Mixing Bleach and developer is a common practice in the world of hair dyeing. Whether you’re a seasoned stylist or a DIY enthusiast, understanding how to mix bleach and developer correctly is essential to achieving your desired hair color. This article will provide you with a comprehensive step-by-step guide to help you achieve your desired hair color while ensuring safety and the best possible results.

What’s the Difference Between Bleach Powder And Developer?

Bleach powder and developer are two essential ingredients used in hair coloring, especially during the lightening or bleaching process. They serve separate but complementary purposes:

• Bleach powder is responsible for lightening the hair by removing its natural pigment, while the developer activates the bleach and controls the lightening process.
• Bleach powder is a fine powder, while the developer comes in liquid or cream form.

• Bleach powder doesn’t have volume measurements; it’s typically mixed with a developer, which does have volume measurements (e.g., 10, 20, 30, or 40 volumes).
• Developers with higher volumes (e.g., 30 or 40 volumes) are more potent and can lighten hair more quickly but are also more damaging. Lower-volume developers (e.g., 10 or 20 volume) are gentler but require more time for lightening.

Bleach and developer work together in the hair coloring process, with bleach powder providing the lightening action and the developer controlling the intensity and speed of the lightening process.

Gather Your Materials

Before you begin the guide on how to mix bleach powder and developer, gather the following materials and products:

• Bleaching powder: Choose a reputable brand and follow the instructions on the package to determine the appropriate amount.
• Developer (peroxide): The volume of developer will depend on the desired results and your hair type. Popular options include 10, 20, 30 or 40 volume developers.
• Mixing bowl: It’s best to use a plastic or glass bowl because metal can react with developer and bleach.

• Application Brush: A brush designed for applying hair color will help you achieve even coverage.
• Gloves: Latex or nitrile gloves are essential to protect your hands from chemical exposure (hair bleach powder and developer).
• Plastic or metal clips: These will help you section and manage your hair during the coloring process.
• Old clothes or a cape: Wearing something you don’t mind getting dirty is a smart choice.

For highlighting with developer and bleach, you’ll require aluminum foil. It’s advisable to purchase both the hair bleach powder and developer from the same brand. This is because different brands may have variations in their formulations for these materials.

Now that you’ve gathered your developer and bleach, roll up your hands and follow the instructions on how to mix hair bleach.

How To Mix Bleach And Developer

Are you eager to lighten your hair for the upcoming summer season or a special event? By following the steps on how to mix bleach powder and developer below, you’ll be well on your way to showcasing your fabulous new hair color.

Step 1: Choose the Developer For Hair Bleach

Choosing the right developer for hair bleach is crucial when mixing bleach for hair lightening. Developer volumes range from 10 to 40, with higher volumes providing more significant lightening power.

• 10 Vol: Suitable for a slight hair lightening effect with minimal color change.
• 20 Vol: The most popular choice, lifting hair color by two shades while being relatively gentle.
• 30 Vol: Commonly used in salons for a three-level lift, effective in activating bleach powder.
• 40 Vol: Extremely potent and best left to professionals due to the risk of hair damage and scalp irritation.

For beginners or mild lightening, 10 or 20 volume developer is recommended, while 30 and 40 volumes should only be used by experienced individuals or hairstylists.

Step 2: Measure Hair Bleach And Developer

To properly mix bleach and developer for your hair, it’s essential to maintain a specific ratio of these ingredients, which is 2 parts developer to 1 part bleach. You can measure them out using a measuring tool or by weighing them.

It’s important to note that this 2:1 ratio remains consistent regardless of the developer’s volume. Deviating from this ratio can result in undesirable color outcomes or, in extreme cases, hair and scalp damage, including burns and epidermal thinning due to excessive bleach use or unnecessary heat. Follow the 2:1 ratio for the safe and effective blend.

Step 3: Add Powdered Bleach

To begin the mixing process, take your 2:1 ratio of hair bleach and developer and place them into a plastic bowl. It’s important to add the powdered bleach to the bowl first. This sequence ensures that you create a smoother and more liquid texture, which is essential for the bleach to effectively work on your hair.

Step 4: Mix Thoroughly

Next, it’s time to mix the developer into the bleach. Begin by adding small amounts of developer and use a paintbrush or other brush designated to gradually combine the two ingredients.

You should avoid adding all developers at once to avoid clusters clumps. Instead, add the developer gradually, using a brush to mix it with the bleaching powder. After a few times of mixing, you will have a bowl full of a well-mixed dye and bleach mixture.

Step 5: Remove Clumps

Even if you’re careful, clumps can still form while mixing bleach and developer, and they are far from harmless. These clumps interfere with the activation of the bleach, potentially resulting in uneven hair color with patches of lighter and darker shades.

To avoid this issue, carefully go through the mixture with your brush, breaking down any clumps and thoroughly integrating them with the liquid.

Step 6: Do a Patch and Strand Test

Before applying the bleach and developer mixture to your entire head, it’s essential to conduct patch and strand tests.

• Patch Test: Apply a small amount of the mixture behind your ear or on a less visible area of your skin. Leave it on for 24 hours and check for any adverse reactions. Even if you’ve used the same products before, it’s a good practice, especially if you have sensitive skin.
• Strand Test: Apply the mixture to a strand of hair that isn’t highly visible. Follow the recommended processing time, rinse, and assess the level of lightening. This step ensures you’re satisfied with the outcome before applying the mixture to your entire head.

While these tests may seem time-consuming, they provide peace of mind and help ensure your desired hair color results.

How to mix bleach and developer is a common practice, but must be done carefully to achieve the best results while minimizing damage. Follow this guide, use the right materials, and prioritize safety to ensure your hair coloring experience is a successful one. With the right method, you can achieve the hair color transformation you desire.

Level Up Your Hairstyle!

It’s important to know how to mix bleach and developer. Remember that mixing bleach and developer should be done with caution, and it’s essential to follow the instructions provided with your specific products to ensure safe and effective results.

For those looking for alternatives to chemical treatments or wanting to change their hairstyle without the commitment of bleaching, consider exploring options like hair extensions and wigs. One reputable source for such products is Apohair, one of the well-known Vietnamese hair suppliers.

With 25 years of expertise, Apohair is proud to be the #1 Vietnamese Hair Factory. We specialize in offering high-quality hair extensions and wigs that can provide you with a new look without the risk of damage associated with bleaching. Visit our website to explore the various options available for transforming your hair without the need for bleach and developer.

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