Discover How Much Developer To Bleach Your Hair at Home

If you are planning to bleach your hair at home, it is crucial to know exactly how much developer to bleach, especially if you have long or dark hair. Then, the choice between a 20 developer, 30 developer, or 40 developer matters a lot.

Usually, it is recommended to visit a professional hairstylist for a bleach job, but current circumstances make that difficult for many people. As a result, we have seen numerous stories of hair bleaching gone wrong when done at home. Most of these mishaps are attributed to using the incorrect bleach-to-developer ratio.

In this article, Jen Hair will discuss the proper ratio of bleach to developer that you should use when mixing them. Keep reading to discover!

How much developer to bleach?

Here’s the correct ratio of bleach to developer you should use, depending on the type of developer:

– 30 developer to bleach ratio: 2 parts developer for every 1 part bleach

– 20 developer to bleach ratio: 2 parts developer for every 1 part bleach

– 40 developer to bleach ratio: 2 parts developer for every 1 part bleach

It may be surprising, but the amount of developer you use does not determine its strength. Most hair stylists recommend this 2:1 ratio as it gives the right consistency of the bleach mixture.

This ratio creates a slightly runny bleach texture that is easily applied to your hair. It is suitable for long hair because it spreads throughout the strands but is not too thin to drip on your face.

The numbers assigned to 20, 30, and 40 developers indicate how much they lift your existing hair color, not the amount of developer to add.

If you are using a bleach powder and developer packet, here’s a quick guide:

– For every 50g of bleach powder, use 100g of developer.

– For every 100g of bleach, use 200g of developer.

The same ratio applies if you are using ounces instead of grams:

– For every 1oz of bleach, use 2oz of developer.

– For every 2oz of bleach, use 4oz of developer.

Using too much developer will make the mixture runny and can cause burning and inflammation if it gets on your face or skin. Meanwhile, using too little developer will result in a thick mixture that will not adhere well to your hair, leading to uneven bleaching.

Please note that the 2:1 ratio changes if you bleach your hair for a balayage. For balayage or covering small areas, a thicker paste is needed, like a 1:1 ratio.

How to Mix Bleach Powder and Developer

Now that you understand how much developer to bleach, let’s go through the detailed steps of the process. Mixing them correctly is really important for getting the results you want. Here’s a simple guide on how to mix your bleach powder with the developer.

Prepare Supplies

It is essential to have everything prepared because once the bleach is mixed, it does not last long. Follow is a list of supplies you need to prepare before starting the bleaching process:

– Bleaching powder

– Gloves

– Processing cap

– Applicator brush

– Nonmetal mixing bowl

– Hair clips

– Plastic spoon

– Developer

Developers come in different strengths, and it is crucial to choose the right one. Keep in mind to always use the lowest effective developer volume. Take a look at the following guide to help you decide the best developer:

– 10 Volume Developer: This is the weakest developer and is not strong enough to lighten your hair significantly. It is typically used for same-level coloring or when you want to make your hair darker.

– 20 Volume Developer: This strength can lighten your hair by one to two levels without causing much damage. It is suitable for toning blonde hair or covering grays.

– 30 Volume Developer: With a 30 Vol developer, you can lighten your hair by two to three levels.

– 40 Volume and 50 Volume Developer: These are very strong developers that can lift your hair by three or more levels. However, they are damaging and should only be used if you have a lot of experience.

Protect Your Area

Before you begin, it is important to prepare your area to avoid any unwanted stains or irritation. Follow these simple steps to protect yourself and your surroundings:

1. Put on gloves to keep your hands safe, and wear clothes that you don’t mind staining.
2. Wrap an old towel around your neck and tuck it into your shirt to catch any drips or spills.
3. Consider laying down old towels or newspapers on the surfaces around you to prevent bleach splatter from staining them.

Part Your Hair

After knowing how much developer to bleach and preparing your bleach mixture, remember to act quickly before it expires. To ensure you have enough time to apply the bleach, follow these steps to prepare your hair:

• Divide your hair into four sections at least or more to bleach each one respectively.
• Secure each section with a hair tie or clip to keep them separate and organized.

Mix Your Bleach and Developer

To mix your bleach and developer, follow these steps:

• Pour the bleach powder into a nonmetal bowl, preferably made of plastic.
• Add two parts developer to the bowl for every one part of bleach.
• Mix everything together thoroughly until you have a smooth and consistent mixture without any lumps.

Remember, once you have mixed the bleach and developer, you need to use it within the next twenty minutes. Using expired bleach can cause serious damage to your hair and affect the desired color outcome.

Apply Your Hair Bleach Mixture

Now that you have your bleach mixture ready, it is time to apply it to your hair right away. Follow these steps:

• Start by taking down one of the back sections of your hair.
• Separate a thin strand of hair from that section.
• Use an applicator brush to apply the bleach mixture to the strand of hair.
• Remember, the roots of your hair process faster than the ends and mid-lengths. Begin applying the bleach about an inch away from your scalp and work your way down towards the ends.
• If you are a black woman with hair cuticle damage, you should follow a hair care routine specifically designed for those who have used hair bleach on dark hair.
• After applying the bleach to the mid-lengths and ends of your hair, go back and touch up your roots. Make sure to thoroughly saturate your hair with the bleach mixture.
• Cover your hair with a processing cap to help the bleach work effectively.
• Set a timer according to the specified time mentioned in the instructions.
• The recommended time can vary between 10 to 30 minutes, depending on your hair color and the shade you desire. Keep in mind that leaving the bleach on for too long can cause damage, so monitor the color lifting process while you wait.

How Much Developer to Bleach – Rinse and Tone

Once you have achieved the color you want or the recommended time is up, it is time to rinse and tone your hair. Follow these simple steps:

• Rinse your hair thoroughly with lukewarm water to remove the bleach mixture.
• Check your hair color for any yellow streaks or brassiness.
• If you notice these unwanted tones, use a blue or purple shampoo to neutralize them. Wash your hair with the shampoo, focusing on the areas that need toning.
• Using a blue or purple shampoo helps to achieve a cool and ashy blonde shade or create a suitable base for your desired hair color.
• After toning, apply a hydrating deep conditioner to your hair. This will help repair your strands and restore moisture.
• Allow the deep conditioner to sit for the recommended time, and then rinse it out.
• Dry your hair and take a moment to evaluate your new color.

Mixing Bleach and Developer – Dos and Don’ts

Besides how much developer to bleach, here are some essential things to remember when mixing bleach and developer. Pay attention to these do’s and don’ts to get the results you want:

Do’s:

– Use the lowest strength developer that matches the shade you want, as a stronger one can lead to hair dye disasters.

– Mix your hair bleach and developer in a nonmetal bowl, preferably plastic.

– If you are new to bleaching, use a cream developer instead of liquid to avoid making a mess.

– Before applying the bleach to your whole head, do a patch and strand test to check the results.

– After applying the bleach, cover your hair with a cap unless told otherwise on the bleach packaging.

– Make sure your hair is healthy enough for bleaching before you begin.

– Follow the provided instructions on the bleach and developer mixing and processing.

Don’ts:

– Don’t keep any leftover bleach for future use.

– If your bleach mixture is too runny, don’t use it.

– Avoid bleaching your hair more than once a day.

– Unless you have a lot of experience, don’t use a developer stronger than 30 Vol.

– Don’t use a bleaching mixture that hasn’t been mixed properly.

– Don’t make more bleach mixture than you think you’ll need.

– Don’t use your bleach mixture after 20 minutes, as it can spoil quickly.

FAQs

What happens if too much developer is mixed in bleach?

If you add too much developer to bleach, your mixture becomes too runny. It becomes difficult to apply and may drip down your face. Using too much developer can also damage your hair and cause patchy results with uneven color.

What is the correct proportion of bleach to use with a 30 developer?

When using a 30 volume developer, the ratio is 2 parts developer to 1 part bleach. This means you should add two parts of developer for every one part of bleach.

What ratio should be used for bleach?

Regardless of the developer type (30 developer, 20 developer, or 40 developer), always mix the developer and bleach in a 2:1 ratio.

How much developer should I mix with Quick Blue bleach?

If you are using L’Oreal Quick Blue Bleach, you can use 1.5 to 2.5 ounces of developer with 1 ounce of bleach. If you are using a plastic wrap or foil technique, using 1.5-2 ounces of developer may be sufficient.

What is the proper ratio of bleach to 20 volume developer?

Even when using a 20 volume developer, the ratio remains 2 parts developer to 1 part bleach. This means adding two parts of developer for every one part of bleach.

When bleaching your hair at home, it is crucial to mix the bleach correctly. Pay attention to two things: use the appropriate developer depending on how much color lift you want, such as a 20 developer for light hair and minimal lift, or a 30 developer for a higher level of lift.

To Wrap Up,

Knowing how much developer to bleach is crucial when it comes to achieving successful and even hair-bleaching results. By following the recommended ratio, you can ensure the right consistency and avoid potential issues like runny mixtures or patchy color. Whether you aim for a subtle lift or a more dramatic change, understanding the role of developer is key. 

And if you are in need of high-quality hair extensions at wholesale prices, don’t hesitate to reach out to Jen Hair. Contact us today to fulfill your hair extension needs and achieve your hair dreams!

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