What is the significance of a developer's volume in the coloring process?

The volume of the developer used in the hair coloring process plays a crucial role in determining the level of lift achieved. When mixed with hair color, the developer activates the color and facilitates the oxidation process required for hair dye to penetrate the hair shaft. Different volumes of developers contain varying concentrations of hydrogen peroxide, which directly affects how much the natural hair color can be lifted.

For instance, a developer with a lower volume, such as 10 volume, is typically used for deposit-only color, which does not lift the natural hair color, while a developer with a higher volume, such as 20 or 30 volume, can provide more significant lift, allowing for lighter shades to be achieved by removing some of the natural pigment. Therefore, understanding the relationship between the developer's volume and the level of lift is fundamental for achieving desired hair color results.