What Happens If I Just Use Developer On My Hair: Is It Best For Lightening Hair

Leah LOVES hair. So much so, she dedicated an entire website to it! One of the founders of Hair Everyday and Chief Editor, Leah enjoys reviewing all the hair products and showcasing the best. She believes her most underrated articles are her hair care tips!

What happens if I just use developer on my hair? Learn the consequences of skipping hair dye and how to lighten hair the right way.

In This Article:

If you’re someone who frequently dyes their hair, you may have wondered what would happen if you just used a developer on your hair. Developer is the oxidizing agent that is mixed with hair dye to activate it and make it work. It’s a common misconception that using developers alone can lighten your hair or give it a subtle tint. However, the reality is quite different.

Using a developer alone on your hair is not recommended as it can cause serious damage. Developer is highly concentrated hydrogen peroxide, and when used on its own, it can strip your hair of its natural oils and moisture, leaving it dry, brittle, and prone to breakage.

Additionally, using a developer without a dye can cause uneven color and patchiness, making your hair look unattractive and unhealthy. It’s important to understand that developer is not a standalone product and should always be used in conjunction with hair dye.

Understanding Hair Developer

Role of Developer in Hair Coloring

Hair developer is a cream or liquid solution that contains hydrogen peroxide. It’s mixed with hair dye to activate the color and help it penetrate the hair shaft. Developer is responsible for lightening the hair’s natural pigment and opening the cuticle layer to allow the dye to enter.

The strength of the developer determines how much lift or lightening power it has. Developers come in different volumes, ranging from 10 to 40. The higher the volume, the more lift the developer provides. However, using a high volume developer can also damage the hair, so it’s essential to choose the right strength for your hair type and color.

Types of Hair Developer

There are three types of hair developer: oxidative, non-oxidative, and semi-permanent. Oxidative developer is the most commonly used type and contains hydrogen peroxide. It’s used with permanent hair dyes to provide lift and color penetration.

Non-oxidative developer, on the other hand, doesn’t contain hydrogen peroxide and is used with semi-permanent hair dyes. It doesn’t provide lift but helps the color penetrate the hair shaft. (Harrison, S, and R Sinclair. “Hair colouring, permanent styling and hair structure.” Journal of cosmetic dermatology vol. 2,3-4 (2003): 180-5. doi:10.1111/j.1473-2130.2004.00064.x)

Semi-permanent developer is a low-volume developer used for toning or enhancing hair color. It doesn’t contain hydrogen peroxide and doesn’t provide lift.

What Happens If I Just Use Developer On My Hair?

Hair Texture Changes

If you just use developer on your hair, you may experience some changes in your hair texture. Developer is a solution that is used to activate hair color or bleach, but it can also affect the texture of your hair. Depending on the strength of the developer, it can cause your hair to become dry, brittle, and prone to breakage.

Using developer on your hair without any color or bleach can also cause your hair to become lighter or darker depending on the strength of the developer used. This is because developer opens up the hair cuticle, allowing the color or bleach to penetrate the hair shaft. If you use developer alone, it can still open up your hair cuticle and change the color of your hair.

Potential for Damage

Using developer on your hair without any color or bleach can also cause damage to your hair. Developer is a strong solution that can cause chemical burns on your scalp if not used properly. It can also cause your hair to become dry, brittle, and prone to breakage.

If you want to use developer on your hair, it is important to follow the instructions carefully and use the appropriate strength for your hair type. Using a lower strength developer can help reduce the potential for damage, but it may not give you the desired results.

In conclusion, using developer on your hair without any color or bleach can cause changes in your hair texture and potential damage. It is important to use developer properly and follow the instructions carefully to avoid any negative effects on your hair and scalp.

Is Using 20 Vol Developer Enough To Lighten Hair

As someone who has experimented with hair dye and lightening products, I understand the temptation to try using developer alone to lighten hair. However, it’s important to understand the science behind hair lightening and the potential risks involved.

First, let’s talk about developer volume. Developer comes in different volumes, typically ranging from 10 to 40. The volume refers to the strength of the developer and how much it can lighten hair. A 20 volume developer is a common choice for lightening hair up to two shades.

Using a 20 volume developer alone may lighten your hair slightly, but it’s unlikely to give you the dramatic results you may be hoping for. It’s also important to note that developer alone can be damaging to your hair, as it opens up the hair cuticle and can cause moisture loss and breakage.

If you’re set on lightening your hair, it’s best to use a hair lightening product specifically designed for that purpose. These products typically contain a combination of developer and lightening agents, and are formulated to minimize damage to the hair.

In summary, using a 20 volume developer alone is not the best choice for lightening hair. It’s important to use a hair lightening product specifically designed for that purpose to achieve the desired results while minimizing damage to your hair.

How To Lighten Hair Using Just Developer: Tips and Process

As a professional hairstylist, I strongly advise against using developer alone to lighten your hair. Developer is designed to work in conjunction with hair bleach or hair color to achieve the desired result. However, if you are determined to lighten your hair using just developer, here are some tips and the process you should follow:

Choose the right developer strength: The strength of the developer you use will depend on the level of lift you want to achieve. A 20 volume developer is suitable for lifting hair one to two shades, while a 30 volume developer can lift hair up to three shades. If you have dark hair, a 40 volume developer may be required to achieve the desired level of lift.
Mix the developer with shampoo: To minimize damage to your hair, mix the developer with shampoo in a 1:1 ratio. This will dilute the developer and make it less harsh on your hair.
Apply the mixture to your hair: Section your hair and apply the mixture evenly, starting from the roots and working your way down to the ends. Leave the mixture on for 20-30 minutes, checking your hair every 5-10 minutes to monitor the lightening process.
Rinse and condition: Once you have achieved the desired level of lift, rinse your hair thoroughly with warm water. Follow up with a deep conditioning treatment to restore moisture to your hair.

Why You Should Trust Us?

The author of this article, Leah Marie Priest has a degree in Cosmetology with years of experience in dealing with hair care, scalp care, and hairstyling. As someone who extensively deals with all kinds of hair textures, products, styling methods and more, hair Leah Marie knows what kind of products and procedures suit each hair type and person. We have also tested these hair products and processes ourselves to provide you an unbiased review about every product. Each of our articles are also reviewed by a team of medical professionals so that you get the most accurate and expert-reviewed information.

Also Read:

How To Mix Developer And Bleach At Home In 5 Easy Steps

Will Hair Dye Work Without Developer

What Ratio Of Bleach To Developer Do I Use

How Many Ounces Of Toner Do I Need For Bleached Hair

Is 10 Volume Developer Damaging To Hair and Scalp