My mentor told me to stop using a 10 volume developer for all my toners

She said it was lazy and I'd get better results with a 6, but I argued it was fine. After a client's blonde went slightly brassy last week, I tried the 6 volume and the tone was way cleaner and lasted longer. Anyone else have a stubborn habit they finally broke?

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3 Comments

the_derek6mo ago

My 20 volume developer for toners changed my whole blonding game.

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michael_thomas566mo ago

You said it was "lazy" to use 10 volume for everything, but I'd call it more of a time-saving shortcut that backfires. The developer strength really does change how the toner grabs and holds. Your mentor was spot on, and it's cool you tested it for yourself.

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the_sean6mo ago

Yeah, my mentor made me mix the same toner with 10, 20, and 30 volume on swatches. The 10 volume gave a soft, washed-out grey that faded fast. The 30 volume was almost black and looked flat. But the 20 volume? Perfect, rich charcoal that lasted weeks. It proved you can't just force color with high developer.

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