20 and 30 Volume Developer to Lighten Hair: The Ultimate How-to Guide (2024)

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Ready to transform your locks? Your hair’s about to get the royal treatment!

For a gentle lift of 1-2 levels, grab 20 volume developer – it’s perfect for subtle changes and covering those sneaky grays.

When you’re dreaming bigger (we’re talking 3 shades lighter), 30 volume developer is your go-to partner in crime.

But here’s the deal: check your hair’s porosity first – it’s like knowing your hair’s personality type.

Just remember, rushing the process is like trying to microwave a gourmet meal – patience pays off.

Those orange tones you’re worried about? There’s a secret weapon for that.

Understanding Hair Porosity

Regarding lightening your hair, understanding porosity is key to getting the best results.

It’s all about knowing how your hair absorbs and holds moisture, which can make or break your coloring process.

What is Hair Porosity?

Regarding hair lightening, knowing your hair porosity can be a game-changer.

Hair porosity, or how well your strands soak up and lock in moisture, shapes how your hair reacts to products like developer or even a 30 volume developer.

Porosity levels—low, normal, or high—are influenced by genetics, past damage, or heat styling.

Low porosity hair resists moisture, making lightening trickier, while high porosity hair absorbs quickly but risks more damage.

Understanding this helps predict product impact and avoid unnecessary hair damage during the lightening process. Hair porosity is a key factor in determining the success of hair lightening treatments. Knowing your porosity level helps you choose the right products and techniques.

Hair Porosity Test

Understanding your hair’s porosity makes all the difference in preparing for hair lightening.

You can quickly test it at home with a glass of room temperature water and clean, product-free strands. Drop them in the water, then watch what happens:

Porosity Levels	Behavior	What It Means
High	Strands sink instantly	Open cuticles, absorbs but loses moisture quickly
Normal	Strands sink slowly	Balanced moisture absorption and retention
Low	Strands float	Tight cuticles, resistant to product absorption

This simple at-home test beats guessing and guarantees your hair lightening journey starts strong.

Choosing The Right Developer

Picking the right developer is key to getting the results you want without frying your hair.

Whether you need a gentle lift or a stronger boost, understanding the differences between 20 and 30 volume developer will help you decide.

Differences Between 20 and 30 Volume Developer

So, you’ve figured out your hair’s porosity—great! Now, let’s talk developer strength. The difference between 20 volume developer and 30 volume developer boils down to lift levels. Think of it like this: you can find various products related to hair developer 20 vs 30 at hair developer products.

1. 20 volume developer is a gentle giant, perfect for subtle changes or covering grays. It offers 1-2 lift levels.
2. 30 volume developer packs more punch, ideal for significant lightening. It offers 3 lift levels.
3. Both have a damage risk, though 30 volume is higher.
4. Processing time varies; 20 volume takes longer.

The best hair type for a 20 volume developer is generally finer, more delicate hair. For bolder changes, a 30 volume developer may be needed, but always proceed with caution. Remember, lighter is brighter, but also more fragile!

What to Use Instead of Drugstore Box Dye

If you’re ready to ditch drugstore box dye, you’re making a smart move for healthier hair.

Professional dyes and salon bleach are your best bet for reliable, effective hair lightening. Brands like Olaplex or Wella are designed to protect your strands while delivering standout results.

For natural alternatives, henna options and gentler natural dyes offer safe choices.

If you’re feeling adventurous, try DIY bleach, but always stick with a trusted 20 volume or 30 volume developer for the best at-home hair lightening experience.

How to Bleach Your Hair

Bleaching your hair might sound intimidating, but with the right steps, it’s totally doable.

By prepping your hair, sectioning it properly, and applying bleach evenly, you’ll be on your way to achieving that brighter, lighter look.

Preparing Your Hair for Bleaching

Before you bleach hair, prep like a pro to keep it healthy and minimize damage. Pre-bleach hair health starts with these steps:

1. Wash your hair with a clarifying shampoo a day or two before to remove buildup, but skip conditioner.
2. Use protective products like deep conditioners for a week prior to strengthen strands.
3. Always do a strand test for safe hair lightening and to predict how your hair reacts.
4. Dry your hair completely before applying bleach—wet hair won’t lighten evenly!

Sectioning Your Hair for Even Application

Perfect bleaching starts with sectioning techniques.

Split your hair into four parts using parting strategies—two vertical sections, then two horizontal ones above your ears. Secure each section with hair clips for control.

Start at the back for even application tips, working forward with ease. Think of it like painting; precision matters!

Step	Tool Needed	Result
Vertical Parting	Parting Comb	Equal split down middle
Horizontal Split	Clips	Four manageable sections
Back-to-Front	Tint Brush	Smooth, even lightening

Applying The Bleach

Applying bleach requires precision. Start with small sections to guarantee even distribution. Use a tint brush for controlled application, avoiding scalp contact to prevent irritation. Apply bleach about an inch from the roots; roots process faster from natural heat. Consider using a lower developer strength, such as 20 volume, as recommended for at-home use in the developer strength guide.

• Strand testing helps gauge timing.
• Focus on root touch-ups last.
• Follow this hair bleach guide for the best results.

Timing and Monitoring The Lightening Process

Getting the timing right while bleaching your hair is key to avoiding damage.

and achieving your perfect shade.

Keep a close eye on the lightening process, checking the color regularly.

so you don’t end up with unexpected results.

How Long to Leave The Bleach On

Your bleach timing depends on your hair’s starting color and your desired shade. A 20 volume developer usually needs 30-45 minutes; a 30 volume developer, checked every 10-15 minutes.

For a more precise 20 volume bleach time, consider checking out products specifically formulated for this process, such as those found at 20 volume bleach products.

Over-processing increases damage risk, so patience is key!

Developer	Time	Notes
20 Volume	30-45 minutes	Gentle lift, ideal for subtle changes.
30 Volume	10-15 min checks	Stronger lift, monitor closely for desired color lift.
Root Touch-Up	Varies	Apply last; it lightens faster near the scalp.

Remember, lightening hair at home requires caution. Always err on the side of caution to avoid unwanted results.

Monitoring The Color Change

Keep an eye on the bleach with a color chart to track progress, utilizing a scale to maintain precise measurement of hair dye.

Visual cues like orange or pale yellow shades guide safe stopping points.

Follow the timing guide closely, checking every 10–15 minutes to avoid unexpected shifts.

Lightening hair at home can be tricky, but these hair lightening tips make the process manageable with 30 volume developer.

Achieving The Desired Result

You’re in the final stretch of your hair lightening journey, and it’s time to make sure you get exactly the shade you want.

Your hair will go through different stages as it lightens, from red to orange to yellow.

So you’ll want to monitor the process closely to achieve your dream color. This is the final stretch of your lightening journey.

Understanding The Lightening Process

Now that you’re monitoring the process, let’s break down the hair lightening process – it’s like climbing a color ladder.

When you lighten hair at home, your strands move through specific stages: dark to red, then orange, and finally yellow.

The speed depends on your starting shade and whether you’re using 20 volume developer or 30 volume developer.

Think of it as your hair’s personal journey to lighter territory.

Dealing With Orange Tones

Got stubborn orange tones after lightening? Don’t panic – it’s a common part of the hair lightening process. Those warm copper hues pop up when melanin isn’t fully lifted, but there are proven toning techniques to tackle them.

Start with a purple shampoo for mild cases – it’s perfect for maintaining and enhancing cooler tones between salon visits.

For more noticeable orange tones, grab a blue or purple toner to neutralize that warmth.

If you’re dealing with seriously stubborn color, a bleach bath might be your best bet – it’s gentler than full-on bleaching but still effective for color correction. Just remember: whether you’re using 20 or 30 volume developer, always strand test first.

Method	Description
Toner	Neutralizes orange tones for more balanced results
Purple Shampoo	Maintains and enhances cool tones in lightened hair
Color Remover/Bleach Bath	Removes stubborn orange pigments for further lightening

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)