Just realized I was using too much developer in my color formulas

Switched from a 1:2 ratio to 1:1.5 after watching a senior stylist at my salon in Austin nail the same copper shade with way less mess and way more shine, anyone else find they were over-diluting their colors without realizing it?

3 comments

3 Comments

smith.parker1mo ago

Wait, doesn't everybody start out using way too much developer? I definitely did the same thing when I first started coloring my own hair at home. I was using that 1:2 ratio for everything and wondering why my color always looked washed out and faded so fast. Then I watched a stylist do a demi-permanent on my friend and she basically used a 1:1 mix and the color was so rich and glossy. Now I stick closer to that too especially on my finer hair where I don't need all that liquid and it just soaks up the color way better. Less mess, more shine just like you said.

beth2761mo ago

Gotta respectfully disagree here. I've actually found that a 1:2 ratio gives me way more control over the color deposit, especially on porous hair where I need to avoid grabbing too dark. Less developer means a thicker mix that can sometimes sit on top of the hair instead of penetrating evenly.

west.casey1mo ago

Beth276 brings up a good point about porous hair because I actually wrecked my ends last year using a 1:1 mix on bleached strands and they grabbed way too dark and looked muddy. For anyone dealing with that kind of porosity, her 1:2 approach makes total sense since you need that extra slip to get even coverage without banding or splotches. On virgin hair though I still swear by 1:1 because the thicker mix keeps the color from running down your neck and staining everything. It really depends on your hairs history and condition more than people realize.