Best Hair Color Developer Gels of 2025

Lisa Bechard Avatar
Lisa Bechard
Last Updated: Jan 8, 2025

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Hair color developer gels are an essential part of any hair coloring process. These gels are designed to work in tandem with hair color dyes to achieve the desired shade and tone. They come in different volumes, with the higher volume gels being used for lightening or brightening hair and the lower volumes for darkening or toning. Most developer gels contain hydrogen peroxide, which helps to activate the color dye and opens up the hair cuticle to allow the color to penetrate. It is important to choose the right volume of developer gel for the desired outcome and to always follow the instructions carefully to avoid damaging the hair.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Satin Hair Developer for Ultra Rich Vivid Colors (w/Sleek Brush) Cover #TOP 1
Satin Hair Developer for Ultra Rich Vivid Colors (w/Sleek Brush)
ftb score rating icon 9.9
COLORCHARM 20 Volume Cream Developer Cover #TOP 2
COLORCHARM 20 Volume Cream Developer
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Super Star Cream Peroxide Developer 40 Volume Cover #TOP 3
Super Star Cream Peroxide Developer 40 Volume
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Hair Color Developer Gels

Satin Hair Developer for Ultra Rich Vivid Colors (w/Sleek Brush)

Vineen
satin-developer
Grey
Satin Hair Developer for Ultra Rich Vivid Colors (w/Sleek Brush) Cover
Satin Hair Developer, Silicone Enhancing for Ultra Rich Vivid Colors (w/Sleek Brush) Haircolor Dye Activator, Hydrogen Peroxide (SEMI Processing Gel - 6 oz size)

Satin Hair Developer is a silicone-enhanced developer that provides optimal shine and conditioning during any chemical service. It comes with a sleek tint applicator brush for easy application and mixing with colors. The silicone base in the Satin Developer provides a color-protecting barrier on the hair fiber, resulting in a much longer retention of color. Satin's SEMI Processing Gel is a developer used to enhance your color and provide a beautiful lasting shine. It is safe to use on relaxed hair.

What We Like
Includes Sleek Tint Applicator Brush
Provides optimal shine and conditioning
Color-protecting barrier for longer retention of color
SEMI Processing Gel enhances color and provides lasting shine
Safe for use on relaxed hair
#TOP 2

COLORCHARM 20 Volume Cream Developer

Color Charm
White
COLORCHARM 20 Volume Cream Developer Cover
COLORCHARM Cream Hair Color Developer | 20 Volume | For Optimal Gray Blending and Rich| Multi-Dimensional End Results| 32 Fl Oz

The COLORCHARM Cream Developer is specially formulated to deliver vibrant and multi-dimensional hair color results. With its 20 volume strength, it offers just the right amount of lift, making it perfect for use with various WELLA COLORCHARM products. You'll appreciate how it enhances gray blending, ensuring a natural finish that looks seamless. The creamy texture allows for easy application, whether you prefer using a bottle or a bowl and brush. Plus, its fragrance-free formula means you can color your hair without any unpleasant smells. This developer is also a vegan choice, free from animal-derived ingredients.

What We Like
Deep color penetration
Natural gray blending
Easy application
Fragrance-free
Vegan formula

Super Star Cream Peroxide Developer 40 Volume

SUPER STAR
mar15-16-oz
Black, Blue, Pink
Super Star Cream Peroxide Developer 40 Volume Cover
Super Star Cream Peroxide Developer 40 Volume - 16 Oz

The Super Star Cream Peroxide Developer 40 Volume is a hair color developer that offers easy, precise, and fast highlighting/dimensional hair coloring. Its cream formula ensures that it will not run or drip, making it a better substitute for liquid peroxide. Manufactured in the USA, this beauty product comes in a package with dimensions of 2.4"L x2.4"W x7.9"H.

What We Like
Fast and easy highlighting/dimensional hair coloring.
Cream formula prevents running or dripping.
Can substitute liquid peroxide with gel consistency.
#TOP 4

COLORCHARM 40 Volume Hair Color Developer

Color Charm
White
COLORCHARM 40 Volume Hair Color Developer Cover
COLORCHARM Cream Hair Color Developer | 40 Volume | For Optimal Gray Blending and Rich| Multi-Dimensional End Results| 32 Fl Oz

The COLORCHARM 40 Volume Developer offers a powerful solution for achieving vibrant, multi-dimensional hair color. With its 40 volume formula, this developer maximizes lift, making it perfect for use with various WELLA COLORCHARM products. You’ll appreciate its ability to blend gray hair seamlessly, giving you a more natural look. The creamy texture allows for easy application, whether you prefer using a bottle or a bowl and brush. Plus, it’s fragrance-free, ensuring a comfortable coloring experience. This vegan-friendly developer is also free from animal-derived ingredients, making it an ethical choice for your hair coloring needs.

What We Like
Maximum lift for vibrant color
Natural gray blending
Smooth, easy application
Vegan-friendly formula
#TOP 5

COLORCHARM 40 Volume Cream Developer

Color Charm
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 6

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
Keeps its strength longer than other products
Affordable
Works just as well as salon products
#TOP 7

Satin Hair Developer with Brush

Satin
satin-developer
Grey
Satin Hair Developer with Brush Cover
Satin Hair Developer, Silicone Enhancing for Ultra Rich Vivid Colors (w/Sleek Brush) Haircolor Dye Activator, Hydrogen Peroxide (CG - Cover Grey - 6 oz size)

The Satin Hair Developer is designed to enhance your hair coloring experience. It comes with a sleek tint applicator brush, making it easy for you to apply and mix colors smoothly. The silicone-enhanced formula not only adds shine but also conditions your hair during the process. Its unique wetting agents allow the color to adhere better to your hair, ensuring deeper penetration for longer-lasting results. Plus, it’s safe for use on relaxed hair, allowing you to achieve vibrant colors without compromising your hair's health.

What We Like
Easy application with brush
Silicone for shine and conditioning
Better color penetration
Safe for relaxed hair
#TOP 8

Super Star Cream Peroxide Developer - 20 Volumes

Superstar
666425502040
B0002Z92AW
Super Star Cream Peroxide Developer - 20 Volumes Cover
Super Star Cream Peroxide Developer with 20 Volumes

Super Star Cream Peroxide Developer is a gel-based hair color developer that helps to highlight and color hair quickly, easily, and precisely. Unlike liquid peroxide, this product will not run or drip, making it a mess-free option. It is also manufactured in the United States and is considered a top beauty product in the hair color developer category.

What We Like
Mess-free application
Helps to highlight and color hair quickly, easily, and precisely
Gel consistency
#TOP 9

Hair Bar NYC Gel and Cream Developer

Gray,White
Pack of 1
Hair Bar NYC Gel and Cream Developer Cover
Gel and Cream 30 Volume Professional Lightening System Peroxide Developer with Collagen - Ideal for Sensitive Scalps, Gentle and Effective Lightening, Strengthens Hair, 33.8oz / 1lt, Made in Italy

The Hair Bar Developer is designed to offer a gentle yet effective lightening experience. With its creamy texture, it adds moisture to your hair while it develops, ensuring a healthier look. It’s suitable for all types of permanent and demi-permanent hair colors, making it versatile for various coloring needs. If you have a sensitive scalp, this developer is infused with collagen to soothe and protect while still providing excellent lightening results. Plus, its stabilized formula means you can expect even color development without patchiness.

What We Like
Moisturizing creamy texture
Gentle on sensitive scalps
Even color development
Versatile for all hair colors
#TOP 10

Satin Hair Developer with Brush

Satin
satin-developer
Grey
Satin Hair Developer with Brush Cover
Satin Hair Developer, Silicone Enhancing for Ultra Rich Vivid Colors (w/Sleek Brush) Haircolor Dye Activator, Hydrogen Peroxide (20 Volume / 6% - 32 oz LARGE size)

The Satin Hair Developer is designed to enhance your hair coloring experience. It comes with a sleek tint applicator brush, making application and mixing colors easy and precise. This developer is silicone enhanced, which means it adds shine and conditions your hair during the coloring process. The Cover Grey feature helps the color penetrate better, ensuring it clings to your hair for a more vibrant result. Additionally, the semi-processing gel provides a beautiful shine that lasts for weeks, making it perfect for anyone looking to maintain their color while keeping their hair healthy.

What We Like
Easy application with brush
Silicone for shine and conditioning
Better color penetration
Long-lasting semi-permanent color
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the developer for Redken gels?

Color Gels Lacquers is mixed in a 1:1 ratio using Redken Pro-Oxide Cream Developers (10 – 40 vol). Develop for up to 45 minutes depending on your desired results.

2. Can you use any developer with Redken color gels?

WHICH DEVELOPER SHOULD I USE WITH COLOR GELS LACQUERS 10 MINUTE? Color Gels Lacquers 10 Minute is compatible with Pro-oxide Cream Developer! For best results, use 20 volume.

3. Is Redken color gels permanent color?

Color Gels Lacquers is a low ammonia, liquid permanent color with vibrant saturation and lacquer shine. Color Gels Lacquers provide high coverage, high impact fashion shades and are ideal for easy technique work.

4. How long does Redken color gels stay on?

40 Volume – 45 minutes. Redken's Color Gels Lacquers features a gel-like consistency and spreadability which make it the perfect choice for techniques such as color melting!

Editor's Notes

During our hair color developer gel research, we found 48 hair color developer gel products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 19,311 customer reviews through our big data system to write the hair color developer gels list. We found that most customers choose hair color developer gels with an average price of $11.66.

The hair color developer gels are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of hair color developer gels, including Vineen, Color Charm, SUPER STAR, Satin, Superstar. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 570 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.