How many levels of lift does 40 volume developer achieve?

Using a 40 volume developer can achieve up to 5 levels of lift. This high volume developer is primarily used in professional hair coloring and bleaching processes. The key component in a developer is the hydrogen peroxide concentration, and a 40 volume developer contains approximately 12% hydrogen peroxide. This strong concentration allows for significant lightening of the hair by effectively breaking down the natural pigments within the hair strands.

The ability to lift up to 5 levels makes 40 volume developer an ideal choice for dramatic transformations, such as when transitioning from dark to very light shades or when aiming for a platinum blonde. It’s important to note that such a powerful developer should be used with caution, as it can lead to hair damage if not used properly, particularly on already compromised hair.

Using lower volume developers typically yields fewer levels of lift, making them suitable for gentler applications or subtle color changes. The higher the volume of the developer, the more aggressive the reaction and the potential for significant lightening is.