Hair Developer 3%, 6%, 9% or 12%: Which One Should You Use?

Quick answer: Use 6% (20 volume) for most permanent colour and for grey coverage. Use 3% (10 volume) to deposit colour or tone without lifting, or to go darker. Use 9% (30 volume) when you need about 2–3 levels of lift. Use 12% (40 volume) only for maximum lift with high-lift colours, usually off the scalp. A stronger developer does not give better grey coverage. Always follow the mixing ratio and timing of the colour or lightener you're using.

What each developer strength does

Strength	Volume	Typical use	Lift (approx.)
3%	10 vol	Toning, tone-on-tone, going darker, refreshing faded lengths, sensitive scalps	Little to none: deposits colour
6%	20 vol	Standard permanent colour and grey coverage	About 1–2 levels
9%	30 vol	Lifting natural hair 2–3 levels, and lightening with bleach	About 2–3 levels
12%	40 vol	High-lift colours and maximum lift on resistant, dark hair. Usually off the scalp	About 3–4 levels

Lift varies by brand, hair type and the starting level, so treat these as guides, not rules.

Which developer for grey coverage?

6% (20 volume) is the standard for grey coverage with permanent colour. The Venash Superlative Developer 6% is listed specifically for "standard colour development and grey coverage". For grey hair that is resistant (glassy grey that won't take colour):

• Mix in a natural base shade (e.g. a .0 or natural shade) with fashion shades, instead of using a fashion shade alone.
• Process for the full development time the colour manufacturer recommends. Don't rinse early.
• Apply to the most resistant areas first, usually the hairline and temples.
• Don't switch to 9% or 12% to "force" coverage. Stronger developer means more lift and warmth, not better coverage.

Which developer for lightening and bleach?

For lightening powder, 6% and 9% are most common. Venash Blondve Premium Lightener 9+ and Venash Bleaching Powder both recommend 6% or 9%, mixed at 1:1.5 to 1:2. A lower strength for longer is gentler on the hair than a high strength for a short time. Avoid 12% with bleach on the scalp. For more on protecting hair during lightening, see our bleached and damaged hair guide.

Venash Professional developers

NX Hair & Beauty Supplies is the sole authorised distributor of Venash Professional in Malaysia. Venash offers two developer ranges, both formulated for Asian hair and available in 3%, 6%, 9% and 12%:

• Venash Superlative Developer (3%, 6%, 9%, 12%): in an applicator bottle for precise application, with antioxidants that coat the hair surface to help lock in colour.
• Venash AF Developer (3%, 6%, 9%, 12%): an ammonia-free 1000ml developer for colour creams and bleaching powders.

Venash Hair Color mixes 1:1 with developer. NX also stocks developers from Alushe (H2O2 Oxide Lotion 3%, 6% and 9%), L'Oréal Professionnel, Schwarzkopf Professional IGORA, Wella Welloxon and Joico. In general, use the developer from the same brand as the colour.

Frequently asked questions

What's the difference between 20 volume and 6%?

Nothing. They're the same strength described two ways. 3% = 10 vol, 6% = 20 vol, 9% = 30 vol, 12% = 40 vol.

Can I use 9% developer for grey hair?

It isn't recommended for grey coverage. 9% gives more lift, which can leave grey looking warmer or less covered. Use 6% with a natural base shade instead.

Which developer is gentlest on the hair?

The lowest strength that achieves the result. 3% for toning and going darker, 6% for most colour work.

Can I mix different brands of colour and developer?

It's best to use the developer recommended by the colour brand, because mixing ratios and formulas are designed together.

Where can I buy professional developer in Malaysia?

NX Hair & Beauty Supplies stocks Venash, Alushe, L'Oréal Professionnel, Schwarzkopf, Wella and Joico developers. Browse the Color collection, visit our showroom at T-063, 3rd Floor, Sungei Wang Plaza, Kuala Lumpur, or WhatsApp +60 16-297 6299 for salon trade pricing. We deliver nationwide.

Developers, colours and lighteners are professional chemical products. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions, wear gloves, and carry out a skin allergy test before every colour service.