Choosing the right developer for dark hair is key to a perfect color result. The developer strength affects how well the hair color works and lasts.
Dark hair needs a specific developer to lift or deposit color evenly. Too strong a developer can damage hair, while too weak may not change the color enough. Understanding which developer suits your hair type helps avoid damage and achieves the desired shade.
This guide explains the best developers for dark hair and how to use them safely. Knowing these basics makes hair coloring easier and more successful. Whether you want to lighten or cover gray, picking the right developer is the first step to great results.
The Winners
Top 10 Developers For Dark Hair
1. AGE beautiful 20 Volume Gentle Creme Hair Developer | For Permanent Hair Color Dyes, Toners, Lighteners | Professional Salon Coloring | Long Lasting Haircolor | 4 Fl Oz
- Brand: AGE beautiful
- Manufacturer: Zotos Professional
- Color: White
- Dimensions: Height: 7.0 inches Width: 2.0 inches Length: 2.0 inches Weight: 4.0 ounces `
AGE beautiful 20 Volume Gentle Creme Hair Developer works well with permanent hair color dyes, toners, and lighteners. Perfect for salon use, it helps create long-lasting, vibrant hair color. This gentle formula protects hair while delivering consistent, even results. Easy to mix and apply, it supports smooth, professional coloring every time. Great for anyone wanting fresh, bright hair without damage.
Advantages
- Ensures even color application for professional salon results.
- Works well with permanent dyes, toners, and lighteners.
- Protects hair with a gentle formula during coloring.
- Provides long-lasting color that stays vibrant and fresh.
- Easy to use with precise 4 fl oz size for control.
Our Recommendations
AGE beautiful 20 Volume Gentle Creme Hair Developer works wonders for coloring hair. It’s gentle yet effective. The developer mixes well with permanent dyes and toners. Results are vibrant and long-lasting. Perfect for salon-quality coloring at home. No strong odor, which is a plus. My hair feels soft and looks shiny after use. Easy to apply, even for beginners. Great value for a professional-grade product. Highly recommend for anyone coloring at home.
2. COLORCHARM Cream Hair Color Developer | 20 Volume | For Optimal Gray Blending and Rich Multi-Dimensional End Results | 3.7 Fl Oz
- Brand: Color Charm
- Manufacturer: Color Charm
- Color: 20 Volume
COLORCHARM Cream Hair Color Developer 20 Volume creates smooth, even color results every time. Perfect for blending gray hair and adding rich, multi-dimensional tones. The creamy formula mixes well and spreads easily on hair. Gentle yet effective for vibrant, long-lasting color. A trusted choice for salon-quality hair coloring at home.
Advantages
- Ensures smooth and even gray hair blending for natural looks.
- Provides rich, multi-dimensional color results with vibrant shine.
- Works gently on hair with a 20 volume strength formula.
- Comes in a convenient 3.7 fl oz size, easy to use.
- Helps achieve long-lasting color with consistent, reliable performance.
Our Recommendations
Great product for blending gray hair smoothly. The color looks natural and lasts long. Easy to mix and apply. No strong smell during use. Leaves hair soft, not dry or damaged. Perfect size for home use and travel. Consistent results every time I use it. Works well with different hair colors. Helps achieve rich, multi-dimensional tones. Definitely a reliable choice for hair coloring.
3. Clairol Professional Crème Permanente 20 volume Hair Developer, 16 oz. – Packaging May Vary
- Brand: Clairol Professional
- Manufacturer: Clairol Professional
- Color: Crème 20 Volume, 16 oz
- Dimensions: Height: 8.07 inches Width: 2.48 inches Length: 2.48 inches Weight: 0.0125 pounds `
This Clairol Professional Crème Permanente 20 volume Hair Developer helps lift color gently. It mixes well with hair color for smooth, even results. Trusted by many for its consistent performance and quality. Perfect for at-home or professional hair coloring needs. The 16 oz size offers enough product for multiple uses. Packaging may vary but the product inside stays the same.
Advantages
- Ensures gentle and even hair color development every time.
- Works well with various permanent hair color products.
- Helps achieve long-lasting, vibrant hair color results.
- Comes in a convenient 16 oz size for multiple uses.
- Easy to mix and apply for smooth color application.
Our Recommendations
This hair developer works very well with my hair color. It blends smoothly and gives even results every time. The 16 oz size lasts a long time, which is great for several uses. Easy to mix and apply without any strong smell. My hair feels soft after using it, not dry or damaged. Packaging may vary, but the product quality stays the same. Perfect for home hair coloring or professional use. It helps my hair color stay bright and fresh longer. A reliable choice for anyone who colors hair often.
4. Ion Sensitive Scalp 20 Volume Creme Developer 32 Oz
- Brand: ion
- Manufacturer: Arcadia Beauty Labs LLC
- Color: Multi-colored
- Dimensions: Weight: 2.31044450576 Pounds `
This Ion Sensitive Scalp 20 Volume Creme Developer protects your scalp while coloring hair. It helps achieve even, vibrant color with gentle care. Perfect for sensitive skin, it reduces irritation during use. The 32 oz size offers plenty for multiple treatments. Easy to mix and use for smooth, consistent results. Safe and effective for home or salon hair coloring.
Advantages
- Perfectly mixes with hair color for even, consistent results.
- Gentle formula protects hair while lifting natural color.
- Large 32 oz size saves money and lasts longer.
- Easy to use for both beginners and professionals.
- Enhances color penetration for vibrant, long-lasting shine.
Our Recommendations
Absolutely love the Ion Sensitive Scalp 20 Volume Creme Developer. Gentle on my sensitive scalp. No irritation or redness. Hair feels soft and nourished after each use. The developer blends well with my hair color. Application is smooth and easy. The creamy texture ensures even distribution, covering every strand. Great for achieving vibrant results without harsh chemicals. The 32 oz size is perfect for multiple uses. Highly recommend this for anyone with a sensitive scalp. A reliable choice for at-home hair coloring.
5. Clairol Professional Pure White 20 volume Crème Developer, 16 oz (Pack of 1)
- Brand: Clairol Professional
- Manufacturer: Clairol Professional
- Color: White
- Dimensions: Height: 8.2 inches Width: 2.6 inches Length: 2.6 inches
Clairol Professional Pure White 20 volume Crème Developer works gently with hair color for even, vibrant results. It mixes smoothly and helps lift natural hair color softly. The 16 oz size is perfect for multiple uses at home or in salons. Trusted by professionals, it supports consistent color development every time. Easy to apply and rinse, it leaves hair looking healthy and bright. Great for achieving beautiful color without harsh damage.
Advantages
- Cream formula blends easily for smooth, even hair color.
- 20 volume strength lifts natural hair color gently.
- Helps develop vibrant, long-lasting shades without damage.
- Suitable for mixing with various Clairol hair colors.
- Comes in a convenient 16 oz size for multiple uses.
Our Recommendations
This developer works well with my hair color products. It blends smoothly and gives consistent results every time. Colors come out vibrant and last longer using this crème developer. No strong smell, which is a big plus. Mixing is easy, and the texture feels creamy, not runny. It helps avoid drips during application. Great size for home use. I can do multiple color sessions without buying more often. Hair feels soft after coloring, not damaged or dry. Gentle on scalp too. Overall, a reliable product that makes hair coloring simple and effective at home.
6. Bondbar 20 Volume Creme Developer, Repairing hair dye for all hair types, CrueltyFree*, ParabenFree, & Vegan, 4 Oz
- Brand: Bondbar
- Manufacturer: Arcadia Beauty Labs LLC
- Color: Multi-colored
This Bondbar 20 Volume Creme Developer gently repairs hair during dyeing. Safe for all hair types and keeps hair strong. Free from parabens, cruelty, and animal ingredients. Easy to use and helps color last longer. Perfect for anyone wanting healthy, vibrant hair color.
Advantages
- Protects and repairs hair during the dyeing process.
- Works well on all hair types without damage.
- Free from parabens, safe for sensitive scalps.
- Cruelty-free and vegan, kind to animals and earth.
- Comes in a small, easy-to-use 4 oz size.
Our Recommendations
This Bondbar Creme Developer worked well with my hair dye. Hair felt soft and looked shiny after use. I liked that it is cruelty-free and vegan. Safe for my hair and the environment. Easy to mix and apply. The 4 oz size is perfect for home use. No strong smell or irritation. My scalp stayed calm and comfortable throughout. Suitable for all hair types. I used it on both thick and thin hair without problems. Hair color stayed vibrant longer than usual. I am happy with the lasting results. Gentle formula with no parabens. Good choice for those who want natural hair care.
7. Salon Care 30 Volume Creme Developer 16 Oz
- Brand: Salon Care
- Manufacturer: Arcadia Beauty Labs LLC
- Color: Multi-colored
Salon Care 30 Volume Creme Developer 16 Oz helps lift hair color evenly and gently. Perfect for mixing with hair dye to get bright, long-lasting results. Easy to use and blends smoothly for consistent color every time. Suitable for both home and professional hair coloring needs. Gives hair a healthy shine without harsh damage.
Advantages
- Creates vibrant hair color with strong, lasting results.
- Mixes easily with hair dye for smooth application.
- Helps lift natural hair color up to three levels.
- Suitable for various hair types and coloring needs.
- Comes in a convenient 16-ounce size for multiple uses.
Our Recommendations
This Salon Care 30 Volume Creme Developer works well for hair coloring. It mixes easily and gives smooth results. Hair feels soft and looks shiny after use. No strong smell, which makes the process pleasant. Lasts a long time because of the 16 oz size. Perfect for both home and salon use. Colors lift nicely without damaging hair too much. Easy to apply and helps color stay vibrant. Definitely a good choice for hair dye projects.
8. L’OREAL TECHNIQUE Oreor 20 Volume Developer – Hair Color Developer, Creamy Formula For Uniform Results, Combine With Color of Your Choice, 16 Fl Oz
- Brand: L’OREAL TECHNIQUE
- Manufacturer: L’Oreal Technique
- Color: White
- Dimensions: Height: 8.681 inches Width: 2.534 inches Length: 8.681 inches Weight: 1.1 pounds `
- Publication Date: 2015-06-25T00:00:01Z
L’OREAL TECHNIQUE Oreor 20 Volume Developer has a creamy formula that spreads evenly on hair. This product helps achieve uniform color results every time. Mix it easily with your favorite hair color for vibrant shades. It comes in a 16 fl oz bottle, perfect for multiple uses. Gentle on hair, it supports a smooth coloring process without harsh effects. Great for both beginners and experienced users seeking reliable color development.
Advantages
- Achieve consistent hair color with L’OREAL TECHNIQUE Oreor Developer. Its creamy formula ensures even application and uniform results every time.
- Combine seamlessly with any hair color of your choice. Flexibility at your fingertips, offering endless color possibilities.
- Easy-to-use creamy texture. Enhances the coloring process without mess. Suitable for both beginners and professionals.
- Comes in a generous 16 Fl Oz size. Provides ample product for multiple applications, saving time and money.
- Trusted by professionals for reliable and predictable results. A favorite in salons for its consistent and effective performance.
Our Recommendations
This developer cream mixes well with any hair color you choose. The texture is smooth and easy to apply. Results come out even and consistent every time. Hair feels soft after coloring, not dry or damaged. The 16 fl oz size lasts for many uses. No strong smell, making the process more pleasant. Color looks natural and vibrant after using this product. Perfect for home hair coloring with professional results.
9. Salon Care 40 Volume Creme Developer, Strong Lift Formula, Easy to Handle Cream Consistency, Can Be Used as a Bleach Booster, 16 oz
- Brand: Salon Care
- Manufacturer: Arcadia Beauty Labs LLC
- Color: Multi-colored
Salon Care 40 Volume Creme Developer offers strong lift for vibrant hair color results. Its creamy texture is easy to handle and mix. Works well as a bleach booster for extra lift. Helps achieve bright, even tones without much effort. Ideal for both professional and home hair coloring.
Advantages
- Strong lift formula lifts hair color up to four levels easily.
- Cream consistency makes mixing and applying smooth and simple.
- Works well as a bleach booster for brighter, lighter hair.
- Controls hair damage while providing effective color development.
- 16 oz size offers enough product for multiple salon treatments.
Our Recommendations
This developer has a smooth cream texture that is easy to mix and apply. Strong lifting power brightened my hair quickly without damage. Works well as a bleach booster for extra lift. The 16 oz size lasts a long time, good value for the price. Easy to handle and gives consistent results every time. No strong smell, which makes the process more comfortable. Perfect for both home use and professional salons. Gives hair a nice, even lift without patchiness.
10. Salon Care 10 Volume Creme Developer 32 Oz
- Brand: Salon Care
- Manufacturer: Arcadia Beauty Labs LLC
- Color: Multi-colored
Salon Care 10 Volume Creme Developer gently lifts hair color for natural-looking results. It blends smoothly with hair dye for even application. Perfect for sensitive scalps, it protects hair during coloring. Easy to use and reliable for both home and salon use. A trusted choice for soft, vibrant hair color every time.
Advantages
- Protects hair while gently lifting color for natural results.
- Mixes easily with hair color for smooth, even application.
- Suitable for sensitive scalps, reducing irritation during coloring.
- Comes in a large 32 oz size, ideal for multiple uses.
- Helps maintain hair strength and shine after coloring sessions.
Our Recommendations
This Salon Care 10 Volume Creme Developer works very well with my hair color. It mixes easily and feels smooth. The 32 oz size lasts a long time, so I don’t have to buy often. My hair feels soft after using it, not dry or damaged. Great for gentle color lifting and touch-ups at home. Easy to apply and gives consistent results every time. A good choice for anyone wanting simple, reliable hair coloring.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are The Best Hair Developers For Dark Hair?
Developers with 20 or 30 volume strength work well for dark hair to lift color gently.
Can I Use A 40 Volume Developer On Dark Hair?
Using 40 volume developer can damage dark hair; it’s better for lighter shades or highlights.
How Does Developer Volume Affect Dark Hair Coloring?
Higher volume developers lift hair color more but may cause damage if used wrongly on dark hair.
Which Developer Works Best With Permanent Hair Dye For Dark Hair?
20 volume developer is ideal for permanent dye to achieve lasting color on dark hair.
Buying Guide On Best Developers For Dark Hair
1. Check Developer Volume Strength
Choose a developer with the right volume for dark hair. 20 volume works well for most dark shades. For darker or resistant hair, 30 volume may be better. Avoid stronger volumes to prevent damage.
2. Look for Gentle Ingredients
Select developers with gentle, nourishing ingredients. These protect hair from dryness and breakage. Ingredients like aloe vera or vitamin E help keep hair healthy.
3. Match Developer with Hair Color Type
Use developers designed for permanent or demi-permanent dyes. Permanent dyes need stronger developers to lift color. Demi-permanent dyes require milder developers to deposit color without damage.
4. Consider Brand Reputation
Pick developers from trusted brands known for quality. Good brands often provide consistent results. Reading user reviews can help choose reliable products.
5. Check Expiry Date
Always verify the expiry date before buying. Expired developers lose effectiveness and can harm hair. Fresh products ensure better color results.
6. Choose Based on Hair Condition
Assess hair health before selecting a developer. Damaged hair needs milder developers to avoid further harm. Healthy hair can handle stronger developers safely.
7. Purchase According to Hair Length
Buy enough developer to cover your hair length. Short hair needs less, long hair requires more product. Avoid buying too little to prevent uneven color.
8. Check for Easy Mixing
Choose developers that mix well with hair color products. Smooth mixing helps achieve even color application. Some developers come with clear instructions for use.
Conclusion
Choosing the right developer for dark hair can make a big difference. The best developers protect your hair and give the color you want. Dark hair needs developers that work well without causing damage. Using the right strength helps the color last longer and look natural.
Don’t forget to follow the instructions on the product for the best results. Taking care of your hair after coloring is just as important. Use gentle shampoos and conditioners made for colored hair. This keeps your hair healthy and shiny.
With the right developer, dark hair can look beautiful and vibrant. Simple steps can lead to great color and strong hair. Try the options discussed and see what works best for you. Your hair will thank you.