Can I use 40 volume developer with permanent color at home?
Can I use 40 volume developer with permanent color at home?
So, you are in the hair aisle, just bought a permanent color, but don’t know which developer you should use with it.
Will 30 volume developer work better, or will 40 volume developer work best with it? Then you think, “A bigger number will give a better result, right?”
Don’t make such a mistake. I did it once; my hair turned silver, then frizzy. Let me save you from it.
The short answer is yes, you can use 40 volume developer with permanent color, but the major question is when and how?
In this guide, I will explain in detail when and how to use the 40 volume developer with permanent hair color at home.
What exactly 40 volume developers do?
The developer opens the hair cuticles and removes the natural color so the new color can get inside.
Let’s understand all the versions of developers and why they come with numbers.
10 volume: it just darkens the color. No lift
20 volume: It lifts color by 1-2 levels. (Good for dark color to light brown)
30 volume: It lifts color by 2-3 levels. Quite strong. (Good for dark color to blonde)
40 volume: It lifts color by 4+ levels. Very strong (Good for dark color to silver)
Now the question is, up to what level do you want to lift the color? According to that, you should opt for a developer like
- If you want to go from a dark color to blond, you can choose 20 or 30 volume.
- If you want to go from dark color to light blonde or silver, you can choose 40 volume
40 volume developer has 12% peroxide and is very strong. If you use it incorrectly, you can ruin your hair
When you should USE 40 volume developer with permanent color:
- If your natural hair color is black or dark brown, you can use it.
- If you want to go from black to light blonde or silver, you can opt for it.
- If your hair is healthy and fine, then you should use 40 volume
If you are doing a “double-process” blonde or silver (bleach first, then color), in that case, you can also go with 40 volume.
Don’t use 40 volume with permanent color if:
- Your hair is damaged or thin, then go with lower volume developers.
- You just need to cover your grays. You should use either 20 or 30 volume. They are strong enough to cover grays.
My Practical Advice
Must do a strand test first—take a small piece of hair from underneath, mix a tiny bit of permanent color with 40 volume developer, and apply it. Wait for 30 minutes. If you feel hair like gum? Stop using it and go with a lower developer.
Common mistakes people make
Most people think 40 volume works faster with permanent color and corrects for them without knowing its side effects. 40 volume is quite strong and should be used on healthy and fine hair only. If you have thin or already damaged hair, you must avoid it. You might get the desired color, but you can also experience hair damage or falling.
In that case, you should opt for either 20 volume or 30 volume. They are also strong enough to lift the color and keep your hair soft and shiny.
FAQs about 40 Volume Developer and Hair Color
- Can I mix 40 volume developer with permanent color to cover gray hair?
No. This is something like you are lighting a candle with a flamethrower. For gray coverage, use 20 volume instead of 40 volume. It also works fine and stays longer.
- Will 40 volume developer lighten my hair without bleach?
Yes, it can lift the color up to 4 levels, but if you want platinum blonde from a dark color. You will need bleach to achieve that.
- How long should I leave the 40 volume developer with permanent color on my hair?
Not more than 45 minutes. After applying, check in every 10 minutes. The moment you get the desired color, rinse it immediately. Never leave it for more than 45 minutes, even if you don’t get desire color. Keeping more than 45 minutes, the chemicals inside it can damage or melt your hair.
- Can I use 40 volume developer on previously colored hair?
No. It can be very dangerous. Old color plus strong 40 volume developer can damage your hair. If you have already-dyed hair, use lower developers like 10 or 20 developer instead of 30 or 40.
- What happens if I use 40 volume developer and permanent color too often?
Your hair becomes weak, frizzy, dry, and stretchy like a straw. You must take an 8-week gap between strong chemical processes.
Conclusion
So, can use 40 volume developer with permanent color? Technically, yes. Realistically, only if you have healthy hair and want a big change like going from a dark color to platinum, then you can use it; otherwise, if you just need to cover grays or lift 2-3 shades, you should go with 20 or 30 volume developers.
And when you are in doubt, you should ask a stylist. Damaged or bad hair is always heartbreaking. Be kind to your hair and always keep it healthy.