Can I use 20 volume developer with demi permanent color? The answer is yes, but it's not recommended. Why?
Well, first of all let me start off by saying that there are multiple different types of demi permanent hair color on the market and they all react differently.
So we'll be focusing on Wella brand professional hair color products in this article because that's what we use here at my salon (and have been doing so for over 20 years).
Yes, you can mix 20 vol developer with demi permanent color.
When you mix 20 volume developer with demi permanent color, the result will be a darker and more permanent color. You might want to use this method if you are using a lightener on your hair and want to make sure that it really works.
The downside to mixing 20 vol developer with demi permanent color is that the color will be more yellow than usual. It may also be too warm for your skin tone, which makes sense because of how much darker it will become!
You should only use this method if you want permanent results right away or if you need a lot of lift from your hair dye job (for example: if you have very dark brown or black hair).
However, unless you are really looking to lighten your hair a lot and don't mind warm tones, I wouldn't recommend it.
I have dyed my hair a lot. I have used permanent colors, demi-permanents, semi-permanent colors and even temporary root touch up sprays. But every time I get it colored at the salon they always use 20 volume developer with my color.
So if you want to be able to lighten your hair with a demi permanent shade then this may be a good choice for you but only if:
You are willing to spend more money than usual on coloring your hair because most salons will charge extra for using this brand of developer.
You want to avoid using any kind of toner on your hair (the same goes for any other type of ammonia based product). While some people find that toners help them achieve the exact look they desire others find them too harsh on their locks so this can be an important factor depending on how much maintenance and upkeep you want in between appointments with your stylist or colorist.
If you want to darken your hair a shade or two without any lift(and without a lot of warmth), I would go with demi permanent color and 10 volume developer.
If you want to darken your hair a shade or two without any lift(and without a lot of warmth), I would go with demi permanent color and 10 volume developer.
Demi permanent color is a permanent color that does not lift. Demi permanent color contains no hydrogen peroxide, which means it will not lighten or lift your natural hair color at all.
You can use this product with 10 volume developer, since they are both suitable for most shades of browns, reds, and blondes. These demi processes do not contain any ammonia and usually last up to 6 weeks after the application if done correctly (depending on how frequently you shampoo).
If you have to use 20 volume developer for example with Wella brand professional hair color products, then use the liquid 20 volume developer with Welloxon Perfect.
If you have to use 20 volume developer for example with Wella brand professional hair color products, then use the liquid 20 volume developer with Welloxon Perfect.
Mix equal parts of each product (1:1) in a separate container and apply it to dry hair or dampened hair (depending on what is required). After application, leave it on for 25 minutes.
Then rinse thoroughly using warm water followed by cold water for 10 seconds.
The demi permanent color should last between 6 weeks to 12 weeks depending on how much you wash your hair daily.
I personally feel like there is no need to lighten your hair more than 3 levels when using demi permanent color.
If you are trying to lighten your hair by 4 or 5 levels using demi permanent color, then I would recommend using a 20 volume developer.
However, if you're just trying to get it up to 2-3 levels lighter than it is now (and not wanting anything drastic), I personally feel like there is no need to lighten your hair more than 3 levels when using demi permanent color.
If you wanted even less of a change and didn't want the jet black look at all (or any other extreme color), then I would recommend bleaching with bleach powder instead of developer and then applying the demi permanent color over that. This way will give much more control over how dark or light your final shade will be
Conclusion
I hope this helped answer your question about using 20 volume developer with demi permanent color. The best way to keep your hair healthy is to use the least amount of chemicals possible.
I feel like it may be more harmful than helpful because you are using higher levels of ammonia which tends to lighten hair faster but also fades faster as well.
If you are looking for a more permanent solution, I would recommend going with 10 volume developer instead, or even better yet try Welloxon Perfect which contains no ammonia at all!
