Developer (peroxide) is the oxidising cream mixed with hair colour or lightener to develop colour and lift the natural pigment. Its strength is measured in "volume": 10 vol (3%) gives little to no lift, 20 vol (6%) lifts about 1–2 levels, 30 vol (9%) lifts 2–3 levels and 40 vol (12%) gives maximum lift. Choosing the right volume controls how much you lighten versus deposit.
What does developer volume mean?
"Volume" describes the oxygen potential of the peroxide, while the percentage is the concentration of hydrogen peroxide. The higher the volume, the more the cuticle opens and the more the colour can lift. Here is how the common strengths convert and what each is used for.
| Volume | Peroxide % | Typical lift | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 vol | 1.9% | None | Demi-permanent toning, glossing, refresh |
| 10 vol | 3% | None–minimal | Tone-on-tone, deposit, dark grey blending |
| 13 vol | 4% | Up to 1 level | Demi with more grey coverage and depth |
| 20 vol | 6% | 1–2 levels | Grey coverage, level-on-level permanent colour |
| 30 vol | 9% | 2–3 levels | Lifting to lighter targets |
| 40 vol | 12% | Up to 3+ levels | High-lift blondes, maximum lightening |
10 vol / 3% developer
The gentlest oxidising strength. Use it for tone-on-tone work, depositing colour and blending grey at darker levels where no lift is needed. Example: Schwarzkopf Igora Royal Oil Developer 3%.
20 vol / 6% developer
The everyday workhorse. 20 vol delivers reliable grey coverage and 1–2 levels of lift, and is the standard partner for most permanent colour. Examples: Wella Welloxon Perfect, Igora Royal Oil Developer 6% and BLONDME 6% Premium Care Developer.
30 vol / 9% developer
For 2–3 levels of lift when moving to a lighter target shade. Examples: Igora Royal Oil Developer 9%, Revlon Magnet Blondes 30 Vol and L'Oreal Blond Studio 30 Vol Oil Developer.
40 vol / 12% developer
The strongest standard developer, for high-lift services and maximum lightening. Use with care and keep off the scalp where possible. Examples: Igora Royal Oil Developer 12% and BLONDME 12% Premium Care Developer.
Demi-permanent strengths: 6 vol (1.9%) and 13 vol (4%)
Demi-permanent systems use their own low-strength emulsions for toning and deposit-only colour. See Wella Color Touch Creme Lotion 1.9% and Color Touch Developer 4%.
Mixing ratios at a glance
Mixing ratios depend on the colour, not just the developer: most permanent colours mix 1:1 or 1:1.5, demi-permanents 1:2, and lighteners 1:1.5 to 1:2. For full brand-by-brand ratios and development times, see our guide on how to mix hair colour.
How to choose the right developer volume
- Covering grey? Reach for 20 vol — see grey coverage: which colour and developer to use.
- Toning or refreshing? Use a low-volume demi developer — see toner vs demi vs permanent vs high-lift.
- Lightening with bleach? Match the volume to the lift and scalp position — see our bleach and lightener guide.
Frequently asked questions
Is higher-volume developer more damaging?
Generally yes — more lift means more cuticle disruption. Use the lowest volume that achieves your result.
Can I mix two developer volumes?
Yes. Mixing equal parts of two strengths gives an approximate in-between volume (for example, equal parts 20 and 30 vol is roughly 25 vol).
Does developer go off once opened?
Peroxide oxidises over time. Keep bottles tightly capped, cool and out of direct light, and avoid contaminating the bottle with colour or metal.
Can developer lighten hair on its own?
Not meaningfully. To lighten you need a powder lightener or high-lift colour — see our bleach and lightener guide.
Always follow the manufacturer's instructions; exact ratios, volumes and timings vary by brand and shade. For professional use.
