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Hair color developer and hair bleach are essential staples for contemporary hair coloring, helping to lighten, lift, and deposit hues on strands. Their roles are often interconnected depending on desired results, which can lead to confusion in the terminologies. Coloring hair might look fun and easy, but it comes with a lot of technicality if you try it at home. In this blog, we will discuss the difference between developer and bleach, their compositions, and uses.
What is hair color developer
As the name suggests, hair color developer is integral to the coloring process. It is also known as an oxidizer or activator, as it opens the cuticles, helps with intense color absorption, and deposits hues in the cortex. When mixed with dye or bleach, it develops a creamy mixture that can easily be applied to hair. A developer ensures that the tints penetrate into strands evenly, leaving hair soft and silky and color long-lasting.
Read More - Guide To Hair Color Developers
Composition
Without a color developer, hues may fade very soon. A developer maximizes the cuticle penetration and boosts the effectiveness of dye molecules. It removes the existing pigments and aids new tints to seep into the roots. The composition of a hair color developer may vary for different brands. However, a few ingredients are common.
- Hydrogen Peroxide is an oxidizing agent that lifts melanin from hair. Its concentration in a developer helps achieve varied results. Simply put, higher volume means more lightening effect, and vice versa.
- Castor Oil is a potent emollient that hydrates the strands and enables uniform color distribution. It nourishes dry and irritated scalp while moisturizing the strands from root to tip. All in all, it gives a shiny finish after hair coloring.
- Etidronic Acid is a chelating agent that supports color deposition and enhances longevity. Since color treatments can make strands greasy due to product buildup on the scalp, this ingredient clears off residue within one rinse.
Read More - How To Choose The Hair Color Developer
Types
Hair developers come in different volumes depending on their hydrogen peroxide percentage. A stronger developer exhibits more oxidizing properties and miraculously lifts hair color. Gear up to learn more about types of developers and their uses.
5 volume developer (1.5%)
It is a no-lift hair color developer used with glazes and toners. The 5-volume developer deposits color molecules on the strands without cuticle penetration. Also known as a deposit-only developer, it is a lesser-used product. Pair it with semi- and demi-permanent hair colors to get glossy shades for shorter intervals.
10 volume developer (3%)
This developer helps darken hair by one or two shades. For instance, if you want to go from medium blonde to dark blonde, use an adequate amount of 10-volume developer with permanent dye. Salon specialists may also use it for toning and color correction.
20 volume developer (6%)
The 20-volume developer is the standard hair color developer used in salons and at home. Use it with permanent hair color or bleach for 100% gray coverage or root touch-up. It contains 6% hydrogen peroxide which opens the cuticle just enough to deposit the new tinge effectively.
30 volume developer (9%)
Also called a high-lift developer, it changes the existing hair color by up to four levels. The 30-volume developer is teamed with permanent dyes for color-resistant, thick hair types. It provides maximum lift with bleach. Note that it should be processed in an open-air setting when mixed with bleach.
Benefits
- Activates color: A color developer activates the dye molecules by causing an oxidation reaction. It enhances the efficacy of hair color and opens the cuticle for depositing new hues.
- Removes melanin: The stronger volumes of developers expertly remove existing color molecules from the mane. They do so by penetrating the shaft and widening the cuticle. This helps lift the natural hair color and shove new tints into the roots.
- Offers long-lasting effects: The creamy, rich consistency of a hair color developer ensures a quick and effortless coloring experience. It also ensures maximum deposit of color particles and a lasting finish.
What is hair bleach
A hair bleach or lightener is a chemical used to lift the existing hair color. It is a specialized formulation that lightens the shade enough to deposit a new tinge. It causes the melanin to dissolve and break off, leaving a blank canvas. Darker tones dissolve quickly, whereas lighter tones like blonde and silver may require a few attempts.
Composition
As per California-based hairstylist Sasha Faye, “Bleach contains chemicals that break down the protein bonds in hair, which lifts pigment and lightens the hair.” It is an advanced formula that contains oxidizing and alkaline agents to alter the natural hair color. Some common ingredients of a hair lightener are persulfate salts and magnesium carbonate hydroxide. They work together to open the cuticle and create a suitable environment for lightening action.
Application
- Mix a generous amount of hair lightener with hair color developer in a non-metallic bowl.
- Apply the obtained cream one inch away from the scalp and work through the length of your hair. Do not start bleaching from the scalp, as body heat may speed up the process.
- Once the rest of the strands are coated, go back and apply the cream to the roots as required.
- Let it process for an adequate amount of time, depending on the hair type and the level of lift. Rinse thoroughly with shampoo and lukewarm water.
Being a professional product, it is best to seek expert advice before using it or book a salon appointment.
FAQs
Q1. What is the processing time for a hair bleach?
| Hair Texture | Processing Time |
|---|---|
| Fine | 10 to 15 minutes |
| Curly | 20 minutes |
| Coarse | 30 minutes |
Note: The processing time of hair bleach depends on the desired result and hair type. It is advised to perform a strand test before using bleach or developer.
Q2. What is hair bleach used for?
Bleach is used to lighten the natural hair color. It is mixed with an appropriate volume of developer to achieve the desired lift.
Q3. What is the hair color developer used for?
A developer is used with hair colors and bleaching agents to change the mane’s color.
Q4. How often can you bleach your hair?
It is recommended to wait at least 3-5 months before bleaching hair again.
Q5. Are Moehair Hair Color Developer and Bleach cruelty-free?
Yes, all our products are 100% cruelty-free. Moehair does not test its products on animals.
References:
https://www.salonhaze.com/blogs/what-happens-if-you-use-more-hair-color-than-developerhttps://www.realsimple.com/how-to-bleach-hair-7375398
How we reviewed this article:
Our experts continually monitor the fashion and beauty space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available.
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Current Version
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Jul 23, 2024
Written By -
Upasana Kakati is a lifestyle writer with 7+ years of experience in writing in the beauty and haircare industry.
Edited By -
Saima Ahmed with 8+ yrs of experience, specializes in crafting engaging content focused on Hair care, lifestyle, and beauty.
