What Is The Perfect bleach and developer ratio To Use?

If you have dark hair and want to lighten it to a blonde, pastel, or ash color, you will need to bleach your hair first to remove the existing dark color. It is recommended to go to a professional hairstylist for bleaching, but that may not be possible for everyone.

We have heard many horror stories of DIY hair bleaching gone wrong because of using the wrong ratio of bleach to developer. In this article, Jen Hair will discuss the correct bleach and developer ratio for mixing and provide tips on how to apply them properly to your hair.

What’s The Bleach To Developer Ratio?

When you visit the salon for a hair color treatment, you may not think much about the ingredients used in the bleaching process. However, it is a vital thing to understand the science behind hair color when you do it by yourself at home. It involves two important components: bleach and developer.

Hair bleach is a chemical that works by breaking down the pigment molecules in your hair, essentially lifting the color.

Developer, on the other hand, is comprised of hydrogen peroxide. It helps to open your hair cuticles, allowing the bleach or hair dye colorant to penetrate the hair shaft and changing the hair color.

How much each of these two products is mixed will determine the lightening level achieved. Therefore, it is important to get the ratio right to help you achieve your specific preferred hair color.

The recommended bleach and developer ratio is 1 part bleach to 2 parts developer. This ratio has a fairly runny consistency, making it easy and quick to apply. Using a “fairly runny” mix ensures even coverage of the hair and minimizes patchy results. It also provides more time before the mixture dries to achieve the desired outcome.

How Do You Measure Developer And Bleach?

Measuring how much bleach and developer for the mixture will not cause you too much challenge, as most bleaching kits provide measuring tools to ensure the right ratio. There is a measuring spoon or scoop that is specifically created for hair dye, carefully measure the appropriate amount of bleach powder or cream. 

The specific amount will vary depending on the brand and the desired level of lightening. You should refer to the instructions provided to determine the correct measurement.

In case you do not have those specialized measuring tools, you can use regular measuring spoons from your kitchen that are typically used for baking ingredients. Just make sure to thoroughly wash and dry them before use, and they should never be used for measuring food again.

Rules To Get The Perfect Bleach And Developer Ratio

Here are some simple and effective tips to achieve the perfect ratio of bleach to developer:

• Begin with a 1:1 ratio of bleach to developer. This ratio is the most common starting point for lightening hair.
• If you desire more lightening, you can increase the ratio of bleach powder to developer. For instance, using a 2:1 ratio of bleach to developer will expedite the lightening process.
• Conversely, if you lighten your hair more gradually, you can decrease the bleach ratio. For example, a 1:2 ratio of bleach to developer will result in a slower lightening effect.
• You also need to adjust the ratio based on the strength of the products you are using. If you have a stronger bleach, it is necessary to use a lower bleach ratio. On the other hand, if you have a weaker bleach, you should use a higher ratio.
• It is better to be cautious and use a lower ratio if you are uncertain. You can add more bleach later if needed, meanwhile excessive use cannot be undone and can cause damage to your hair.

What Happens If You Use Too Much Developer When Bleaching Hair?

The developer helps to enhance the penetration of the bleach into the hair cuticle, thereby increasing its effectiveness in removing pigment or “lifting” the hair color. However, adding too much developer can result in a runny mixture. And it is challenging to apply this mixture to the hair and it can run down the face if not handled carefully.

In terms of the formula, an excessive amount of developer can lead to over-lifting of the hair dye. It will cause damage to the hair and result in an uneven, patchy color distribution. In addition, it can result in areas of the hair with less color than others, with an unattractive and unpredictable appearance.

In short, while the developer is essential for the bleach to penetrate the hair cuticle, use the correct amount to avoid creating an overly runny mixture and to prevent excessive lifting of the hair dye.

Best Bleach To Developer Ratio In Particular Brands

Ion bleach and developer ratio

Mix Ion bleach powder and developer in a ratio of 1 part bleach powder to 1.5 parts up to 2 parts developer. It is best to mix it in a non-metallic bowl. When applying the mixture directly to the scalp, do not exceed 20 volume (6%) developer.

Vitality bleach powder and developer ratio

For Vitality bleach powder, use the accompanying Crème Developer/Crème Peroxide according to your desired lightening level. There are different options, including 20 volume (6%), 30 volume (9%), or 40 volume (12%) developers. As always, it is best to follow the instructions provided with the bleach powder product.

Wella bleach powder and developer ratio

When using Wella bleach powder, the recommended ratio is 1 part bleach powder to 1.5 parts up to 2 parts developer. This ratio is suitable for Wella lighteners of any kind to achieve desired lightening results.

BW2 bleach powder and 20 developer ratio

For BW2 or Basic White Extra Strength powder lightener, mix it with Clairol Professional Pure White 10, 20, or 30 Volume Developer in a 1:2 ratio. This ratio provides the maximum amount of lightness for highlighting or off-scalp lightening techniques.

FAQs

How much bleach and developer do I mix?

The ideal bleach and developer ratio is 1 part bleach to 2 parts developer. This ratio is commonly recommended and provides a balanced mixture for effective lightening.

Is 20 or 30 developer better?

The choice between 20-volume (6%) or 30-volume (9%) developer depends how much lightening you want to achieve and the condition of your hair. Generally, 20-volume developer is suitable for lightening hair by a few shades, while 30-volume developer is used to achieve more significant lightening.

However, it is important to consider the health and sensitivity of your hair. If your hair is already damaged or fragile, you should opt for a lower volume developer to minimize potential damage.

How long to leave the bleach on the hair?

The processing time for bleach varies depending on your hair’s starting color, desired level of lightning, and what bleach product you are using. Typically, you should leave bleach on the hair for about 20-45 minutes.

However, it is essential to monitor the bleaching process regularly and perform strand tests to ensure you achieve the lightning level without damaging your hair.

How to prevent hair breakage when bleaching?

To minimize the risk of hair breakage during the bleaching process, follow these tips:

• Ensure it is in good condition before bleaching. Deep conditioning treatments done prior to bleaching can help strengthen the hair.
• Avoid overlapping the bleach on previously bleached or processed hair, as this can lead to excessive damage.
• Use a lower volume developer if your hair is already damaged or fragile.
• Limit bleaching sessions to give your hair time to recover between treatments.
• Follow the recommended processing time and avoid leaving the bleach on for too long.
• After bleaching, use nourishing hair masks and treatments to restore moisture and strengthen the hair.

In Conclusion

We hope you have found this article informative and helpful in achieving the optimal bleach and developer ratio for coloring your hair. It is best to approach this process with caution and self-assurance, as it can be a delicate and nuanced process. Jen Hair wish you the best of luck in your hair coloring endeavors. Good luck and happy bleaching!

Recommendations:

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• Can you bleach wet hair: Important advices from experts