People who want to uplift their hair color often wonder what happens when you mix 30-volume developer with hair dye. If you’re one of those people, we have all the answers you’re looking for.
The way a 30-vol developer and hair dye mix depends on many factors, like your natural base hair color, developer strength, and processing time.
Keep reading below as we discuss all these factors determining whether you can mix 30 volume developer with hair dye or not. What happens if you mix them?
Can You Mix 30-Volume Developer With Hair Dye?
Yes, you can add a 30-volume developer to hair dye. However, it’s essential to understand what a developer is, how it works, and its implications before going through this process.
A hair developer is, essentially, hydrogen peroxide. It helps open up the cuticle layer of your hair to allow for more even color absorption when applying a permanent or semi-permanent hair dye.
Different volumes of developers have different percentages of hydrogen peroxide. The higher the volume, the greater the percentage of hydrogen peroxide; thus, the greater the risk of hair damage.
A 30-volume developer contains 9% hydrogen peroxide and, thus, has the potential to cause severe damage if not used properly. If used right, it can result in a vibrant look. If not, it can cause hair dryness and breakage.
What Happens When You Mix 30-Volume Developer with Hair Dye?
When you mix 30 developers with hair dye, the developer breaks down your hair’s cuticle layer, allowing more hair dye to be absorbed into the strands. This gives a long-lasting and bright look when done right.
A 30-volume developer works best on hair that has already been lightened or is naturally light in color. This is because the higher concentration of peroxide in the 30-vol developer can lift the hair color slightly lighter, making it easier for the hair dye to penetrate and achieve the desired color.
If you try to use a developer on hair that is naturally black or dark brown, it will only lighten the color by a few shades. Depending on the process, it may not be enough for your hair dye to seep in; thus, your hair might become orange or two different shades.
The general ratio of 30-volume developer to hair dye is 2:1. You should mix 1 part hair dye with 2 parts developer for every measurement. However, this ratio can differ depending on the brand and quality of the products, so it’s best to follow the instructions on the box.
Since a higher volume of developer means more hydrogen peroxide in the product, it can damage your hair and lead to unpredictable results. Thus, it’s best to consult a stylist before trying to mix a 30-volume developer with hair dye on your own.
Risks of Using 30 Developers with Dye
There are many potential risks of using a high-strength developer, like 30-volume. Some of these include:
- Mixing a 30-volume developer with permanent hair dye can lead to potential damage, such as scalp irritation or burning sensations on the skin around your forehead or ears due to its strong chemical composition.
- Overuse of this mixture can strip away too much melanin from each strand which could leave your locks feeling dry and brittle after coloring them.
Tips for Using 30 Volume Developer with Dye
Additionally, there are some precautions you can take beforehand to ensure nothing bad happens to your hair:
- The chemicals in a developer could cause an allergic reaction. Thus, you must do a patch test first by applying a small amount behind one ear for 24 hours before doing anything else.
- Make sure you are wearing gloves while handling both products since they contain potent chemicals that should never come into contact with bare skin directly without protection at all times.
- Avoid leaving either product on your hair for too long since extended exposure could lead to further damage instead of achieving desired results quickly.
- A high-strength developer might not be suitable for your hair. Thus, you should ensure you’re using the right developer for your hair type and opt for a lower strength, like a 10-volume or 20-volume developer, if needed.
When used correctly and with the help of a professional, a 30-volume developer can be an effective way to lighten your hair by several shades.
However, even this hair developer strength is relatively high, so you should ideally get your hair dyed in a salon where professionals can use their superior products and tools. This will help reduce the risk of any damage.
How Many Shades Does 30-Volume Developer Lift?
Generally, a 30-volume developer lifts your natural hair color by three shades. However, this can also vary depending on several factors.
One of the main factors determining how many shades a 30-volume developer can lift is the starting level of the hair. Hair color is measured on a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 being black and 10 being the lightest blonde. Your hair type and thickness also greatly affect how the developer lifts it.
A 30-volume developer works best on already lightened hair. And so, it can lift the hair to 3 levels, which means it can lighten hair from level 7 (medium blonde) to level 10 (lightest blonde) or from level 6 (dark blonde) to level 9 (light blonde).
On naturally dark hair, you may need to mix developer and bleach to achieve a lift higher than just three shades. Usually, a 20-volume or 30-volume developer is used to accomplish this.
However, bleach can be extremely harsh on your hair, and thus, it’s advised that you go to a salon instead of trying to bleach your hair on your own.
You already know how damaging developers and dyes can be on your hair. Thus, you should maintain your hair and skin beforehand to ensure minimal damage while dyeing. Some maintenance tips include:
- Do a strand test: Before applying any hair dye or developer to your entire head, it’s crucial to test it on a strand of hair first. This will help you determine how your hair will react to the product and how the final color will look.
- Don’t dye freshly washed hair: Dye your hair at least a day or two after washing it. Our unwashed hair has natural oils that act as a barrier and keep the hair from drying out. Since a developer can strip your hair of its natural moisture, these oils will help prevent hair from becoming dry and brittle.
- Protect your skin: Apply a layer of petroleum jelly or a barrier cream along your hairline and ears to protect your skin from staining. You can also use a hair-dyeing cape or towel to protect your clothing.
So, What Happens When You Mix 30-Volume Developer With Hair Dye?
If you’re wondering what happens when you mix 30-volume developer with hair dye, just know that it can result in a vibrant, long-lasting look. This developer level works best on lightened hair and can generally lift your hair by three shades. Its results can vary depending on your natural hair color, type, and strength.
We must also say this developer can be harsh and severely damage your hair. Thus, opting for a lower developer if you have thin hair or getting your hair done professionally to avoid risks is best.
As an enthusiast and expert in the field of hair coloring and development, I can confidently provide a comprehensive understanding of the concepts mentioned in the article.
Firstly, the article revolves around the question of what happens when you mix a 30-volume developer with hair dye. The 30-volume developer is a crucial component in the hair coloring process, containing 9% hydrogen peroxide. Understanding the nature of the developer is essential, as it acts as hydrogen peroxide, opening the hair cuticle to facilitate color absorption during the application of permanent or semi-permanent hair dye.
The key factors influencing the outcome of mixing a 30-volume developer with hair dye include the natural base hair color, the strength of the developer, and the processing time. The developer's volume indicates the percentage of hydrogen peroxide, with higher volumes posing a greater risk of hair damage. In this case, a 30-volume developer can lead to vibrant results when used correctly but may cause dryness and breakage if not applied properly.
The process involves breaking down the hair's cuticle layer, allowing the hair dye to penetrate more effectively, resulting in a long-lasting and bright color. It is emphasized that a 30-volume developer works best on already lightened or naturally light-colored hair due to its higher concentration of peroxide.
The recommended ratio for mixing a 30-volume developer with hair dye is 2:1, with two parts developer to one part hair dye. However, variations may exist based on the brand and quality of the products, necessitating adherence to the instructions on the product packaging. The article also emphasizes the importance of consulting a stylist before attempting the mixture independently to mitigate potential risks.
The risks associated with using a 30-volume developer include scalp irritation, burning sensations, and overuse leading to dry and brittle hair. Precautions, such as conducting a patch test, wearing gloves, and avoiding prolonged exposure, are highlighted to minimize adverse effects.
The article further explores the lifting capacity of a 30-volume developer, indicating that it generally lifts natural hair color by three shades. The starting level of the hair, measured on a scale from 1 to 10, along with hair type and thickness, influences the lifting process. It is suggested that a 30-volume developer works best on already lightened hair and can lift hair from level 6 to level 9 or from level 7 to level 10.
To mitigate potential damage, maintenance tips are provided, including conducting a strand test, avoiding dyeing freshly washed hair, and protecting the skin from staining.
In conclusion, mixing a 30-volume developer with hair dye can yield vibrant and long-lasting results, but the potential for damage exists. Professional guidance and adherence to safety measures are crucial to achieving the desired outcome while minimizing risks.
