Difference between 6% and 9% Developer for Hair Color Cream
Question
What is the difference in usage and effect between 6% and 9% developers (Hydrogen Peroxide) when used with hair color cream, specifically regarding lifting power, grey coverage, and potential irritation?
Answer
Developer, or Hydrogen Peroxide, is a key component in hair dye creams. It works by opening the hair cuticle and helping the color pigments penetrate the hair, as well as assisting in lifting the natural hair color.
The difference between 6% and 9% developers lies in their concentration level and lifting power:
6% Developer (20 Volume): This is a standard concentration used for:
- Depositing color at the same level or darker.
- Covering grey hair.
- Lifting natural hair color by approximately 1-2 levels.
- It is gentler on the hair and scalp.
9% Developer (30 Volume): This has a higher concentration and is used for:
- Lifting natural hair color by approximately 2-3 levels or more (depending on hair condition and the specific color used).
- Used with High-Lift Colors that require significant lifting.
- May cause more dryness and scalp irritation than 6% developer.
The choice of developer concentration depends on your natural hair color, the desired hair color, and the condition of your hair. If you want to lift your hair color significantly, you will generally need a higher concentration developer, but this also increases the potential for hair damage.