How to Dilute a 40, 30, 20, 10 Volume Developer?

Diluting hair developer refers to the process of mixing it with water to reduce its strength. This technique is crucial for achieving desired hair color results while minimizing damage, as it allows for more controlled and gentler lightening or coloring effects.

To dilute hair developer, always use distilled or filtered water, as tap water contain minerals like calcium and magnesium that interfere with the chemical reaction of the developer. Never use shampoo or conditioner, as they usually alter the pH balance and compromise effectiveness.

Below are some examples of ideal hair developer-to-water ratios for safe diluting:

• to dilute 30 volume developer to 20 volume, mix two parts developer with one part water. For example, to get 3 oz of 20 volume developer, mix 2 oz of 30 volume developer with 1 oz of distilled water. 
• to dilute 40 volume developer to 20 volume, mix equal parts developer and water (1:1 ratio). 
• to dilute 20 volume developer to 10 volume, use a 1:1 ratio of developer to water.
• to make 15 volume developer, mix one portion 30 volume developer with one portion distilled water (1:1 ratio)

Mix the developer and water thoroughly until you achieve a uniform consistency. To safely dilute your hair, you should always wear gloves to protect your skin and work in a well-ventilated area to avoid inhaling fumes. Before you apply the diluted hair developer, conduct a strand test to assess the results and prevent unexpected damage.

Why Should You Dilute a Developer?

There are several reasons why you want to buy a higher volume developer and dilute it, here are the five most important ones:

• More flexibility: Buying a higher-level developer, such as a 40-volume developer, allows you to dilute it to lower levels as needed. This means that a single purchase can serve multiple purposes, providing the effects of a 40, 30, 20, or 10 volume developer as required.
• Lack of availability: You might not find the required developer volume in a store, so your only option is to buy a stronger one and dilute it.
• Hair Health Consideration: Hair developers can easily damage your hair, so if your hair is already dry or breaking, diluting the developer to a lower level gives your hair a higher protection.
• Desired Color Change: When your goal is a mild color shift, a potent developer might be overly aggressive. Weakening it gives you the subtle effect without overly lightening or damaging the hair.
• Saves you money: Buying a higher-volume developer and diluting it as needed can be more cost-effective than buying multiple developers of different volumes
• Controlled Lightening: Diluting the developer allows for more controlled lightening. It slows down the lightening process, giving you more time to monitor the color change and prevent over-processing.
• Reduced Sensitivity: Diluted developers are often less harsh on the scalp, reducing the likelihood of irritation or sensitivity reactions during the coloring process.
• Customization: Different hair types and colors may require different developer strengths. Diluting the developer allows for customization, ensuring that the lightening process is tailored to the specific needs of the hair.

Developers are measured either as a percentage (3%, 6%, 9%, or 12% hydrogen peroxide) or in volume units (10, 20, 30, or 40 Vol.). A higher number signifies a stronger developer, enabling it to lighten hair more effectively. Thus, a 40-volume developer can be diluted to achieve the effects of 30, 20, or 10-volume developers.

How to dilute different developer volumes?

To dilute specific developer volumes, mix the hair developer with water in the below proportions:

How to Dilute a 40 Volume Developer to 30 Volume?

To get a 30 from a 40 volume developer , combine 3 parts of 40 volume developer with 1 part of water – in a 3:1 ratio 

Diluting a 40 volume developer to 30 volume involves a straightforward process. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Materials Needed:
   • 40 volume developer
   • Distilled or filtered water
   • Measuring cup
   • Mixing bowl
   • Gloves
2. Mixing Ratio:
   • Mix three parts of 40 volume developer with one part of distilled water.
3. Measure the Developer:
   • To make 4 oz of 30 volume developer:
     • Mix 3 oz of 40 volume developer with 1 oz of distilled water.
4. Instructions:
   • Pour the measured 40 volume developer into the mixing bowl.
   • Add the measured distilled water.
   • Stir thoroughly until the mixture is uniform.
5. Precautions:
   • Always wear gloves to protect your skin.
   • Work in a well-ventilated area to avoid inhaling fumes.
   • Conduct a strand test before full application to ensure desired results and avoid unexpected damage.
   • Store any leftover diluted developer in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight.

By following these steps, you can effectively dilute a 40 volume developer to 30 volume, allowing for a gentler lightening process while still achieving the desired hair color results.

How to Dilute a 40 Volume Developer to 20 Volume?

Combine 1 part of 40 volume developer with 1 part of water to get a 20 volume one. The ratio followed is 1:1.

We are basically diluting half part 40 volume developer with half part water to get a 20 volume developer.

Gather Your Supplies:

• 40 volume developer
• Distilled water
• Mixing bowl
• Measuring cup

Calculate the Dilution Ratio:

• Determine the desired ratio of 40 volume developer to distilled water. For example, a 1:1 ratio will result in a 20 volume solution, while a 1:2 ratio will result in a 10 volume solution.

Measure the Developer:

• Pour the desired amount of 40 volume developer into the mixing bowl. Use the measuring cup for precision.

Add Distilled Water:

• Gradually add an equal amount of distilled water to the mixing bowl. For example, if you poured 2 ounces of developer, add 2 ounces of distilled water.

Mix Thoroughly:

• Use a stirring tool to mix the developer and distilled water thoroughly. Ensure that the mixture is uniform and free of any clumps or streaks.

Perform a Patch Test:

• Before applying the diluted developer to the entire head, perform a patch test on a small section of hair. This will help you assess the lightening effect and ensure that it meets your expectations.

Adjust as Needed:

• If the patch test results are satisfactory, proceed with applying the diluted developer to the entire head. If not, adjust the dilution ratio accordingly and repeat the process until the desired results are achieved.

Monitor Processing Time:

• Keep a close eye on the hair’s lightening progress during the processing time. Since the developer is diluted, it may take longer to reach the desired level of lightness compared to undiluted developer.

Rinse and Condition:

• Once the desired lightening level is achieved, rinse the hair thoroughly with lukewarm water and apply a deep conditioning treatment to restore moisture and nourishment.

Repeat as Necessary:

• Depending on the initial hair color and desired lightening level, multiple applications of diluted developer may be necessary. Repeat the process as needed, always prioritizing the health and integrity of the hair.

How to Dilute a 40 Volume Developer to 10 Volume?

To get a 10 volume developer from a 40 volume one, we need to significantly dilute the 40 volume developer, in a ratio of 1:3 – that is mixing one part of water with 3 parts of 40 volume developer.

How to Dilute a 30 Volume Developer to 20 Volume?

The ratio for getting a 20 volume developer from a 30 volume one is 2:1. This means mix 2 parts of 30 volume developer with 1 part water.

How to Dilute a 30 Volume Developer to 10 Volume?

To dilute a 30 volume developer to a 10 volume developer, mix 1 part of 30 volume developer with 2 parts water. The correct ratio is 1:2.

Using the 30 volume developer is only recommended if you have a dark hair tone. In case, you have previously bleached or your hair is relatively brittle, it is best to use a low-volume developer. 

How to Dilute a 20 Volume Developer to 10 Volume?

To dilute a 20 volume developer to 10, combine 1 part of 20 volume developers with one part water. The ratio is 1:1.

This means mixing equal parts of a 20 volume developer with equal parts of water will give you a 10 volume one.

How to Dilute a 10 Volume Developer to 5 Volume?

To dilute a 10 volume developer to a 5 volume one, use a 1:1 ratio of developer to diluent.

How to make a 15 volume developer?

To make a 100ml of 15 volume developer with diluting only, you have three options:

• Using 40 Volume Developer:
  • Mix 37.5 ml of 40 volume developer with 62.5 ml of distilled water.
• Using 30 Volume Developer:
  • Mix 50 ml of 30 volume developer with 50 ml of distilled water (1:1 ratio).
• Using 20 Volume Developer:
  • Mix 75 ml of 20 volume developer with 25 ml of distilled water (3:1 ratio).
• Instructions:
  • Mix Thoroughly:
    • After adding the distilled water, stir the solution thoroughly to ensure even distribution.
  • Ensure Accuracy:
    • Maintain accuracy in measurements to achieve the desired volume accurately.
  • Perform a Patch Test:
    • Before applying the 15 volume developer to your hair, perform a patch test to check for any adverse reactions and to gauge the lightening effect.
  • Adjust if Necessary:
    • Adjust the dilution ratio if needed based on the results of the patch test.

How to make a 25 volume developer?

Gather Materials:

• 40 volume developer
• Distilled water
• Measuring cup
• Mixing bowl

Measure Developer:

• Measure the required amount of 40 volume developer into the mixing bowl.

Calculate Dilution Ratio:

• For a 25 volume solution, mix 1 part 40 volume developer with 1 part water.

Mix Ingredients:

• Gradually add distilled water to the developer.
• Stir thoroughly to ensure a uniform blend.

Conduct Patch Test:

• Perform a patch test to evaluate the lightening effect and compatibility with hair.
• Adjust the dilution ratio if necessary based on the test results.

Customize:

• With careful measurement and testing, create a customized 25 volume developer tailored to your hair coloring needs.

To make a 100ml of 25 volume developer with diluting only, you have two options:

• mix 62.5 ml of 40-volume developer with 37.5 ml of water
• mix 83 ml of 30-volume developer with 17 ml of water

What Should You Watch Out for When Diluting a Developer?

When diluting a developer for hair dye, there are several factors to consider to avoid mistakes and potential damage to your hair and scalp. Here are some key points to watch out for:

• Use Non-Metallic Tools: Utilize non-metallic containers and utensils, like plastic or glass, to avoid unwanted chemical reactions that can impact the color result.
• Protect Your Skin and Eyes: The California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology recommends using gloves, safety glasses, and aprons when working with chemicals like developers. They also suggest using good ventilation to reduce exposure to harmful fumes.
• Blend Thoroughly: Ensure a uniform mix of the developer and dye or conditioner to avoid uneven color application and to safeguard against potential hair damage.

What are the risks of not diluting developer properly?

Improper dilution of hair developer during the dyeing process can pose several risks, such as achieving a lighter, short-lived color, and experiencing uneven, patchy results. Putting too much developer in hair dye can damage hair cuticles and lead to a dull, dry, and brittle texture, while an overly strong developer can excessively lift the cuticle.

Hair Damage: Undiluted developer, especially high-volume ones like 40 volume, can cause excessive damage to the hair. It can lead to over-processing, resulting in dryness, breakage, and even hair loss. Without proper dilution, the developer may strip the hair of its natural oils and weaken its structure, leaving it brittle and prone to damage.

Scalp Irritation: Concentrated developer can be harsh on the scalp, causing irritation, redness, and discomfort. The strong chemicals in undiluted developer may cause chemical burns or allergic reactions if they come into direct contact with the scalp. Proper dilution helps to reduce the risk of scalp irritation and ensures a more comfortable coloring experience.

Uneven Results: Using undiluted developer can result in uneven color results and patchiness. The high potency of the developer can cause certain sections of the hair to lighten more quickly than others, leading to an uneven or splotchy appearance. Diluting the developer allows for more controlled and even lightening, resulting in consistent color results throughout the hair.

Unpredictable Color Outcome: Without proper dilution, the color outcome may be unpredictable and may not match the desired shade. The potency of the developer can alter the intended color, leading to unexpected or off-tone results. Diluting the developer ensures that the color outcome is more predictable and aligns with the desired shade.

Overall, failing to dilute developer properly can result in various risks, including hair damage, scalp irritation, uneven color results, and unpredictable outcomes. It’s essential to follow the recommended dilution ratios and procedures to minimize these risks and achieve the desired hair color safely and effectively.

Is it Possible to Dilute Developer with Conditioner?

Yes, it is possible to dilute developer with conditioner, although it’s not the most common method. While conditioner can help mitigate some of the harsh effects of the developer, it may not provide the precise dilution needed for consistent results. Additionally, the conditioner may contain ingredients that could potentially interfere with the chemical process or alter the final color outcome. For best results, it’s recommended to dilute developer with distilled water, as it ensures a more accurate and controlled dilution without introducing any additional variables that could affect the color result.

FAQ

Can I dilute an oil-based developer?

Yes, you can dilute an oil-based developer, but the materials used and the process differ from diluting a water-based developer.

Can I mix different brands of developer when diluting?

Yes, technically you can mix together different brands of developer when diluting, but I don’t recommend it unless you’re well-versed in using hair dyes. Different developers can have varying ingredients and strengths, which might lead to unexpected and undesirable results, like an inconsistent mixture or patchy color. Always prioritize using the same brand to ensure consistent and reliable results in your hair coloring process.

Can I dilute semi-permanent hair dye?

Yes, you can dilute semi-permanent hair dye, too. It will give you a lighter, more subtle color, which is great if you’re going for a soft pastel look. Plus, it can make your dye last longer, so it’s a bit friendlier on the wallet. But keep in mind, not all dyes are meant to be diluted. Some, especially those two-part dyes where you mix color and developer, or box dyes, are meant to be used just as they are.

Can I dilute the developer with any type of water?

No, you should not dilute developer with just any type of water. Use distilled water to avoid impurities that could affect the chemical process and results. Tap water or mineral water contains minerals and contaminants that can interfere with the developer’s performance. Using distilled water ensures consistency and prevents unwanted reactions, as recommended by manufacturers and professionals in the field.

Will diluting developer affect color results?

Yes, diluting developer can affect color results. The developer’s concentration is crucial for proper color development and dilution can alter the chemical balance, leading to uneven or unpredictable color outcomes. It’s important to follow the instructions for the correct mixing ratio to ensure consistent and desired color results.

Is it safe to dilute developer at home?

Yes, it is generally safe to dilute hair developer at home, but caution is required. Hair developers are formulated to be mixed with other hair products, and diluting them can change their effectiveness. Always follow the proper instructions and use the appropriate ratios. Misuse can result in ineffective hair treatment or potential damage. It is recommended to perform a patch test and consult professional guidelines to ensure safety.

Can I use hair dye without a developer?

No, I don’t recommend you to use hair dye without a developer, unless you are using with semi-permanent hair dye products.