How Much 20 Volume Developer to Mix with Hair Color
How Much 20 Volume Developer to Mix with Hair Color
Mixing hair color with developer is not easy. I remember the first time I did it; I was so scared. My hands were shaking. Although I had both 20 volume developer and hair color, I don’t know what the right quantity of developer to mix with the color is.
In this guide, we are going to talk about it. Don’t worry; I will solve all your queries today
The good news is it is quite easy to figure out how much 20 volume developer to mix with hair color. You just need to remember a simple rule.
The rule is: Always use a 1:1 ratio.
1:1 Ratio means you just need to use an equal quantity of 20 volume developer and hair color
For example:
- 1 ounce of 20 volume developer -> 1 ounce of hair color
- 2 ounces of 20 volume developer -> 2 ounces of hair color
It is just like making lemonado. Mix one cup of lemon juice with one cup of water. Adding too much water makes it weak, or adding too little water makes it sour. The same thing happens with developers and hair color. You need to use equal quantities of both. The right balance will give you the desired result.
Why do most women choose a 20 volume developer?
You might be wondering why most salons use 20 volume. I’ll tell you why it works like an all-rounder.
- 20 volume lifts the color by 1-2 shades
- It covers stubborn gray hair
- It is neither too mild nor too strong and is suitable for all hair types.
When you understand how much quantity you need to mix with hair color, you unlock the power to go darker or cover gray hair.
Step-by-step: How to mix 20 volume with hair color like a pro
Let’s go through the exact steps. First, gather all the supplies that you need.
- 20 volume developer
- Permanent hair color
- Plastic mixing bowl
- Gloves (don’t skip it)
- A tint brush
- Old towel or shirt
Let’s understand the mixing process—step by step
Step 1: Squeeze the color into the bowl.
Let’s suppose you are using the whole tube. Most tubes usually contain 2 to 3 ounces.
Step 2: Adding the developer (same quantity)
Now, add the same quantity of 20 volume developer to the mixing bowl. If you use 2 ounces of hair color, then you must add 2 ounces of developer as well.
Step 3: Mix well
Use a brush to stir the mixture of color and developer until it looks smooth and creamy. No streaks. No lumps.
Step 4: Now, apply the mixture
This step is very important. After mixing, use the mixture within 20 minutes, as after that, it loses power.
That’s all. Follow these easy 4 steps, and you are done.
Now you know the quantity of 20 volume developer you should mix with the hair color.
Common mistakes people make (you should avoid them)
Even smart people make these mistakes once.
Mistake 1: Guessing the amount without proper knowledge
“Eh, I think this is the right quantity. “Don’t make this mistake. If you don’t have complete knowledge, talk to your stylist. Don’t play with your precious hair. When I made this mistake the first time, one side of my hair color turned lighter than the other.
Fix this: Use a measuring cup instead of guessing. Your eyes might trick you, but not Mark.
Mistake 2: Using leftover mix
Many women do this, using the leftover mix later. Don’t make this mistake; leftover mix can turn your hair dark and weird.
Fix this: Once mixed, apply it, and very importantly, throw away leftovers. Don’t cry over it. It won’t work later; it can even ruin your hair if used later.
Mistake 3: Changing the ratio for more product
Some people add an extra developer to the mixture to increase its quantity. Don’t make this mistake, as adding more developer will dilute the color. As a result, you will get faded or lifeless color.
Fix this: Always use a 1:1 ratio; if you still need more, make another mixture with the same ratio.
Practical tips for best results
Use these important tips for huge differences.
- Use the mixture on dirty or unwashed hair: color works best on dry and yesterday-washed hair.
- Do a strand test: Clip a tiny piece of hair from underneath and use the mixture on it. Wait for 30 minutes. Check if you are getting the desired result.
- After mixing the color with developer, use it quickly: once you mix hair color with developer with 20 volume developer, use it immediately on hair. Keeping it for hours, the mixture loses its power and won’t give you the desired result.
- Check the temperature: If your developer is cold and the room temperature is warm, let the developer sit out for 20 minutes.
Using different developers on different stages
It totally depends on what you want, meaning if you need to just tone your dark hair, then 10 volume developer is the best option instead of 20 volume.
Let’s understand in the chart below.
| Your Goal | Best Developer |
| Same color or just darker | 10 volume |
| Need to lift hair color by 1-2 shades or covering gray hairs. | 20 volume |
| Need to lift hair color by 2-3 shades | 30 volume |
| Need to lift hair color by 3-4 (Going blonde from dark brown or black hair) | 40 volume |
With the help of the above chart, you can easily understand, under what conditions, what number of developer is best for you.
FAQs about 20 volume developer and hair color
- Can I use more developer than color to make it last longer?
No, always follow a 1:1 ratio (use the same quantity of developer with the same quantity of hair color). Using more developer will dilute the hair color, and you will get an unexpected hair color.
- How much 20 volume developer should be mixed with hair color for gray hair?
Even for gray hair coverage, follow a 1:1 ratio. Many people use a little more developer with hair color. My advice is to use a 1:1 ratio first; if grays do not cover, try a 1:1.25 ratio next time (1 ounce of hair color with 1.25 20 volume developer).
- What will happen if I add too much 20 volume developer?
If you use too much developer with hair color, your hair will get damaged and be prone to break also you will get thin and uneven color.
- Can I mix half a tube of color with half the developer?
Yes. Always follows the same ratio of hair developer with hair color (1 ounce of developer with 1 ounce of hair color). This is perfect for short hair and root touch-ups.
- How long does mixed color with 20 volume developer last in the bowl?
Once you stop mixing in the bowl. After 30 minutes, it starts losing its lifting power. So, once you stop mixing, apply it immediately. Never save leftovers for later use.
Conclusion
The major part is mixing, and you understand it quite well. Always use an equal quantity of both every time (developer and hair color), a 1:1 ratio.
Mix the color and developer until it gets smooth. Apply it right away without any delay. If any remains, discard it.
I hope you have learned how to mix 20 volume developer with hair color. So, if you find this guide helpful, please leave a comment below.