In the world of professional hair coloring, choosing the right hair developer is essential to achieving vibrant, lasting color results. Hair developers, also known as "oxidants" or "activators," work in tandem with hair dye to lighten or deposit color, allowing stylists to create stunning looks while maintaining hair health. With so many options on the market, including the top-tier Keywest and L'Oréal brands, knowing which developer to choose can make all the difference in the outcome.
In this article, we’ll break down everything you need to know about how to choose the right developer for hair coloring, including the difference between 20, 30, and 40 volume developers and factors to consider when selecting the best developer for specific hair types and color goals.
What is a Hair Developer?
A hair developer is a cream or liquid containing hydrogen peroxide, which activates the hair color and controls its strength and intensity. By altering the cuticle, it allows the color to penetrate, leading to vibrant results. Depending on the strength or "volume" of the developer, it can lift the natural hair color (lighten) or simply help the color deposit without changing the base color.
At Shop Salon, we offer a range of affordable, professional-grade developers from Keywest and L'Oréal, two trusted brands that deliver consistent results and are popular among stylists. For the full selection, check out our offerings here.
Understanding Developer Volumes: 10, 20, 30, and 40
Different volumes of developers have varying effects on the hair. Here’s a breakdown:
- 10 Volume Developer: Ideal for depositing color without lifting. This is best for adding a subtle shade or enhancing natural tones. It’s commonly used for toning or darkening.
- 20 Volume Developer: This is one of the most popular choices for covering gray hair or adding one to two levels of lift. It’s gentle enough to use on a variety of hair types and is generally the best hair developer for salon use when aiming for natural-looking results.
- 30 Volume Developer: For three levels of lift, 30 volume is effective and allows for more significant lightening. However, it should be used carefully as it’s stronger and can cause dryness if not properly managed.
- 40 Volume Developer: This is the highest strength available for substantial lift (four levels or more). It’s suitable for drastic color changes, such as going from dark to light shades but requires careful application as it can be harsh on the hair.
The difference between 20, 30, and 40 volume developers lies in their lifting power and the potential impact on hair integrity. Understanding these differences can help stylists make an informed decision that balances color goals with hair health.
How to Choose the Right Developer for Hair Coloring
Selecting the right developer is key to achieving desired color results while minimizing damage. Here are a few factors to consider:
- Hair Condition: Healthy hair can handle higher volumes better than damaged hair. If the hair is brittle or dry, it’s advisable to stick with lower volumes to prevent further damage.
- Color Goal: If your client wants a subtle change, like toning or slight darkening, a 10 or 20 volume developer will work well. For bolder transformations, such as blonde highlights on dark hair, a 30 or 40 volume is more appropriate.
- Gray Coverage: For gray hair, a 20 volume developer is often ideal as it provides the right amount of lift to cover gray strands without causing excessive lightening.
- Application Technique: Lower volumes work well for root touch-ups and toning, while higher volumes are better suited for full color transformations. Keep in mind that how to choose the right developer for hair coloring may also depend on how frequently the color is being applied.
- Brand: Both L'Oréal and Keywest offer high-quality developers that cater to different needs. Their formulas are designed to enhance hair health, protect the scalp, and offer reliable, professional-grade results, making them ideal for stylists.
Keywest and L'Oréal Developers: Trusted Brands for Professional Results
When it comes to selecting a hair developer, the brand can have a big impact on the final result. Keywest and L'Oréal are known for their commitment to quality, creating products that respect the hair’s natural structure while delivering exceptional color results.
- Keywest Professional Developers: Keywest’s developers are crafted with a gentle formula that provides impressive results while minimizing damage. Their range includes different volumes, from 10 to 40, allowing stylists to customize color treatments based on individual needs. Keywest’s developers are known for their smooth consistency, making application easier and more efficient.
- L'Oréal Professional Developers: L'Oréal has long been a leader in the haircare industry. Their developers are formulated with advanced technology to ensure even, consistent color distribution and impressive durability. They also contain conditioning agents that protect and nourish the hair, making them a top choice for stylists around the world.
For an array of affordable hair developer online for professionals, Shop Salon provides a range of options from these reputable brands. Discover more about these products and shop for your salon here.
Guide to Buying Hair Developers for Professional Results
Purchasing hair developers online is a convenient way to stock up on essential products without the need for in-store visits. However, with so many options available, it’s important to choose wisely. Here’s a guide to buying hair developers for professional results:
- Know Your Volume Needs: Decide which volumes you’ll need based on your client services. Most salons use a mix of 10, 20, and 30 volumes for various treatments.
- Check Product Reviews: Product reviews offer insight into how developers perform in real salon settings. For example, the Keywest and L'Oréal brands consistently receive positive feedback for their high quality and reliability.
- Consider Product Ingredients: Look for developers that contain conditioning ingredients to support hair health. Keywest and L'Oréal both incorporate conditioning agents, which reduce the risk of damage during coloring.
- Purchase from Reputable Sources: Make sure you’re buying from trusted retailers like Shop Salon to avoid counterfeit or expired products. Quality developers ensure safe and effective application.
- Look for Deals: Many online platforms offer discounts and bulk deals. At Shop Salon, we make it easy to find affordable hair developers online for professionals without compromising on quality.
Why Choosing the Right Developer Matters
The developer plays a crucial role in the final look of hair color. Too strong of a developer can lead to over-processing, causing dryness, while too weak of a developer may not lift the color sufficiently, resulting in a dull appearance. The right choice can make all the difference in achieving vibrant, long-lasting color.
Both Keywest and L'Oréal developers offer balanced formulas that provide excellent results without compromising hair health, making them some of the best hair developers for salon use.
Achieving Consistent Results with Quality Developers
Stylists know that consistency is key to maintaining a loyal client base. By investing in reliable, high-quality developers, salons can offer consistent, stunning color results every time. Here are some tips for achieving that consistency:
- Stick to Quality Brands: By using trusted brands like L'Oréal and Keywest, you can rest assured that the results will be as expected, with minimal variability.
- Keep Track of Product Inventory: Regularly monitor product levels and re-order before running low. It’s best to have a selection of volumes on hand to accommodate different client requests.
- Follow the Manufacturer's Guidelines: Each brand has specific instructions for optimal usage. For best results, follow the guidelines outlined by L'Oréal or Keywest.
Conclusion
Choosing the right developer is one of the most important steps in achieving beautiful, professional hair color results. Whether it’s covering gray hair, lightening dark locks, or adding subtle tones, understanding the difference between developer volumes and how they impact the hair can make a significant difference in the final look.
Both Keywest Professional and L'Oréal Professional offer quality developers suitable for a wide range of salon services. They’re affordable, reliable, and deliver consistent results that stylists and clients can trust.
Ready to elevate your color services? Explore the selection of affordable hair developers online for professionals at Shop Salon and find the perfect products for your salon’s needs.