7 volume developer, often referred to as a demi-permanent developer, plays a specific and crucial role in the world of hair coloring and toning. It’s significantly milder than its higher volume counterparts (like 20, 30, or 40 volume), and understanding its purpose and proper use is essential for achieving desired hair results while minimizing damage. This article delves into the specifics of 7 volume developer, exploring its capabilities, limitations, and best practices for application.
Understanding Developer Volume and Its Role
Developer, also known as peroxide, is the key activating agent in hair coloring processes. Its primary function is to open the hair cuticle, allowing color molecules to penetrate the hair shaft. The “volume” number refers to the amount of oxygen released by the developer. Higher volumes release more oxygen, resulting in more significant lifting (lightening) of the natural hair color.
A higher volume developer lifts more and deposits more color, while a lower volume lifts less and deposits less color. The choice of developer depends on the desired outcome and the existing hair condition.
The Specifics of 7 Volume Developer
7 volume developer contains approximately 2% hydrogen peroxide. This relatively low concentration makes it a gentle option for hair coloring. Its primary functions revolve around minimal lifting and maximum deposition. This characteristic distinguishes it from stronger developers.
Gentle Color Deposit
7 volume developer is mainly used to deposit color without significantly lightening the natural hair. This is ideal for refreshing existing color, adding a tone, or covering minimal gray. Because it barely lifts, it’s less likely to cause damage to the hair.
Toning Hair
One of the most common uses of 7 volume developer is for toning blonde hair. Toners are used to neutralize unwanted brassy or yellow tones after bleaching. A 7 volume developer allows the toner to deposit the desired pigment (such as violet or blue) to achieve a cooler, more neutral blonde shade without further lightening the hair and potentially compromising its integrity.
Color Refreshing
If you have faded hair color and want to revive its vibrancy without changing the overall shade, 7 volume developer is an excellent choice. It allows the new dye to deposit on top of the existing color, making it look refreshed and shiny.
Minimal Gray Coverage
While not the best option for significant gray coverage, 7 volume developer can be used for blending away small amounts of gray, especially when used with a demi-permanent hair color. It provides a softer, more natural-looking result than higher volume developers, which may create a harsh line of demarcation as the gray grows out.
Glazing
Hair glazing involves applying a sheer, translucent color to add shine and dimension to the hair. 7 volume developer is perfect for creating glazes as it deposits color without significantly altering the base shade.
Who Should Use 7 Volume Developer?
7 volume developer is a great option for individuals with the following needs:
- Those who want to maintain their current hair color.
- Individuals with already lightened hair.
- People seeking minimal damage during the coloring process.
- Those wanting to tone brassiness from blonde hair.
- People with only a few gray hairs.
When to Avoid 7 Volume Developer
While 7 volume developer has its benefits, it’s not suitable for everyone. Avoid using it in the following situations:
- If you want to significantly lighten your hair: 7 volume developer doesn’t have the lifting power to create a noticeable difference in hair color.
- If you have a lot of gray hair: It won’t provide adequate coverage for substantial amounts of gray.
- If you are trying to cover dark roots with a lighter color: A stronger developer is necessary to lift the natural hair pigment sufficiently.
- If you want a long lasting color change: Demi-permanent color fades quicker than permanent color.
How to Use 7 Volume Developer: A Step-by-Step Guide
Using 7 volume developer correctly is crucial for achieving the desired results and minimizing potential damage. Follow these steps for a successful application:
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Perform a strand test: Before applying the color to your entire head, test it on a small, hidden section of hair. This will help you determine the processing time and ensure you like the color result.
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Prepare your hair: Make sure your hair is clean and dry. Avoid washing your hair for 24-48 hours before coloring, as the natural oils can protect your scalp.
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Mix the color and developer: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. The typical ratio is 1:1 (equal parts color and developer), but this can vary depending on the brand and product. Use a non-metallic bowl and applicator brush for mixing.
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Apply the color evenly: Start at the roots and work your way down to the ends, ensuring every strand is thoroughly saturated. If you’re only toning, focus on the areas that are most brassy.
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Process the color: The processing time will vary depending on the product and desired result. Refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for guidance. Check the color development periodically to ensure it’s progressing as expected.
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Rinse and condition: Once the processing time is complete, rinse your hair thoroughly with cool water until the water runs clear. Follow with a color-safe conditioner to help seal the cuticle and add moisture.
Tips for Optimal Results with 7 Volume Developer
To maximize the benefits of 7 volume developer and achieve the best possible results, consider these tips:
- Choose the right color: Select a hair color that’s specifically designed for use with a demi-permanent developer.
- Follow the manufacturer’s instructions: Always adhere to the instructions provided by the hair color and developer brands.
- Use color-safe products: Shampoo and condition your hair with products specifically formulated for color-treated hair to prolong the life of your color.
- Protect your hair from heat: Minimize the use of heat styling tools, as heat can fade hair color and damage the hair.
- Consider professional consultation: If you’re unsure about using 7 volume developer or have specific hair concerns, consult a professional hairstylist.
The Science Behind Hair Color Development
Understanding the basic science behind hair color development can provide a deeper appreciation for the role of developers. Hair color is determined by the presence of melanin, a pigment found within the hair shaft. When you use hair color, the developer (hydrogen peroxide) works to open the hair cuticle, the protective outer layer of the hair. This allows the color molecules to penetrate the cortex, the inner layer of the hair shaft.
With permanent hair color, the developer also lifts (lightens) the natural melanin pigment, creating space for the new color molecules to deposit. Demi-permanent hair color, used with 7 volume developer, primarily deposits color without significantly lifting the natural melanin.
The oxidation process, triggered by the developer, causes the color molecules to expand and become trapped within the hair shaft. This is what makes the color “permanent” (or demi-permanent) – it’s locked inside the hair and can’t be easily washed away.
Demi-Permanent vs. Permanent Hair Color: Key Differences
Understanding the difference between demi-permanent and permanent hair color is crucial for choosing the right product and developer. Demi-permanent color, used with 7 volume developer, is gentler on the hair because it doesn’t contain ammonia and lifts the hair very little. It primarily deposits color, making it ideal for blending gray, toning, and refreshing existing color. Demi-permanent color typically lasts for 24-28 shampoos.
Permanent hair color, on the other hand, contains ammonia and is mixed with a higher volume developer (20, 30, or 40 volume). It lifts the natural hair pigment and deposits new color, resulting in a more dramatic and long-lasting change. Permanent color is best for covering gray hair, significantly lightening the hair, or making a drastic color change.
The choice between demi-permanent and permanent hair color depends on your desired result, hair condition, and commitment level. If you’re looking for a subtle change with minimal damage, demi-permanent color with 7 volume developer is a great option. If you need significant gray coverage or want a more dramatic color transformation, permanent hair color with a higher volume developer is necessary.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Using 7 Volume Developer
Even with careful preparation, mistakes can happen when using 7 volume developer. Here are some common pitfalls to avoid:
- Using the wrong ratio of color to developer: This can lead to inconsistent color results or damage to the hair.
- Applying the color unevenly: This will result in patchy or uneven color distribution.
- Leaving the color on for too long or too short: Over-processing can damage the hair, while under-processing will result in insufficient color deposit.
- Not performing a strand test: This can lead to unexpected color results or allergic reactions.
- Using a metallic bowl or applicator: Metal can react with the developer, causing undesirable chemical reactions.
- Applying to dirty or oily hair: This can prevent the color from penetrating the hair shaft evenly.
By avoiding these common mistakes, you can increase your chances of achieving a successful and satisfying hair coloring experience with 7 volume developer.
Extending the Life of Your Hair Color
Once you’ve achieved your desired hair color with 7 volume developer, it’s important to take steps to prolong its vibrancy and prevent fading. Here are some tips for extending the life of your hair color:
- Use color-safe shampoo and conditioner: These products are formulated to be gentle on color-treated hair and prevent color from washing out.
- Wash your hair less frequently: Excessive washing can strip away the color molecules, causing the color to fade faster. Try washing your hair every other day or even less frequently.
- Use dry shampoo: Dry shampoo can help absorb excess oil and keep your hair looking fresh between washes.
- Avoid hot water: Hot water opens the hair cuticle, allowing color to escape. Rinse your hair with cool or lukewarm water instead.
- Protect your hair from the sun: UV rays can fade hair color. Wear a hat or use a hair product with UV protection when spending time outdoors.
- Avoid chlorine: Chlorine can strip away hair color and cause it to become dull or discolored. Wear a swimming cap when swimming in chlorinated water.
- Use a color-depositing conditioner or mask: These products can help replenish lost color and keep your hair looking vibrant.
By following these tips, you can keep your hair color looking fresh and beautiful for longer.
7 Volume Developer: A Summary of Benefits
- Gentle color deposit, minimizing damage.
- Ideal for toning blonde hair and neutralizing brassiness.
- Refreshes existing hair color without significant lightening.
- Blends away minimal gray hair.
- Perfect for creating hair glazes.
Conclusion
7 volume developer is a versatile and gentle option for various hair coloring needs. Its low volume makes it perfect for depositing color, toning, and refreshing existing shades without causing significant damage. Understanding its capabilities and limitations is key to achieving desired results. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can confidently use 7 volume developer to enhance your hair color and maintain healthy, vibrant locks.
What exactly is 7 volume developer and what is its primary function?
7 volume developer is a low-volume hydrogen peroxide solution, typically around 2.1% hydrogen peroxide concentration. Its primary function is to slightly open the hair cuticle, allowing hair color or toner molecules to deposit into the hair shaft. Unlike higher volume developers, it’s designed for minimal lift, meaning it won’t lighten the natural hair color significantly.
This low volume makes it ideal for deposit-only color applications, toning pre-lightened hair, and refreshing color on hair that has already been previously lightened or colored. Using it prevents damage by limiting the cuticle opening to the amount necessary for depositing color pigments, and keeps pre-existing pigment in place.
When should I use 7 volume developer instead of higher volume developers like 20 or 30 volume?
You should choose 7 volume developer when you want to add tone, refresh existing color, or deposit color without lifting the natural shade. If you’re looking to achieve a darker shade than your current color, or want to maintain an existing shade while adding shine or correcting unwanted tones (like brassiness), 7 volume is a great option. It’s also suitable for delicate or damaged hair where minimizing further stress is crucial.
Higher volume developers are designed for lifting the natural hair color, which is essential for achieving significant color changes or covering gray hair. When using toners on pre-lightened hair, high volume developers are rarely recommended, as they can cause excessive lifting, leading to unpredictable and uneven color results and unwanted hair damage. Stick to 7 volume when maintaining pre-lightened hair!
Can 7 volume developer be used to cover gray hair effectively?
7 volume developer is generally not recommended for covering gray hair on its own. While it deposits color, its low peroxide concentration doesn’t provide enough lift to fully penetrate the resistant cuticle of gray hair and provide complete coverage.
For effective gray coverage, higher volume developers (20 volume or higher) are typically needed to properly open the hair cuticle and allow the color to penetrate. However, 7 volume developer could be used in certain gray coverage formulas, particularly when used in conjunction with a specifically formulated gray coverage hair color that might require a lower developer volume for optimal results or hair safety. Always follow the hair color instructions.
What types of hair colors or toners are best suited for use with 7 volume developer?
Demi-permanent hair colors and toners are the best choices to use with 7 volume developer. Demi-permanent colors deposit color without significantly lifting the natural base. This is because they primarily coat the outer layers of the hair shaft.
Toners, especially those used on pre-lightened hair, are also well-suited for 7 volume developer. These formulas are designed to neutralize unwanted tones or add subtle shades without altering the base color significantly. The low volume ensures the toner deposits evenly and prevents over-processing or damage to already sensitized hair.
Will 7 volume developer lighten my natural hair color?
No, 7 volume developer will not significantly lighten your natural hair color. Because of its low concentration of hydrogen peroxide, it primarily deposits color rather than lifting the existing pigment.
While there might be a very slight change in tone, especially on very light or porous hair, the change will be minimal and generally unnoticeable. If you’re looking to lighten your hair, you’ll need a higher volume developer.
What is the mixing ratio for hair color and 7 volume developer?
The mixing ratio of hair color or toner to 7 volume developer varies depending on the brand and specific product. Always refer to the manufacturer’s instructions provided with the hair color or toner you’re using.
A common ratio is 1:2, meaning one part hair color or toner to two parts 7 volume developer, but this is just an example. Some products may require a 1:1 ratio or other specific instructions to achieve the desired color result and prevent damage.
Are there any safety precautions I should take when using 7 volume developer?
Yes, even though 7 volume developer is relatively mild, it’s important to take certain safety precautions. Always wear gloves to protect your hands from staining and potential irritation. Also, avoid contact with your eyes.
Perform a strand test before applying the color to your entire head, especially if you have sensitive skin or have never used the product before. This will help you determine if you have any allergic reactions or if the color result is as expected. It is also important to work in a well-ventilated area.