OK... I've been planning on putting some highlights in my hair for awhile now, but I have no idea how to go about it. I've asked a couple of people, but it didn't seem like they really knew what they were talking about.

A person told me to go get some 40 volume developer to bleach my hair and then get some L'Oreal lightener 1, whatever that means. Do I need to get a 20, 30, or 40 volune one? I have an idea on what the developer is for, but what about the lightener? Is that the dye? I did a search for "lightener" on Sally's Beauty Supply's website, but didn't get any results.

Also, what is the difference between crème developer and clear developer? Does it make a difference how long I leave the developer / lightener solution in the hair before washing it out? My hair right now is undyed (natural) and is a 1 or 2 on the hair color scale (black) and I want to go to a 6 or 7...

Any help would be appreciated, thanks a million in advance!

If you are a level 1 (black) and you want to highlight your hair to a level 7 (dark blonde), you will need to lighten your hair with bleach and then apply the desired color. I recommend using a 20-volume developer with the bleaching agent. If you use a 30-40 volume developer, it will over-process your hair. Make sure that you mix the 20 volume developer and the bleaching agent together before applying it to the strands of hair you wish to highlight. Keep in mind that the bleaching process will work fast, so you must monitor the bleaching. Since you want dark blonde highlights, you have to lighten your hair to a yellow shade, then rinse your hair. After you bleach your hair, you can apply the color you want to have. If you plan to use a boxed hair coloring product to color your hair, remember that boxed colors come with their own developer.

This process is difficult do to yourself, you should get it professionally done. If you don't want to go to salon, ask a friend who has experience to help you with the process.

Thanks for your reply.


Make sure that you mix the 20 volume developer and the bleaching agent together before applying it to the strands of hair you wish to highlight.

Is the 20 volume developer the bleaching agent that you're talking about here? Or is the developer the bleaching agent? Also, can you give me some step-by-step directions on how I should go about doing this? My roommate says he can help with pulling the hair through the cap.

You will find the 20 volume developer and the bleaching agent or bleaching powder separate at a beauty supply store. Just tell the clerk in the beauty supply store what you need, and he/she will help you find the products.

First, you will need to mix the 20 volume developer and the bleaching agent in a bowl until it's creamy. When you're done mixing it, apply it to the strands of hair you want to highlight. Make sure that your roommate monitors the bleaching process. After you've lightened the strands, wash out the bleaching mixture with shampoo. Then, apply your desired permanent color.

Is there a way to apply the bleach and color at the same time? I had highlights done once by a professional, and from what I remember, he only had to apply the stuff once to my hair.

How long should I leave the permanent coloring on the strands before washing it out?

The hairstylist used a high lift color to lighten your hair. If you try to go from brown to blonde with a permanent color, you will end up with an unwanted shade, such as red or orange. If you don't want to lighten your hair with bleach and apply the color. You should consider going to the salon and have it professionally done. Some hairstylists can use a high lift color and heat to achieve results.

The only difference between 20 30 40 developer is the higher the # the stronger it is. I personally like the 40 because you don't have to leave it on as long. The down side though is that you have to be able to handle the burning and itching of the 40. My hair is black and I want blonde highlights as well but my hairsylist says its best to do it in steps instead of doing it all at once. She didn't bleach my whole head she's just doing a little bit of highlights a little at a time. I've only have went once and my highlights are a reddish orange color. Most likely the 3rd time I go I will have the blonde highlights.I know that seems like a long process and lots of money but I rather spend the money and time than have my hair brreaking off.