What type of developer is generally used for lifting hair color?

The use of a high-volume developer is essential in the hair coloring process, particularly when lifting or lightening hair color. A high-volume developer typically contains a higher concentration of hydrogen peroxide, which is necessary for breaking down the natural pigments in the hair during the lightening process. This stronger formulation allows for a more significant lift, making it suitable for achieving lighter shades from darker hair.

In contrast, a low-volume developer is generally used for deposit-only applications or for making slight adjustments to the color without lifting; it may only offer minimal enhancement to existing color. A medium-volume developer usually allows for some lift but is not as effective as a high-volume developer when significant lightening is required. Clarifying treatments are not developers at all; they are designed to remove product buildup and impurities from the hair, not to alter its color. For significant color lifting, the high-volume developer is the ideal choice.