If you are thinking about correcting your hair color with toner, you need the right developer volume for your goal.
You may see 10, 20, 30, and 40 volume developers in stores. But for toning, most people should stay in the low range.
In this article, we explain which volume developer is safest for toner.
Quick Summary
For toner, use a demi-permanent formula with a low-volume developer, usually 5 to 10 volume. This allows you to deposit tone without unnecessary damage to your already-processed hair. Avoid 20 volume or higher, as this can lift your natural root color (creating unwanted orange roots) and cause breakage on bleached strands.
Why Do You Need To Use Developer With Toner?
Toner helps refine bleached or color-treated hair. It can soften unwanted warmth, and it can add shine.
Most toners need a developer to work. The developer helps the toner reach the hair shaft so the tone lasts longer.
Toners contain the actual color molecules alongside alkaline ingredients that gently open the cuticle. The developer contains hydrogen peroxide, which activates those color molecules so they can successfully deposit into the hair shaft. That is why most toners, except toning shampoos and conditioners, are designed to be mixed with a developer or activator.
Note
Toner is not bleach. Toner deposits color. It does not lift dark hair to blonde. If you need to lighten first, you need a lightener service like bleach, or a high lift permanent color used the right way.
Choosing the Right Volume Developer for Toner
The best developer for toner depends on your hair health, your goal, and the toner’s instructions.
For most toners, 10 volume is the standard. Use 20 volume only in specific cases and only if the toner directions say so. Never use 30 or 40 volume with toner.
When people talk about hair developers, they usually refer to the four standard strengths used for bleaching and permanent hair dye:
- 10 vol has 3% hydrogen peroxide
- 20 vol has 6% hydrogen peroxide
- 30 vol has 9% hydrogen peroxide
- 40 vol has 12% hydrogen peroxide
The volume number shows the strength. In this list, 10 volume is the gentlest, while 40 volume is the strongest.
However, toning usually requires a gentler approach. Toner is often applied to hair that has already been lightened or chemically processed, so the goal is usually to deposit color, not lift the hair further.
For this reason, low-volume developers are usually the better choice for toner. Options like 5, 6, 7, and 10 volume are widely available. In fact, 5-volume developer (1.5% hydrogen peroxide) is commonly used for depositing toner with less risk of extra dryness and damage.
We recommend using a low-volume developer between 5 and 10 volume for most toning situations, unless your toner instructions say otherwise.
Avoid using anything higher than 20 volume at home, especially 30 or 40 volume. These stronger peroxide products can cause serious scalp irritation, hair damage, and chemical burns if used incorrectly. Even 20 volume can be too harsh for fragile, already bleached hair.
So which developer should you use? It depends on the following:
Hair Health
Toners contain alkaline ingredients that gently open the cuticle. The developer contains hydrogen peroxide, which activates the color molecules so they can successfully deposit into the hair shaft by oxidizing. The higher the volume of developer you use, the more this oxidation process stresses the hair.
If your hair is compromised, choose the lowest strength your toner allows. For freshly bleached hair, 10 volume or less is a common choice to help protect hair integrity.
Some toners use a dedicated low-volume activator. If your toner brand offers one, it is often the safest match.
Also consider your strand size. Fine hair tends to process faster and can feel rougher sooner than thick hair.
Desired Results
Toner is mainly for tone correction. Think brassiness control, ash balance, or a softer beige finish.
10 volume: The standard. Best for toning pre-lightened hair, neutralizing brassiness, or going slightly darker with a toner or gloss. It focuses on depositing tone, not lifting.
20 volume: Situational. This can slightly lift natural hair while depositing tone. It is sometimes used to “break the base” on virgin roots or with specific permanent toners. Use it only if the toner directions clearly call for it or a pro recommends it.
30 and 40 volume: Do not use with toner. These are for lifting with permanent color or bleach, not for toning. Using them with toner can damage lightened hair and can irritate the scalp. If you need blonde from brown hair, toner will not do that. Lightening your hair is best done by a professional.
If you are unsure, start with the toner brand instructions and choose the lowest strength that matches your goal.
Manufacturer Recommendations
Each toner has specific mixing and timing instructions. Follow those first when choosing developer volume.
Many brands also make a matching activator for their toner line. Using the paired products often gives the most predictable results.
Some toners and developers are marked for professional use only. Avoid using these at home.
How To Use Toner With Developer
Once you choose the right strength, you also need the right method. Toning at home can work, but only if you follow the directions closely.
My Advice
- Do a patch test first. NHS steps are here: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/hair-dye-reactions/
- Do a strand test if your hair is very light, very porous, or already feels stretchy.
- Use the brand’s developer or activator when possible. Do not guess.
- If you feel strong burning or swelling, rinse right away and follow medical first aid guidance: https://www.mayoclinic.org/first-aid/first-aid-chemical-burns/basics/art-20056667
Here are the key steps to follow when using a toner with a developer.
Step 1: Gather the Required Tools and Products
Some of the tools and products you will need include:
- A mixing bowl
- An applicator brush
- Toner
- Developer or activator
- Protective gloves
- A hairdresser cape to protect your clothes
Step 2: Protect Your Surfaces and Hands
Toner can stain clothes and surfaces. Developer can irritate skin. Wear gloves and protect your clothing.
Step 3: Mix Developer and Toner
Mix the toner and developer in the ratio listed in the toner directions. Many toners use a 1 to 2 ratio, but not all do.
Stir until smooth and even.
Step 4: Section Your Hair
Section your hair into four parts to make application easier. Many toners apply best on towel-dried, damp hair.
If you just bleached your hair, rinse very well to remove all the lightener. Then shampoo if your toner directions say to, and towel dry until damp.
Step 5: Apply Toner
Apply the mixture section by section. Saturate the hair evenly from root to ends, unless the directions tell you to avoid the scalp.
Step 6: Allow the Toner to Process
Process for the time on the box. Many toners process in 5 to 20 minutes.
Do not leave toner on longer than directed. If you feel burning or strong stinging, rinse right away.
If you smell burning, or you feel stinging, burning, or irritation on your scalp after you apply the mix, rinse immediately.
Rinse with running lukewarm water. If symptoms are severe or the skin is blistering, get urgent medical help. Trusted guidance: Burn and Reconstructive Centers of America.
Step 7: Rinse, Shampoo, and Condition Your Hair
Rinse well until the water runs clear. Then shampoo and condition if the toner directions say to. Use color-safe products to help protect the tone.
How to Care for Hair After Using Toner With Developer
Chemical processing forces the cuticle open, so your hair can feel drier afterward, so your toned hair also needs gentle care.
Here are simple ways to care for toned hair:
- Wait 24 to 48 hours before your next wash, if your toner brand recommends it.
- Use color-safe shampoo and conditioner. Avoid harsh cleansers that fade tone fast.
- Deep condition once a week to help hair feel smoother.
- Use warm or cool water when washing to help reduce fading.
- Limit heat styling to reduce dryness and breakage.
- Use a hat in strong sun.
- Use purple or blue shampoo once a week if you struggle with yellow or orange tones.
Notes
If your hair feels gummy, stretchy, or breaks when wet, pause chemical services and see a professional colorist. That texture often means the hair is overstressed.
Final Words
Choose developer volume based on your hair health, your goal, and the toner brand directions.
For most toning on pre-lightened hair, 10 volume or a brand-specific low-volume activator is the safest standard. Use 20 volume only when the toner directions clearly call for it. Do not use 30 or 40 volume with toner.