* Hair Developer:
* Also known as peroxide.
* It's a chemical oxidizing agent, typically hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), that opens the hair cuticle, allowing hair color or lightener to penetrate the hair shaft.
* Developer also lifts the natural hair pigment, making room for the new color.
* It comes in different volumes (e.g., 10, 20, 30, 40), each volume indicates the percentage of hydrogen peroxide and determines the lifting power and processing time. Higher volumes lift more and process faster but can cause more damage.
* Essential for permanent hair color, demi-permanent color (to a lesser extent), and bleaching/lightening.
* Hair Activator:
* Specifically used with certain types of hair color or bleach, particularly powder lighteners or toners.
* It helps to activate the bleaching or coloring process. Some activators contain ingredients that help with conditioning or toning.
* Activators often have a creamier consistency than developers and can provide more control during application.
* While developer focuses on lifting pigment and opening the hair cuticle, activators might have a more focused purpose in aiding the coloring or lightening formula to work effectively.
Key Differences in a Table:
| Feature | Hair Developer (Peroxide) | Hair Activator |
|-------------------|---------------------------|--------------------------|
| Main Purpose | Oxidize, lift pigment, open cuticle | Activate the coloring/lightening formula|
| Composition | Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) | Varies, often creamy, may include conditioning agents|
| Volumes | 10, 20, 30, 40, etc. | Typically specified by the brand of color/lightener it is designed for |
| Used With | Permanent & demi-permanent color, bleach/lightener | Powder lighteners, some toners|
| Lifting Power | Primary source of lift | Can contribute but secondary to developer|
In summary: Developer is a must for changing hair color or lightening. Activator is more like an enhancer for certain coloring or lightening products, helping them perform their job optimally. If you are using a product (like powder lightener), always use it with the type of activator recommended by the manufacturer.