What developer volume lightens hair up to three levels while depositing color?

The appropriate developer volume that lightens hair up to three levels while simultaneously depositing color is 20 volume. This developer strength is commonly used with permanent hair color, as it contains hydrogen peroxide that effectively opens the hair cuticle and allows the color to penetrate the hair shaft.

When using 20 volume developer, the oxidation process lifts the natural pigment in the hair, which allows for significant lightening, typically up to three levels, depending on the original hair color and condition. This level of developer is often recommended for standard coloring processes since it can provide a balance between lightening and depositing color without being overly harsh on the hair.

In contrast, the other developer volumes serve different purposes. While 30 volume can also lighten hair more aggressively—up to four levels—it’s often utilized for higher lift and may not be ideal when only three levels of lift are needed. Meanwhile, 10 volume primarily serves as a low-volume developer mainly for depositing color with minimal lift, and 40 volume, being the strongest, is typically reserved for challenging color corrections or when a significant lightening effect is desired.