Best Hair Color Developer Gels of 2026

Lisa Bechard Avatar
Lisa Bechard
Last Updated: Jan 12, 2026

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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
Satin Hair Developer with Brush Cover #TOP 2
Satin Hair Developer with Brush
ftb score rating icon 9.8
COLORCHARM 20 Volume Cream Developer Cover #TOP 3
COLORCHARM 20 Volume Cream Developer
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Hair Color Developer Gels

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

Satin
satin-developer
Grey
1 Count (Pack of 1)
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

Satin Hair Developer with Brush

Satin
satin-developer
Grey
1 Count (Pack of 1)
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

COLORCHARM 20 Volume Cream Developer

20 Volume
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
Gentle on hair
Creamy easy-to-mix texture
Even color results
Effective gray coverage
Great value for size
#TOP 4

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
#TOP 5

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 6

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 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
Gentle on hair
Creamy, smooth consistency
Even, predictable color results
Effective gray coverage
Good value for size
#TOP 7

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 8

Hair Bar NYC Gel and Cream 20 Volume Lightening System Peroxide Developer

Gray,White
Pack of 1
Hair Bar NYC Gel and Cream 20 Volume Lightening System Peroxide Developer Cover
Gel and Cream 20 Volume Professional Lightening System Peroxide Developer with Collagen-Ideal for Sensitive Scalps, Gentle Lightening and Strengthening, 33.8oz /1lt, Ensures Even and Effective Results

The Hair Bar NYC Lightening System is a professional-grade peroxide developer infused with collagen, ideal for those with sensitive scalps. Its creamy consistency adds moisture to condition your hair during the coloring process. This reliable and versatile product is suitable for all permanent and demipermanent hair colors. It works wonders in covering white or gray hair and lightening natural hair shades. The Hair Bar NYC Lightening System ensures your hair stays healthy and vibrant while achieving your desired color.

What We Like
Moisturizes hair
Works with all colors
Covers white/gray hair
#TOP 9

Satin Hair Developer for Ultra Rich Vivid Colors

Satin
satin-developer
Grey
1 Count (Pack of 1)
Satin Hair Developer for Ultra Rich Vivid Colors Cover
Satin Hair Developer, Silicone Enhancing for Ultra Rich Vivid Colors (w/Sleek Brush) Haircolor Dye Activator, Hydrogen Peroxide (CG - Cover Grey - 32 oz LARGE size)

Satin Hair Developer comes with a Sleek Tint Applicator Brush that makes application and mixing with colors easier. The silicone enhanced developer provides optimal shine and conditioning, while the Cover Grey (CG) developer has wetting agents that cling to the hair shaft for better color penetration. The SEMI Processing Gel is a developer that enhances color and provides long-lasting shine. It's safe to use on relaxed hair.

What We Like
Comes with a sleek tint applicator brush
Silicone enhanced for optimal shine and conditioning
Cover Grey developer has wetting agents and mordents for better color penetration
SEMI Processing Gel enhances color and provides long-lasting shine
Safe to use on relaxed hair
#TOP 10

Super Star Stabilized Cream Peroxide Developer

Super Star
50404 40V Cream Dev 1 Gal
White
Super Star Stabilized Cream Peroxide Developer Cover
Super Star Stabilized Cream Peroxide Developer, 40v Hc-50404

The Super Star Stabilized Cream Peroxide Developer is a 40 volume cream peroxide developer that can be used as a substitute for liquid peroxide with a gel consistency, which makes it easier to apply. It keeps its strength longer and is designed for professional use only. This developer is ideal for those who want to achieve perfect hair color at home.

What We Like
Easy to apply with gel consistency
Keeps its strength longer
Designed for professional use only
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 70,504 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 $13.49.

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 Satin, COLORCHARM, Super Star, Hair Bar NYC. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 319 consumers with an average rating of 4.6.

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.