Best Hair Color Developers of 2025

Lisa Bechard Avatar
Lisa Bechard
Last Updated: Jan 13, 2025

* We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.

Choosing the perfect hair color can be a thrilling yet daunting task, especially considering the myriad of choices available in the market today. Not only is the shade important, but the choice of developer, the chemical that catalyzes the hair coloring process, is equally crucial. The right hair color developer can not just enhance the color, but also provide longevity and preserve hair health.

Welcome to our comprehensive buying guide of the best hair color developers. Whether you're an at-home hair color enthusiast or a professional hairdresser looking for the best products, our guide aims to simplify your search. From understanding the role of developers in the hair coloring process to exploring different developer strengths, and even showcasing the top-rated products on the market, our guide covers it all. So, dive in and let's unravel the world of hair color developers together.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

AGEbeautiful 20 Volume Gentle Creme Hair Developer Cover #TOP 1
AGEbeautiful 20 Volume Gentle Creme Hair Developer
ftb score rating icon 9.9
Sensitive Scalp 20 Volume Creme Developer Cover #TOP 2
Sensitive Scalp 20 Volume Creme Developer
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Clairol Professional Crème 20 volume Hair Developer Cover #TOP 3
Clairol Professional Crème 20 volume Hair Developer
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Hair Color Developers

#TOP 1

AGEbeautiful 20 Volume Gentle Creme Hair Developer

2619728
Universal
4 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
AGEbeautiful 20 Volume Gentle Creme Hair Developer Cover
AGE beautiful 20 Volume Gentle Creme Hair Developer | For Permanent Hair Color Dyes, Toners, Lighteners | Professional Salon Coloring | Long Lasting Haircolor | 4 Fl Oz

AGEbeautiful 20 Volume Gentle Creme Hair Developer is a professional salon coloring product designed to provide long-lasting color. It has a soft floral fragrance and comes in a 4 fl oz bottle. The mixing ratio is 1:1 (equal parts color and developer). It can be used with either an applicator bottle or a bowl and brush.

What We Like
Gentle on hair
Amazing color results
Easy to mix and apply
No irritation or burning
Rich, vibrant color
#TOP 2

Sensitive Scalp 20 Volume Creme Developer

ion
305015D
Multi-colored
Sensitive Scalp 20 Volume Creme Developer Cover
Ion Sensitive Scalp 20 Volume Creme Developer 32 Oz

The Sensitive Scalp 20 Volume Creme Developer is a hair color developer that is formulated with wheat germ protein. This feature provides greater client comfort and a refreshing fragrance, making the hair coloring experience more enjoyable.

What We Like
Gentle on sensitive skin
Vegan formula
Effective for long-term use
Good value for size
#TOP 3

Clairol Professional Crème 20 volume Hair Developer

Clairol Professional Crème 20 volume Hair Developer Cover
Clairol Professional Crème Permanente 20 volume Hair Developer, 32 oz. - Packaging May Vary

Clairol Hair Developer is a top choice for coloring your hair. With its superior viscosity, it allows for easy application using a bowl and brush. You can apply it directly from the bottle onto your hair, ensuring even coverage without touching the scalp. This luxurious hair color system not only provides long-lasting color but also conditions your hair, leaving it soft and vibrant. With a wide range of shades available, including red, brunette, and blonde, you can find the perfect color to suit your style.

What We Like
Reliable developer
Professional quality
Convenient online ordering
Easy to use
What We Don't Like
Possible seal issue
#TOP 4

Clairol Professional Pure White 20 Volume Crème Developer

81584029
White
Clairol Professional Pure White 20 Volume Crème Developer Cover
Clairol Professional Pure White 20 volume Crème Developer, 16 oz (Pack of 1)

Clairol Professional's Pure White 20 Volume Crème Developer is a great choice for those looking to lighten their hair. It is recommended for bowl and brush or applicator bottle applications and features added conditioners for easy spreadability. It provides standard lightening action and superior gray coverage. Customers have found it to be a good value for their money and have had great results with it.

What We Like
Authentic product
Effective for slight lightening
Good mixing with hair color
Well-packaged
Good for white hair maintenance
What We Don't Like
Not suitable for darker hair
#TOP 5

L'Oreal Paris Oreor 20Volume Creme Developer

41090112
White
L'Oreal Paris Oreor 20Volume Creme Developer Cover
L'Oreal Technique Oreor Developer | Hair Color Developer | Creamy Formula for Uniform Color and Bleach Results | 20 Developer | 16 Oz.

L'Oreal Paris Oreor 20Volume Creme Developer is a thick, rich mixture consistency that provides consistent uniform color and bleach results. It is great for thicker hair types and offers greater client comfort. Customers have praised its easy application, minimal smell, and ability to remove color without bleach.

What We Like
Affordable price
Effective with bleach
Good color results
Timely delivery
Long-time user satisfaction
What We Don't Like
Runny consistency
Smaller bottle size
#TOP 6

AGEbeautiful ULTRA BOND 20 Volume Hair Developer

2548881
4 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
AGEbeautiful ULTRA BOND 20 Volume Hair Developer Cover
ULTRA BOND 20 Volume Hair Developer with Built-in Bonds to Strengthen & Protect Hair, 4 Fl Oz

AGEbeautiful Hair Developer is a 20 Volume developer that strengthens and protects your hair during lightening. It comes with built-in bonding for optimal results when used with AGEbeautiful Ultra Bond Creme & Powder Lighteners. The easy-to-use instructions make mixing a breeze for achieving desired hair results. You can conveniently apply it on or off the scalp using a bowl and brush. This developer offers a versatile range of options with its off-scalp application, giving you flexibility in your hair color journey.

What We Like
Effective for hair lightening
Maintains hair structure
Affordable price
Easy to use
What We Don't Like
Limited to certain hair types
#TOP 7

Color Charm 10 Vol Cream Developer

99350110813
10 Volume
Color Charm 10 Vol Cream Developer Cover
COLORCHARM Cream Hair Color Developer| 10 Volume |For Optimal Gray Blending and Rich| Multi-Dimensional End Results| 15.4 Fl Oz

Color Charm Developer is designed to deliver optimal gray blending for your hair color needs. This developer ensures your grays seamlessly blend in, giving you rich, multi-dimensional end results. With Color Charm Developer, achieve a flawless finish every time. Its specialized formula caters to gray coverage, offering you professional-grade results at home. Experience the convenience of easy application and the benefit of vibrant, long-lasting color.

What We Like
Healthy and smooth hair
Professional results
Sealed packaging
Easy to use
Controlled product strength
What We Don't Like
Hair can feel dry
Possible user error
#TOP 8

COLORCHARM 40 Volume Cream Developer

White
COLORCHARM 40 Volume Cream Developer Cover
COLORCHARM Cream Hair Color Developer | 40 Volume | For Optimal Gray Blending and Rich| Multi-Dimensional End Results|3.7 Fl Oz

COLORCHARM Cream Developer is designed to give you vibrant and multi-dimensional hair color results. With its 40 volume formula, it offers maximum lift, making it perfect for achieving lighter shades or blending grays effectively. You’ll appreciate the creamy consistency that allows for a smooth application, whether you prefer using a bottle or a bowl and brush. Plus, this developer is vegan and free from animal-derived ingredients, ensuring you make a compassionate choice for your hair coloring needs.

What We Like
Deep color penetration
Maximum lift for vibrant colors
Easy application
Vegan formula
#TOP 9

Clairol Professional 40 Volume Developer

99240014177
Clairol Professional 40 Volume Developer Cover
Clairol Professional Crème Permanente 40 volume Hair Developer, 16 oz. - Packaging May Vary

The Clairol 40 Volume Developer is designed for easy application, allowing you to apply directly from the bottle. This feature makes it convenient to work the color into your hair without the hassle of using extra tools. The product boasts an optimal viscosity, ensuring a smooth mix with hair color for a seamless experience. You’ll also appreciate its luxurious formula that provides long-lasting color and conditioning. Plus, with a wide range of shades to choose from, including red, brunette, and blonde, you can easily find the perfect hue to suit your style.

What We Like
Effective for stubborn hair
High lifting action
Creamy consistency
Affordable option
What We Don't Like
Use with caution
Not for beginners
#TOP 10

Super Star 20v Creme Developer

SUPER STAR
mar13-32-oz
B00FKW57CO
Super Star 20v Creme Developer Cover
Superstar Super Star 20v Creme Developer, 32 Ounces

Super Star 20v Creme Developer is a stabilized cream peroxide developer that can be used as a substitute for liquid peroxide with a gel consistency. It keeps its strength longer than other products and is available in a 32 ounce size. Customers have praised its effectiveness and affordability, with some noting that it works just as well as salon products.

What We Like
Bigger bottle size
Great price
Suitable for beginners
Compatible with Wella Color Charm
Effective without fast bleaching
What We Don't Like
Initial hesitation with brand
Best Hair Color Developers Feature Image

Unlock Your Hair's True Potential: The Ultimate Guide to the Best Hair Color Developers

Hair color developers are mixed with dyes for hair lightening or coloring. Developers are also called activators, which is an essential ingredient for dying hair. The product has hydrogen peroxide, and the higher the peroxide, the higher the developer volume. It's safe to note that many hair dyes come with activators in separate containers. Even if your dye comes without a developer, you can easily buy it at stores to dye your hair.

Hair color developers are created for most hair textures, and this allows you to get the needed developer appropriate for your hair type. The best hair color developers for textured hair consider textured hair and dyes the hair without causing damages. You need to pick the appropriate hair color activator for your hair texture, which is why you have to consider some factors.

Factors to consider before buy hair color developers

Developer levels: developer levels are essential to consider before purchasing your hair color developer. The developer helps the hair take in color by penetrating the cuticle, allowing dyes to stay in the hair for a longer duration. Different activators have levels that go from 10, 20, and even 30. It would be best if you used a 10 volume developer when you want less permanent hair coloring. You can consider using 20 and 30 if you want more permanent effects.

Dye type: you have to understand the type of dye you want to use for your hair. Not all hair dyes need developers, and using them in that aspect could damage the hair. You should read about your hair dye and know if developers are required for hair dying. There are hair color developers mixing guides that explain the best dye-to-developer ratios.

Hair type: your hair type is one of the most crucial determinants of your developer. The best hair color developers for straight hair are usually ones within the 20 and 30 levels. If you want to change your hair color to a shade much lighter than your hair color, you should use 30 level developers.

Benefits of hair color developers

Permanence: hair color developers help the hair take in color by penetrating the cuticle. Without hair developers, hair dyes won't last long or come out well after use. You are recommended to use the developers to have more natural-looking hair coloring.

Time-saving: you use your hair color developers at home or the salon as the hair easily takes in dyes without much effort. Developers contain hydrogen peroxide, and this is what makes them easily penetrate the hair.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I dye my hair without developers?

Yes, you can dye your hair without developers, but it might not last long. Developers ensure hair color permanence, and this saves time and energy.

Which developer level is appropriate for turning brown hair to black?

Since brown is a shade lighter than black, a 10 level developer is enough to give the desired effect.

Editor's Notes

During our hair color developer research, we found 48 hair color developer products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 103,304 customer reviews through our big data system to write the hair color developers list. We found that most customers choose hair color developers with an average price of $6.73.

The hair color developers are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of hair color developers, including AGE beautiful, ion, Clairol Professional, L'OREAL TECHNIQUE, Color Charm. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 385 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by
Lisa Bechard Avatar

Lisa Bechard is a skin therapist with 12 years of working experience in the beauty industry and also an experienced beauty writer who has expertise in skincare, medical aesthetics and cosmetic surgery, and wellness. Her writing skills are excellent and all her content is very persuasive and insightful.

Hair Color Developers Comparison Table

#TOP1
#TOP2
#TOP3
#TOP4
#TOP5
#TOP6
#TOP7
#TOP8
#TOP9
#TOP10
Brand AGE beautiful ion Clairol Professional Clairol Professional L'OREAL TECHNIQUE AGE beautiful Color Charm Color Charm Clairol Professional SUPER STAR
Item Form Cream Cream Cream Cream Liquid Cream Liquid Cream Cream Cream
Package Information Bottle - Bottle Bottle Bottle Bottle Bottle Bottle Bottle Bottle
Product Benefits Our developers provide perfect viscosity for use with bowl & brush or applicator bottle. Soft floral fragrance. - Creme Permanente Developer formulated with SOY4PLEX to activate the 4 signs of healthy looking color. Standard lightening action, superior gray coverage Consistent, even color and bleach results, with a thick, rich consistency for easier application. Contains Bond-Building Arginine, Silk Amino Acids and Keratin to beautifully maintain the integrity of hair. Formulated specifically for colortango hair color and toners for deposit only Maximum lift, Vegan, Free of Animal-Derived Ingredients Superior viscosity, Optimal bowl & brush application Easy hair coloring with long-lasting strength
Color Universal - 20 Volume Developer, 32 oz White White - 10 Volume White - B00FKW57CO
FTB Score
ftb score rating icon 9.9
ftb score rating icon 9.8
ftb score rating icon 9.6
ftb score rating icon 9.6
ftb score rating icon 9.6
ftb score rating icon 9.6
ftb score rating icon 9.5
ftb score rating icon 9.4
ftb score rating icon 9.4
ftb score rating icon 9.3
Where to Buy