When it comes to hair coloring, achieving professional-looking results depends on more than just choosing the right shade. The type of developer you use plays a critical role in ensuring vibrant color, ideal coverage, and a long-lasting finish. One of the most popular choices among both professionals and at-home colorists is 20 volume developer, a versatile option suitable for a range of coloring techniques, from covering gray to adding subtle lightening.
In this guide, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about using 20 volume developer, including its benefits, best uses, and top tips for optimal results. We’ll also highlight Keywest Professional Silver Sand 20 Volume Developer, a high-quality product that can be found on Shop Salon Products, to help you achieve salon-quality results at home.
What Is 20 Volume Developer?
A developer is an oxidizing agent, often containing hydrogen peroxide, used to activate hair color and allow it to penetrate the hair cuticle. The “20 volume” refers to its strength, with the number indicating the developer’s ability to lift or lighten the hair.
- 10 Volume Developer: For depositing color without lifting or lightening.
- 20 Volume Developer: For lifting hair up to 1-2 levels and covering gray hair effectively.
- 30 Volume Developer: For lifting hair up to 2-3 levels.
- 40 Volume Developer: For lifting hair up to 4 levels, but it’s quite potent and can be damaging if not used carefully.
What Do You Use 20 Volume Developer For?
20 volume developer is widely used for:
- Gray Coverage: 20 volume developer is excellent for covering gray hair, providing a natural, blended look.
- Permanent Color Application: It’s often used with permanent hair dye to achieve a vibrant, even color.
- Lightening Hair 1-2 Levels: When used with bleach or lightening agents, 20 volume developer can lift hair up to two levels, making it ideal for those looking for subtle highlights or a slight change in hair shade.
If you're aiming for professional results at home, Keywest Professional Silver Sand 20 Volume Developer is a reliable choice for consistent, beautiful color. This product is available on Shop Salon Products, an e-commerce website specializing in professional-grade hair products.
How to Use 20 Volume Developer with Hair Dye
Using 20 volume developer correctly can make a big difference in your coloring results. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to use it with hair dye:
- Mix the Developer and Hair Dye: The mixing ratio is typically 1:1 or 1:1.5 (developer to dye), but always check the specific instructions on your hair dye product. For example, if you're using Keywest Professional Silver Sand 20 Volume Developer, pair it with a high-quality hair dye for best results.
- Section Your Hair: Divide your hair into sections to ensure even application, especially if you're covering gray or applying dye to longer hair.
- Apply the Dye and Developer Mixture: Start at the roots and work your way down to the ends, making sure the hair is fully saturated.
- Timing is Key: Leave the mixture on your hair as directed (usually 30-45 minutes). Keep a close watch on the color development, especially if you have previously lightened or damaged hair.
- Rinse and Condition: Once the processing time is complete, rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water. Finish with a conditioning treatment to keep your hair moisturized and smooth.
Should I Use 20 or 30 Developer with Bleach?
When lightening your hair, it’s important to select the correct developer strength to minimize damage. 20 volume developer is often recommended for those who want to lift their hair color by one or two shades, or for those with naturally lighter hair looking for subtle highlights. This developer is less harsh on the hair than 30 volume developer, which is why it’s a popular choice for at-home bleaching and lightening.
On the other hand, 30 volume developer is stronger and can lift the hair by 2-3 levels, making it more suitable for darker hair colors or when more noticeable lightening is desired. However, using 30 volume developer also increases the risk of dryness and breakage, especially on fine or already damaged hair.
If you’re unsure, it’s best to start with a 20 volume developer and see if you achieve the desired lift. For safe, reliable results, try Keywest Professional Silver Sand 20 Volume Developer from Shop Salon Products, which works well for subtle lightening and is gentler on the hair than higher volume options.
Can You Use 20 Volume Developer by Itself?
A common question is whether 20 volume developer can be used on its own to lighten hair. While it may create a mild lightening effect, 20 volume developer alone isn’t strong enough to significantly lift color. For visible lightening, developer must be mixed with either a bleach or a permanent color.
When applied alone, 20 volume developer might produce a subtle lightening effect on very light hair, but it’s not typically recommended as it can leave the hair feeling dry and more porous without providing a noticeable color change. For best results, always pair your developer with bleach or hair color.
What Would Happen if I Put 20 Volume Developer on My Hair?
Applying 20 volume developer on its own can cause minimal lift but may also lead to dryness and damage, especially if left on the hair for too long. Without a color or bleach to bond with, the developer may dry out hair, making it more susceptible to breakage.
If you’re looking for lightening without bleach, opt for a lightening dye with 20 volume developer. This is much gentler and less damaging than applying developer alone. For safe and professional use, consider Keywest Professional Silver Sand 20 Volume Developer, available at Shop Salon Products.
Essential Tips for Using 20 Volume Developer Safely
Using 20 volume developer correctly is essential to achieving your desired color without damaging your hair. Here are a few safety tips to keep in mind:
- Do a Patch Test First: Always perform a patch test to check for potential allergies before applying any hair dye or developer mixture.
- Follow the Instructions: Different dyes and developers may have specific usage guidelines, so always follow the product’s directions.
- Wear Gloves: Protect your hands from the chemicals in the developer by wearing gloves.
- Avoid Scalp Contact: Apply the mixture slightly away from the scalp, as developers can sometimes cause sensitivity or irritation.
- Don’t Leave It On Too Long: Developers can damage hair if left on for too long. Most applications should not exceed 45 minutes.
- Condition After Coloring: 20 volume developer opens the hair cuticle, which can lead to dryness. A deep conditioning treatment can help restore moisture and seal the cuticle, maintaining hair health and shine.
Recommended Product: Keywest Professional Silver Sand 20 Volume Developer
For those seeking reliable, professional-grade results, Keywest Professional Silver Sand 20 Volume Developer is an ideal choice. This high-quality developer offers even lift and effective color activation, making it perfect for gray coverage, lightening, and permanent coloring.
Available at Shop Salon Products, this developer is designed for both professionals and at-home users who want salon-quality results. The formula provides consistency and control, so you can achieve a smooth, even color while minimizing damage.
Conclusion
Using 20 volume developer can yield beautiful, professional-looking results if applied correctly. Ideal for permanent coloring, gray coverage, and subtle lightening, 20 volume developer is a versatile and gentle choice for hair coloring. With a bit of care and the right products, such as the Keywest Professional Silver Sand 20 Volume Developer, you can achieve vibrant, long-lasting color without needing a trip to the salon.
Whether you’re a professional stylist or coloring at home, Shop Salon Products offers the highest-quality hair products to help you succeed. Explore their selection for all your hair coloring needs and take the next step toward achieving the perfect color with confidence!