What is 30 volume developer: How to use it – Complete guide
What is 30 volume developer: How to use it – Complete guide
Last year, my friend Rose was very excited before Christmas. She wanted to color her hair from dark brown to light blonde. She grabbed a box of color and a bottle of 30 volume developer from the beauty store. By that time, she had no idea how to use it. She thought to just mix the color and 30 volume developer and apply it to the hair, and she did the same. No strand test, no research.
After 2 hours, her hair became orange, and what was even worse, her hair became frizzy and started breaking. It was a horrible experience for her.
She actually had no idea what is 30 volume developer and how powerful it is. She thought a higher number developer would give her better results, and it would be safe, and nothing would happen.
Here what I have learned from my friend Rose’s experiences: “If you have no knowledge of any product, you must consult with a stylist or a doctor before using it.”
In this guide, we will know about: What is 30 volume developer? And how to use it in detail.
Let’s understand: what is a hair developer?
Hair developer is also known as hydrogen peroxide. It is a liquid that is used to change the hair color. It can’t be used alone. It is used with bleach, hair color, or toner. If you want to go from black to light brown or blonde, then developer needs to be used with either bleach, hair color, or hair dye. The developer can’t change the color of hair, but it opens the hair cuticles and lets the bleach or color molecules penetrate deep inside the cortex and change the natural color of the hair.
Let’s understand all volume developer.
The developer contains hydrogen peroxide, and the number shows strength (how powerful it is).
Understand this way:
- 10 volume = It contains 3% peroxide. Gentle. Use for deposit color. No color lifting
- 20 volume = It contains 6% peroxide. Medium. Lift color by 1-2 shades. Good for gray coverage.
- 30 volume = It contains 9% peroxide. Strong. Lift color by 3-4 shades.
- 40 volume = It contains 12% peroxide. Very strong. Lift color by 4+ shades. Should be used by professionals.
What is a 30 volume developer used for?
30 volume developer contains 9% hydrogen peroxide and is considered a strong developer. Its positioning between 20 and 40 volume developers means it is neither too strong like a 40 volume developer nor too weak like a 10 or 20 volume developer. Its main purpose is to lift the hair color significantly up to 3 levels and can deposit the permanent color too.
If you want to go from black or dark brown to blonde color, then 30 volume developer is the perfect choice.
When should we use 30 volume developer?
- When lifting color up to 3 levels: as mentioned above said, it is good if you want to achieve a light brown or dark blonde shade using bleach or permanent box dye.
- For coverage of stubborn grays: Usually, 20 volume developer covers gray hair, but some people have very resistant gray hair (wiry, coarse). These grays have tightly packed cuticles, which can only be opened by a 30 volume developer. A 30 volume developer is strong enough to force the cuticle to open so the color molecules can go deep inside.
- 30 volume correct the dark roots on lightened hair: have blonde ends, but now root is growing dark hair. To color new growth hair, you can use 30 volume developer to match the lighter color, but don’t apply it to already bleached lengths.
- High-lift Blonde Dyes: For going from dark brown or black to dark blonde, you need a high-lift developer. 30 volume is best for going dark blonde from black, or if you want to go vibrant color like red, copper, or burgundy from dark, then you need a 40 volume developer. Lower volume developers are unable to lift that much.
Strong Advice: 30 volume developer is quite strong and should be used on healthy, virgin (uncolored), or resistant gray hair only, and if you have weak, brittle, or damaged hair. You should first consult with a stylist or a doctor before using it.
How to use 30 volume like professionals do?
Before using 30 volume developer at home, you must have all the information, like strand tests, understanding of hair porosity, timing, and precision. Professionals generally don’t recommend using 30 volume developer at home, as if mishandled or incorrectly used, it can be very risky for your hair. I have shared a step-by-step guide below.
- Always perform a strand test: Professionals always do this. Take a small section of hair from underneath. Now mix a tiny quantity of bleach or color with 30 volumes and apply. Check it after 10-15 minutes. It will help you to understand:
- How much color will lift
- Can your hair handle 30 volume without excessive damage
- Timing – you will know when you have achieved the desired color shade. Although you can keep it on for a maximum of 45 min only.
- After performing a strand test, if you feel that your hair becomes frizzy, dry, or breaks. Avoid using it; use 20 volume instead.
- Apply only to unwashed and dry hair (use it after 2 days of washing): All professionals do this; apply it on 2 days of dirty, unwashed hair (example: if you wash your hair today, wait till 2 days, then apply it) as natural oil (sebum) protects the hair shaft and scalp from chemical irritation or burns.
Common mistakes you should avoid
- Mistake 1: Using 30 volume developer on damaged hair: if your hair is breaking, splitting, or weak. Avoid using 30 volume as it is quite strong, instead use 10 or 20 volume.
- Mistake 2: Thinking high volume = better result: Don’t think like that. 30 volume is quite strong. If you just need to cover your grays, you must use 20 volume only.
- Mistake 3: Leaving it on too long for better results: Never past 45 minutes, as the chemical in it will damage your hair. Set a timer.
- Mistake 4: Rinsing with hot water: Always rinse with cold water. Hot water opens the cuticles again, stripping the color from it.
- Mistake 5: Don’t save leftovers for later use: Once you mix developer with bleach or color. It will last for 1 hour. Don’t save the leftovers for later use. It won’t work and will even damage your hair.
- Mistake 6: If you have any doubt, you must consult with a stylist or a doctor if you are a beginner and have any doubt. Consult with a stylist or a doctor.
FAQs about 30 volume developer
- Can I use 30 volume developer with any hair dye?
No. You can use 30 volume developer with bleach and permanent hair dye. Don’t use it with demi-permanent or semi-permanent dyes, as these are only used with lower volumes of developers like 5 or 10 volume developer.
- Will my hair be damaged if I use 30 volume developer?
Yes and no. If you have thick and healthy hair and you follow all rules, such as the strand test, keeping it no longer than 45 minutes, rinsing with cold water, and then deep conditioning. If you follow all these points carefully, your hair won’t be damaged.
- To what level does a 30 volume developer lift?
It usually depends on conditions, like if you have virgin hair (never dyed), then it can lift up to 3-4 levels. If you have colored hair (already dyed), then it may lift less.
- Can I mix 30 volume developer with 20 volume developer together?
Yes. You can. Mixing equal parts will make it a 25 volume developer. If you feel the 20 volume developer is weak and 30 volume developer is too strong for you. In that case, you can mix them, but make sure to use both equally; for example, 1 spoon of 30 volume developer + 1 spoon of 20 volume developer. Always use a measuring spoon for accuracy. Never guess.
- What is a 30 volume developer used for besides hair?
Technically, hair developers are made for hair use only. Some DIYers use it for cleaning stains. I strongly advise you not to use it elsewhere except on hair, as it contains strong chemicals.
Conclusion:
So, I think you have got the complete knowledge about what a 30 volume developer is and what a 30-volume developer is used for.
I only recommend using 30 volume developer if you have healthy hair. You have not dyed it many times. Your hair is not super dry, and looking for a significantly lighter color, for instance, going from dark brown to dark blonde. In that case, you can use a 30 volume developer; otherwise, you should avoid it.
And if you have thin or damaged hair, want to cover grays, or make a small change. You should use 20 volume developer.
Again, I am saying you must follow all these:
- Always do a strand test.
- If you have any doubt about the product and its use, you must consult with a stylist or doctor first.
- After using the product, rinse it with cold water instead of hot water.
- Don’t use leftover mix for later use.
- Don’t keep it for more than 45 minutes, even if you don’t get the desired result.
If you still have any doubt about using a 30 volume developer. Please write in the comment section.