When it comes to achieving the perfect hair color, choosing the right developer is just as important as selecting the right dye. A developer is a key ingredient in the coloring process, as it activates the color and helps it penetrate the hair shaft. Among the various types of developers available, the 30 Volume Developer is one of the most popular choices for those looking to lighten their hair or achieve vibrant color results.
In this article, we will explore how to use a 30 volume developer effectively, its benefits, and the best practices to follow for perfect hair coloring results. Whether you’re dealing with grey hair, dark hair, or simply want to achieve a vibrant color change, we’ve got you covered.
What Is a 30 Volume Developer?
A 30 volume developer is a chemical solution that is commonly used in hair dyeing to lighten the hair or activate color. The “30 volume” refers to the concentration of hydrogen peroxide in the developer, which is 9% hydrogen peroxide. This concentration allows the developer to lift the hair up to three levels, making it suitable for most color processes, including lightening and covering grey hair.
The 30 volume developer is stronger than a 10-volume developer but not as strong as a 40-volume developer, making it a versatile choice for a wide range of hair coloring applications.
Benefits of Using 30 Volume Developer:
- Lifts Hair Color by 2-3 Levels: The 30 volume developer is great for lightening your hair. Whether you’re going from dark to light or just want to enhance your color, it can lift your hair color by two to three levels.
- Ideal for Grey Coverage: If you have grey hair, a 30 volume developer can help you achieve full grey coverage without compromising the vibrancy of the color.
- Versatile and Easy to Use: The 30 volume developer works well with most hair color formulations, and it’s relatively easy to use when following the proper techniques.
How to Use 30 Volume Developer
Using a 30 volume developer is straightforward, but following the correct steps is essential to achieve the best results. Here's a step-by-step guide to using a 30 volume developer for perfect hair coloring:
1. Choose the Right Hair Color and Developer
Before you start, it’s important to select a hair color product that’s compatible with the 30 volume developer. Whether you’re using a permanent dye or a lightener, make sure the instructions on the packaging recommend using a 30 volume developer.
For instance, L'Oreal 30 volume developer is a popular option, especially for professional-grade coloring. It works well with a variety of color formulations and ensures a smooth application.
If you’re working with dark hair and want to achieve a light, vibrant color, using a 30 volume developer will help you lift your color effectively. Additionally, if you're trying to cover grey hair, the 30 volume developer helps ensure full coverage.
2. Prepare the Color Mixture
Once you have your color and developer, you’ll need to mix them together. The standard mixing ratio is generally 1:1, meaning one part color to one part developer. However, always follow the instructions on the packaging, as some formulations may require a different ratio.
For example, if you're using a L’Oreal color product, like L’Oreal INOA (which is also compatible with a 30 volume developer), you'll typically mix equal parts of the color and the developer to get the desired consistency. If you're using a lightener, you may need to adjust the ratio depending on how light you want the results.
3. Apply the Mixture to Dry, Unwashed Hair
It’s important to apply the hair dye mixture to dry hair. Your hair should not be freshly washed because your scalp’s natural oils help protect the skin from irritation. Section your hair into manageable parts, starting at the roots and working your way down to the ends.
If you’re coloring your entire head of hair, begin at the roots and use a tinting brush to apply the dye mixture evenly. If you’re only focusing on specific areas, such as grey coverage or highlighting, apply the mixture to the targeted sections.
4. Let the Color Develop
Once the mixture is applied, let the color process for the time specified on the product’s instructions. This is typically between 20 and 40 minutes, depending on how much lightening you want to achieve. For most people, 30 minutes is ideal for lifting dark hair to a lighter shade or covering grey hair.
The 30 volume developer for grey hair will help ensure that the grey hairs blend seamlessly with your natural color.
5. Rinse and Condition
After the color has fully developed, rinse your hair thoroughly with lukewarm water until the water runs clear. Follow up with a sulfate-free conditioner to lock in moisture and maintain the health of your hair.
Using a color-safe conditioner, like the L’Oreal Professional conditioner, will help keep your hair hydrated and vibrant.
When to Use 30 Volume Developer
There are a variety of situations where using a 30 volume developer will provide the best results. Here are some scenarios when you should consider using this developer:
1. For Grey Hair Coverage
One of the most common uses for a 30 volume developer is covering grey hair. The strength of the developer allows the dye to fully penetrate the grey hair, ensuring complete coverage. This is especially helpful for clients who have stubborn or resistant grey hair that other developers may not be able to cover effectively.
2. For Lightening Dark Hair
If you have dark hair and want to lighten it, the 30 volume developer on dark hair is ideal. It will lift the color by about 2-3 levels, allowing you to go from dark brown to medium brown or even blonde. However, for dramatic lightening (such as platinum blonde), you may need a 40 volume developer, but for most standard lightening processes, 30 volume works well.
3. For Vibrant Color Results
If you're looking for bright, vibrant color results, the 30 volume developer is an excellent choice. It provides enough lift to brighten your hair while allowing the color to take on a bold hue. It’s particularly effective when working with fashion colors like red, blue, or purple.
4. For Achieving Highlights
30 volume developer is also used to lighten specific sections of the hair, such as highlights. It provides the lift necessary to achieve a multi-dimensional look without over-processing your hair.
Tips for Best Results with 30 Volume Developer
- Perform a Patch Test: Before applying any hair dye, it’s important to do a patch test to check for allergic reactions.
- Monitor the Processing Time: Don’t exceed the recommended processing time to avoid damaging your hair. If you're not sure, it’s better to under-process than over-process.
- Use the Right Products: Use a high-quality developer and color product for the best results. If you're looking for a premium product, check out L’Oreal 30 volume developer or Keywest Professional Silver Sand Developer 30 Vol, both available on Shop Salon Products.
- Buy L'Oreal Professionnel Oreor Developer 30 Vol (1000ml)
- Buy Keywest Professional Silver Sand Developer 30 Vol (1000ml)
Conclusion
Using a 30 volume developer can provide excellent results for a wide range of hair coloring needs. Whether you're looking to cover grey hair, lighten dark hair, or add vibrant colors, a 30 volume developer is an essential tool in your hair coloring arsenal. Always ensure that you're using the right products, such as L’Oreal 30 volume developer or Keywest Professional Silver Sand Developer 30 Vol, and follow the proper application techniques to achieve the best results.
For all your hair coloring needs, explore our range of high-quality developers and hair color products at Shop Salon Products to achieve salon-quality results at home.