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

The developer volume plays a crucial role in the hair coloring process because it directly influences the degree of lift that can be achieved alongside the application of the hair color. Different developer volumes contain varying percentages of hydrogen peroxide, which affects how much the hair cuticle opens and how much natural pigment is removed from the hair.

For instance, a higher volume developer (such as 30 or 40 volumes) is typically used for significant lifting and changing hair color dramatically, as it can penetrate the hair shaft more deeply and provide enough strength to lighten the hair by several levels. On the other hand, lower volume developers (such as 10 or 20 volumes) are used for less lift or when simply depositing color without making drastic changes to the natural pigment. Therefore, understanding the significance of the developer volume is essential for colorists to achieve the desired results safely and effectively.