It is also recommended if you have thin or fine hair, as it will not be too strong. This developer is also ideal if you are going to be using toner on your hair because it will balance out the toner. You may need to use toner if your hair color is brassy. Level 10 is great if you’re just trying to deposit a little color—for instance your hair is dark brown and you want to make it black. Each increment of 10 represents another level of color that can be lifted.

Volume 20 is good for thick hair, as it will be strong enough to open your hair cuticles. Volume 20 is the best for gray hairs because a higher number will lift the color from all the surrounding hairs, exposing and emphasizing the gray instead of covering it.

Many store-bought hair dye and developer packets contain volume 20 or volume 30 developer. This developer might be good if you’re, say, a sandy blonde and are aiming for a sunny golden blonde.

If you believe you require volume 40 to properly dye your hair, go to your local salon and allow a professional to dye your hair for you.

A good rule of thumb is to get at least 2 to 3 boxes of hair color and developer for long hair (past your shoulders) and 1 to 2 boxes of hair color and developer for short hair (above your shoulders).

If you bought boxed dye with the developer included, it is not a good idea to buy separate developer. Use the developer in the box for the best results. You may want to purchase the same brand to of dye and developer to ensure that they will work well together.

However, keep in mind that the hair color will likely look different on you than it does on the model on the box. Your hair color will most likely turn out a shade or two darker or lighter than the image on the box.

To protect your bathroom or kitchen counters, spread newspaper out around the sink.

If you are not sure about the ratio, don’t guess. If you don’t mix the right ratio, your hair color may not come out as desired. Ask a professional hair stylist or visit a salon and allow them to dye your hair for you. [10] X Expert Source Karen LeightProfessional Hair Stylist Expert Interview. 13 November 2020.

If you want to dye all of your hair, then apply the dye to your whole head starting at the ends and working up toward the roots of your hair. If you just want to highlight your hair, you will need to section your hair and apply the dye to specific sections only. You can use foil strips to wrap each section and prevent the dye from getting on the surrounding strands.