Can you mix 20 volume and 30 volume developer together? Let’s know the truth

Have you ever feels sometimes of mixing 2 developers? Well, I did it 3 months back when I wanted to cover my resistant grays but didn’t want to lift my hair color.

In this guide, we will discuss this question: Can you mix 20 and 30 volume developer? And why we need to do this.

Let’s understand why we need to mix 20 volume developer with 30 volume developer.

The major reason for mixing is that sometimes 20 volume feels a little mild and 30 volume is a little stronger, and we require a developer that falls between the two, specifically 25 volume.

The Resulting Strength: 25 volume

When you mix equal parts of 20 volume (6% peroxide) and 30 volume (9% peroxide), the resulting solution is 25 volume (7.5% peroxide).

When we mix 20 and 30 volume developer, it does not destroy the peroxide; rather, it simply dilutes the concentration.

Why do you want to mix 20 volume with 30 volume? What is the need?

The simple answer is, as mentioned above, sometimes we need something slightly stronger than 20 volume and slightly less potent than 30 volume, and in the market, we can buy either 20 volume or 30 volume developer. We can’t get 25 volume, so this idea arose to mix these two together to fulfill our specific need.

Here I shared when we need to mix:

• Specific Lifting Need: When we need to lift hair color up to 3 levels without the aggressive swelling caused by 30 volume.
• High Lift Color: Sometimes high lift colors perform more optimally with a 25 volume mix developer rather than a straight 30 volume.
• Need a middle ground: 30 volume contains 9% peroxide, which can be too harsh for damaged or fine hair, whereas 20 volume won’t lift as needed. In that condition, 25 volumes stand in the middle, which gives the desired result without excessive damage.

Things to know before mixing 20 volume with 30 volume developer

• Use the same brand: Always use both developers from the same brand; for example, if you are using 20 volume from Wella, then use 30 volume from Wella as well. Two different brands use different thickeners and stabilizers, which can react unpredictably.
• Match the liquid or cream type: Either use two creamy developers or two liquid developers. Never use cream with liquid.
• Measure Correctly: While mixing 20 volume with 30 volume developer, always use a measuring cup to measure precisely. Don’t believe in guessing or your eye.

Mixin can be good when:

• You have a sensitive scalp that can’t handle 30 volume
• When you need a slightly more powerful than 20 volume developer
• When you have damaged hair or fragile hair and can’t use 30 volume.
• When you just need to cover grays, not lift color.

When you should not mix 20 volume with 30 volume developer:

• For toning: Usually, toners require a low-volume developer; either 5 or 10 volume can do the job.
• With permanent color that needs a specific ratio, many permanent dyes are formulated to perform optimally with a specific developer volume. Mixing them together can disrupt the balance of alkalinity, potentially causing the color to turn brassy or muddy.

Conclusion

Yes, you can mix 20 volume with 30 volume developer to fulfill your specific need, but always use equal parts of both developers, and while mixing, use a measuring cup.

And if you have fine or fragile hair, you should use a lower developer.

If you need to cover gray hair, not lift, use 20 volume first, and if you find 20 volume won’t cover your stubborn gray hair, then go with the mixing.

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