Difference between 10 volume and 20 volume hair developer
Difference between 10 volume and 20 volume hair developer
Imagine you are standing in a hair aisle, holding two bottles of developers. The first is a 10 volume developer bottle, and the second one is 20 volume developer. You are confused. Which one is right for your hair?
Both 10 and 20 volume developers look the same, but trust me, both are altogether different from each other. Picking the wrong developer can turn your hair orange or do nothing at all.
In this guide, I will break down the difference between 10 and 20 volume developer in a quite simple way.
What is a hair developer, and what are these volumes?
In order to change the hair color, we need color, but color won’t work alone. We need to mix it with developer to get the desired hair color.
When you see the developer bottle, you see the number like 10, 20, 30, or 40. These numbers show the strength of the developer. The higher the number, the stronger it is.
The main difference between 10 and 20 volume developer is the strength.
Let’s understand 10 volume developer
A 10 volume developer is like a friendly helper. It does not lift the color. It deposits color. “Lift” means when using developer, it opens the cuticle and removes the natural color of hair, but 10 volume developer is less strong to lift the color, it just tones it. For lifting the hair shade, you need higher developers like 20, 30, or 40 volume developers.
When should you use 10 volume developer?
- For refreshing your current color.
- If your hair is damaged and dry, you can use it
- Want a little dark color (from dark brown to black)
- If you are using toner or gloss, you can use it.
Usually, I use 10 volume developer when my roots grow out; in that situation, I use it for matching to my existing color. It also helps to cover gray hair as it pushes color to go deep inside and adds richness without any kind of stress.
Let’s talk about 20 volume developer
Most people prefer this as it works as a duo. It not only deposits color inside but also lifts the color by 1 to 2 shades; like if you have medium brown hair, it will change it to light brown or dark blonde.
When should a 20-volume developer be used?
- If you want to lift your color by 1 to 2 shades, use it.
- If you want to cover gray hair, you can opt for it.
- If you are using permanent box dye, it can be a good choice.
The major difference between 10 and 20 volume developers is the action. 10 volume just tones and deposits the color, whereas 20 volume does both toning and depositing and lifting color by 1 to 2 shades as well.
10 volume developer vs 20 volume developer
Let’s me explain it with the comparison table for better understanding.
| Feature | 10 volume developer | 20 volume developer |
| Strength | Weak | Medium |
| Damage level | Low | Low to medium |
| Lifting power | 0 to 0.5 levels | 1 to 2 levels |
| Best for | Same color or darker | Going lighter |
| Gray coverage | Good | Excellent |
The major difference between the two is that 10 volume can’t lift color, just for toning & depositing, and 20 volume for lighter shades up to 2 levels plus depositing.
How to choose the right one
- What you want: do you want to lighten your hair? Yes = 20 volume. No = 10 volume
- Feel your hair: if your hair is frizzy, broken, or dry, use 10 volume instead of 20.
- Check the instructions: All brands are not alike. So always check the instructions.
Golden Rule: If you are confused about which one you should use, 10 volume or 20 volume, please consult with a stylist or always go with lower volume (10 volume) because you cannot undo the damage from a strong developer (20 volume).
Which one is right for you?
It depends on your need.
Choose a 10 volume developer if:
- You just need to refresh your current color.
- You are dying your hair darker.
- You feel your hair is fragile and damaged.
- You don’t want to lighten your color.
- Your hair is thin and weak.
Choose 20 volume developer if:
- You want to lighten your color by 1 or 2 shades.
- Your hair is thick and healthy.
- You want to cover your stubborn gray hair.
Can I mix them together?
No. You should not. Many people ask if I mix 10 volume developer with 20 volume to make it 15. Technically, yes. But we don’t recommend this because if you mix both together, you don’t know the exact strength anymore. It is better to consult with a stylist before doing this kind of experiment on your precious hair.
FAQs
- Can I use 20 volume developer if I need to darken hair?
No. 20 volume will lift the color to lighten it, not darken it. If you want to darken your hair, choose 10 volume developer instead. It will give you the desired dark color.
- Is a 10 or 20 volume developer better for gray hair?
You should opt for 20 volume for gray hair coverage, as gray hair is stubborn and its cuticles are tighter. 10 volume might be less powerful to open gray hair cuticles. So you should use 20 volume, as it is strong enough for gray hair coverage.
- Will 20 volume damage my hair more than 10 volume?
Yes, absolutely. 10 volume has less peroxide. Peroxide opens the hair cuticle, and sometimes it causes swelling and damage. The 10 volume contains less peroxide compared to the 20 volume developer, thus it is safer than the 20 volume.
- Can I mix 10 volume developer vs 20 volume developer with any hair dye?
First, check the instruction dye box, as some semi-permanent dyes work with low-volume developer or sometimes with a higher one. Still confused, read the dye box, and you should consult with a stylist before applying.
- What will happen if I use 20 volume developer instead of 10?
Your hair become unexpected lighter than you wanted. You can experience hair breakage and uneven color (dry ends ands and hot roots). That’s why I always say, if you are in a confusing state, you must consult with a stylist because before using any products (10 or 20 volume), you should know the difference between them and how to use them.
Conclusion
You must ask this question to yourself before using 10 volume developer or 20 volume developer: Do you want to lift your color by 1 to 2 shades or just deposit it?
- For depositing (same color to dark) = 10 volume developer
- For lifting color by 1 or 2 shades lighter = 20 volume developer
These developers are just tools; you just need to know what their job is and how to use them, and if you’re still not sure, consult your stylist before using or buying it.
So, when you are in the hair aisle next time, remember this guide and grab the right bottle of product.
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