Can I Use 20 Volume Developer on Bleached Hair to Dye It a Darker Color?

When considering whether to use a 20 volume developer on bleached hair to dye it a darker color, it's important to understand the risks and potential damage to your hair. Your hairdresser's advice is crucial, as they can evaluate the specific condition of your hair and recommend the safest methods to achieve your desired results.

Developer Strength

A 20 volume developer is typically used to lift hair color, making it a powerful tool for lightening. However, using this on already bleached hair, which is inherently more fragile, can lead to additional stress and damage. This can result in dryness, breakage, and irreversible damage to the hair cuticle.

Dyeing Darker

When dyeing hair a darker color, especially on bleached hair, it's often unnecessary to use a developer at all. Semi-permanent or direct application dyes can be used without a developer and are gentler on already compromised hair. These types of dyes are designed to deposit color onto the hair shaft without lifting the existing pigments, thus minimizing the risk of further damage.

Condition of Your Hair

Your hairdresser's recommendation to avoid using a 20 volume developer is crucial, especially if your hair is already damaged from bleaching. This underscores the importance of prioritizing your hair's health. Instead of using a stronger developer, consider using a gentler method or a different product, as your stylist suggested. Using a product designed for darkening hair without a developer can help preserve the health of your hair.

Professional Advice

Professional stylists are trained to assess the condition of your hair and recommend the best products and methods for coloring. Always follow their advice to ensure optimal results and to avoid further damage to your hair. If you are considering at-home hair dyeing, choose a semi-permanent dye designed for darkening hair without a developer. Prior to application, perform a patch test and a strand test to gauge how your hair will react.

Summary

It's wise to listen to your hairdresser's advice and avoid using a 20 volume developer on bleached hair to prevent further damage. Opt for gentler methods and consult with a professional for the best results. Using a demi-permanent hair color is often a better option, as it can deposit and hold color more effectively than a permanent color. Remember, the porosity of your bleached hair is very different from natural hair, and a higher oxidative peroxide strength on bleached hair is usually not necessary or recommended.