is better equipped to care for their color at home, leading to longer-lasting, healthier results.

At Lush Hair Folk Salon, we’re obsessed with two things: making you look and feel absolutely incredible, and keeping your hair healthy and happy through every transformation. Choosing the right developer, blending the perfect color formula, and employing the most skilled application technique is all part of how we deliver on that promise every single day. We see hair color not just as a service, but as an art form backed by science.

Your perfect shade, your most flattering highlights, or that stunning, seamlessly blended balayage is more than just a wish – it’s a plan waiting to happen! Ready to transform your look or simply refresh your signature style? Book your consultation online today with our expert stylists at Lush Hair Folk Salon. We’ll dive deep into your hair aspirations, assess your lovely locks, discuss your lifestyle, and craft a personalized color journey just for you. We’ll use the ideal developer and state-of-the-art techniques to bring your vision to life, ensuring the results are not only beautiful but also kind to your hair.

And because we believe beautiful hair is an ongoing love story, not a one-time fling, we’ll also guide you on the perfect maintenance schedule to keep your color looking its absolute best. Think of us as your long-term partners in your hair journey!