In hair coloring, what is the role of a developer?

In hair coloring, the role of a developer is primarily to lift or lighten the hair. When a developer is mixed with hair color or bleach, it acts as an oxidizing agent. This process is essential for opening the cuticle of the hair, allowing the color molecules to penetrate the hair shaft. The developer also contains hydrogen peroxide, which is responsible for the lifting action by creating a chemical reaction that lightens the natural pigment in the hair.

The choice of developer strength (10, 20, 30, or 40 volume) determines the extent of lift achieved, with higher volumes providing more lightening. Therefore, when choosing a developer in the hair coloring process, understanding its role in lifting and lightening the hair is crucial for achieving the desired color results.

Options that suggest adding shine, reviving damaged hair, or enhancing curl patterns do not accurately describe the function of a developer in the context of hair coloring.