How much 40 volume developer to mix with bleach

How much 40 volume developer to mix with bleach? Let’s find out the perfect ratio in the lightening process to achieve stunning results and optimize hair health.

One of the most popular methods to lighten your hair is using bleaching. This method is about the mix of developer and bleach. The right mixture will decide the results you get. How much 40 volume developer to mix with bleach? This question is often raised when it comes to this topic.

In this post, Jen Hair will give you the details of the right ratio, how to mix the two correctly, some tips for keeping your hair healthy and looking great. Follow the guidelines to get the perfect lightening job!

how much 40 volume developer to mix with bleach
how much 40 volume developer to mix with bleach

How Does 40 Volume Developer Work?

The 40 volume developer is super strong for bleaching hair. It has a lot more of the chemical hydrogen peroxide in it compared to other developers. Having so much hydrogen peroxide makes the 40 volume developer really good at removing color from hair fast. It can make hair lighter in just a little time.

The 40 volume developer mixed with bleach can activate and speed up the bleaching process. The mixture helps break down the natural pigments in the hair shaft. The developer has hydrogen peroxide that acts as an oxidizing agent to penetrate hair and dissolve color pigments. That’s how the hair become lighten.

The strength of the 40 volume developer provides more lifting power and is often used for significant color transformations, especially for dark hair. But be cautious as too strong developer can lead to hair damage.

When mixed with bleach, the 40 volume developer activates and speeds up the bleaching process. (Source: StyleCraze)
When mixed with bleach, the 40 volume developer activates and speeds up the bleaching process. (Source: StyleCraze)

How Do Bleach and Developer Interact with Each Other?

Hair bleaching aims to strip the color from your hair. It enters the hair shaft and break down the pigment molecules that are your natural hair color. By that way, the hair color is removed.

However, bleach cannot accomplish this task on its own, but it requires the assistance of a developer. The developer is really important for making the bleach work. It has hydrogen peroxide in it that helps open up the outer layer of the hair strand. When this outer layer is open, the bleach can get inside the hair easily. This allows the bleach to do its job of taking the color out of the hair.

Factors To Consider When Using 40 Volume Developer With Bleach

  • Hair condition

Before mixing the strong 40 volume developer with bleach, you need to think about the current state of your hair. Consider if the hair treatments you used have caused any hair damage.

For dry or damaged hair, using strong bleach could make the hair condition even worse. Also, you should pay attention to if your are sensitive by accessing scalp. You can make a test for your hair’s health by gently pulling a strand. Healthy hair often stretch a little without breaking easily.

  • Desired level of lift

Start by deciding how light you want your hair to be. Consider your natural hair color and any previous dye jobs. This will help you choose between a subtle lightening or a big change to a much blonder shade. 

Significant lightening requires multiple bleaching sessions or professional assistance, particularly for individuals with darker hair. You should know how long the process takes to achieve the desired outcome.

It is essential to first determine the specific shade or level of lightness you wish to attain. (Source: ceg)
It is essential to first determine the specific shade or level of lightness you wish to attain. (Source: ceg)
  • Developer-to-bleach ratio

Getting the right mix of developer and bleach is super important if you want good results. Developers come in different strengths – some are more potent than others for lifting color. You’ll want to pick a developer strength based on how much lighter you want to go and also how healthy your hair is right now. Using too strong of a developer can really damage your hair.

The key is finding that sweet spot where the developer and bleach work well together without frying your hair. It is recommended to do a little strand test first. That way you can see how much lift you get and if there’s any potential damage. Then you can tweak the developer-to-bleach ratio if needed before doing your whole head of hair.

How Much 40 Volume Developer To Mix With Bleach?

When mixing the really strong 40 volume developer with the bleach powder, you need to use the right amounts. The best mix is one scoop of bleach powder with two scoops of the 40 volume developer.

Doing it this 1 to 2 ratio helps get your hair light, but not so strong that it damages your hair too much. Too much developer can really hurt your hair. But the one scoop bleach to two scoops strong developer is a good balance to lift the color without too much damage.

Remember, how much 40 volume developer to mix with bleach may vary based on your specific needs. If you have very dark or resistant hair, you will need slightly more developer. If your hair is already weak or damaged, use a little less developer to be gentler on it. 

Before bleaching all your hair, test the mix on a small strand first. This lets you see how it lightens and if it causes any problems or damage. This effort will help you determine the right ratio for your hair.

Finally, always follow the instructions provided with your bleach and developer products, as they have specific guidelines for mixing ratios.

If you are unsure about the ratio or have complex color goals, it is best to consult a professional hair colorist who can give you personalized advice and ensure the best results while keeping your hair healthy.

A common ratio is to mix one part 40 volume developer with two parts bleach. (Source: Hairstyle Camp)
A common ratio is to mix one part 40 volume developer with two parts bleach. (Source: Hairstyle Camp)

How to Mix Developer and Bleach

Let’s move on to the process of mixing and determining the right amount of liquid or cream developer to combine with bleach. The ratio between bleach powder and developer is crucial for successful hair lightening.

The optimal ratio of bleach to developer is 1:2, as previously stated. This proportion creates a smooth, creamy mix that’s easy to apply. Here’s a simple breakdown:

  • For a smaller batch: Combine 50 grams of bleach powder with 100 grams of developer.
  • For a larger batch: Use 100 grams of bleach powder and 200 grams of developer.

This ratio remains the same regardless of the measurement system you use. So if you prefer ounces, just maintain the 1:2 proportion. This balanced mixture ensures effective application and helps achieve the desired results.

If you have a larger container, you can use measuring spoons or a kitchen scale to measure the appropriate amounts of powder and developer. Just remember the recommended ratio to mix one part bleach powder with two parts developer.

Additionally, if you want to use the bleach for painting techniques like balayage or if you only want to lighten a specific section of your hair, you can make the mixture thicker. In such cases, a 1:1 ratio between bleach powder and developer is recommended.

If you have a larger container, you can use measuring spoons or a kitchen scale to measure. (Source: Hairstyle Camp)
If you have a larger container, you can use measuring spoons or a kitchen scale to measure. (Source: Hairstyle Camp)

Tips and Best Practices

Gradual approach

If you aim for a significant color transformation, it is generally advisable to take a gradual approach rather than urging to achieve drastic changes in a single session. This approach helps minimize damage and allows you to assess how your hair reacts to the bleaching process. What you should do is to plan multiple sessions spaced apart to gradually lighten your hair to the desired shade.

Professional advice

If you are not confident in bleaching your hair, seek help from a professional hair colorist. These experts can:

  • Evaluate your hair’s current state
  • Suggest the right products and methods
  • Walk you through the process safely

Getting professional guidance can help you achieve your desired results while reducing hair damage. A colorist’s expertise can be invaluable in navigating hair bleaching.

Aftercare

Proper aftercare is essential to keep your hair healthy after bleaching:

  • Moisturize: Bleaching removes natural oils, leading to dry, brittle hair. Use moisturizing products like deep conditioners or leave-in treatments to restore hydration and vitality.
  • Protect from heat: Limit use of heat styling tools like straighteners or curling irons, as they can further damage bleached hair. If you must use heat, always apply a protective spray first.
  • Wash less often: Avoid washing your hair too frequently, as this can strip away natural oils and increase dryness. Choose gentle, sulfate-free shampoos designed for color-treated hair. Consider reducing how often you wash to help retain moisture.
  • Regular trims: Schedule regular haircuts to remove split ends and damaged hair. This promotes healthier growth and helps maintain your hair’s overall appearance.
Avoid excessive washing, as frequent shampooing can strip away natural oils. (Source: Angel)
Avoid excessive washing, as frequent shampooing can strip away natural oils. (Source: Angel)

FAQs

What happens if you use excessive bleaching powder?

Using too much bleach powder makes the mix too thick. This makes it hard for the mixture to spread evenly on your hair. In addition, the powder cannot stick well to each strand.

What if you add too much developer to the bleach?

Adding too much developer to your bleach mixture makes it too runny. The runny consistency can lead to dripping and spreading on your face and arms. Apart from creating a messy situation, excessive developer can also cause skin irritation.

Do you need to adjust the ratio based on the volume of developer?

No, the developer’s strength does not affect the proportion of bleach to developer while mixing them together. You should always use a 1:2 ratio of bleach to developer. It does not matter if you’re using 10 volume, 20 volume, or any other strength of developer.

How much 40 volume developer to mix with color?

The standard approach for combining 40 volume developer with hair dye is to use a 1:1 ratio. This means for every part of hair dye, you add an equal amount of 40 volume developer. For instance, 1 ounce of dye would be mixed with 1 ounce of developer. This equal-parts mixture is typically enough to alter your hair color by one or two shades.

It is always recommended to seek professional assistance from a hair colorist. (Source: Pinterest)
It is always recommended to seek professional assistance from a hair colorist. (Source: Pinterest)

In Summary

Finding how much 40 volume developer to mix with bleach is crucial for achieving safe and effective hair lightening. Adhering to the proportions and recommendations outlined here will help you achieve a well-balanced blend that reduces harm while producing the intended outcome. 

If you’re unsure or require tailored guidance, consulting a professional hair colorist is advisable. To further enhance your newly lightened hair, consider exploring Jen Hair’s premium hair extension options. Contact Jen Hair today to explore their range of extensions and find the perfect match for your hair!

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