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Choosing the Right Developer: Why Capital Peroxide is the Professional’s Go-To

Lightening hair

Why the Right Developer Matters

As a freelance hairdresser, your time is your income and your product choices need to work hard for you. Whether you're lightening roots between school runs or lifting colour during a back-to-back client day, consistency matters. And when it comes to colour results, your developer plays just as big a role as your tint or bleach.

Capital Peroxide has been a go-to for professional stylists for years but in the rush of next-day deliveries and new brand launches, it’s easy to overlook your quiet heroes. This blog is your quick refresher on why Capital Peroxide deserves a permanent spot on your colour trolley and how to pick the right volume for every job.

What Is Hair Peroxide & Why It’s Essential

Hair peroxide (also known as developer or oxidising lotion) is a crucial component in any colour service. It lifts the hair cuticle allowing the colour you have chosen to penetrate or during lightening breaks down the pigment for a lighter result.

The strength of the peroxide you choose — 6, 10, 20, 30 or 40 volume determines how much the hair is lifted, how long it processes, and what kind of result you’ll achieve. The wrong developer can lead to dull results, poor grey coverage, or unnecessary damage.

Capital Peroxide: Trusted by Professionals for Decades

Unlike supermarket-grade developers, Capital Peroxide is designed exclusively for professional use. Here’s why hairdressers have trusted it for years:

  • Reliable performance: Formulated for consistent lift and tone, even on resistant or pre-coloured hair.
  • Easy mixing: Smooth, creamy texture blends effortlessly with colour or bleach no lumps, no separation.
  • Versatile: Compatible with leading brands.
  • Cost-effective: Premium results at an accessible price point especially valuable when managing tight freelance margins.

“I always keep Capital Peroxide in my kit. It mixes beautifully, lifts cleanly, and gives me total confidence on any colour job.”
– Nicola Wilcox, Freelancer Hairdresser and Social Media Executive at Capital Hair & Beauty

Understanding Developer Strengths: What to Use and When

6 Volume (1.9%)

Best for:

  • Depositing tone without lift (e.g., dark-to-dark colour changes)
  • Toning pre-lightened hair
  • Glossing or refreshing ends

Freelancer tip: Great for keeping condition intact.

10 Volume (3%)

Best for:

  • Depositing tone with one level of lift
  • Toning pre-lightened hair
  • Glossing or refreshing ends

Freelancer tip: Great for fast toning services and keeping condition intact.

20 Volume (6%)

Best for:

  • Grey coverage
  • Lifting up to 1–2 levels
  • Use with permanent colours

Freelancer tip: This is your most-used developer. Ideal for covering greys and client regrowth.

30 Volume (9%)

Best for:

  • Lifting 2–3 levels
  • High-lift tints
  • Virgin hair lightening

Freelancer tip: Go-to for balayage, especially when you want clean lift without bleach.

40 Volume (12%)

Best for:

  • Maximum lift (up to 4 levels)
  • Bleaching dark or coarse virgin hair

Freelancer tip: Handle with care, but essential for dramatic blonding work.

Top Tips for Freelancers: Use Your Developer Smarter

  1. Match your volume to the job – Avoid damage and rework by selecting the right strength first time.
  2. Measure accurately – Use scales or a proper mixing ratio (1:1 or 1:1.5) for even lift.
  3. Store peroxide correctly – Cool, dark cupboard. Seal tightly. Avoid heat or sunlight.
  4. Buy based on usage – Don’t bulk buy if your appointment book varies. 1L bottles offer flexibility.
  5. Stick with what’s proven – Capital Peroxide is stocked in every store ideal for those last-minute client requests.

The Hidden Risk of Generic Developer

Cheaper peroxide can be inconsistent, watery, or oxidised before you even open the bottle. That means:

  • Unpredictable lift
  • Uneven grey coverage
  • Inconsistent toning

When you’re self-employed, one bad colour job costs more than just money it can hurt your reputation. Capital Peroxide delivers pro-level results without compromise.

FAQs: Capital Peroxide and Developer Know-How

Q: What’s the difference between 10 vol and 20 vol?

10 vol deposits colour without lift; 20 vol gives grey coverage and up to 2 levels of lift.

Q: How long does peroxide last once opened?

Ideally use within 6–12 months. Store in a cool, dark place to extend shelf life.

Keep Colouring with Confidence

Freelancers need products they can rely on. With Capital Peroxide, you get performance, value, and availability all without compromise.

Whether you’re refreshing roots on the go or doing a full lightening service in your home studio, Capital Peroxide is the smart, professional choice for consistent results, client after client.

Shop now: Capital Peroxide – Available in-store or online

Need developer and colour? Check out our full colour category here