Which volume of developer produces the least lift when coloring hair?

Using a 10 volume developer produces the least lift when coloring hair because it contains a lower concentration of hydrogen peroxide compared to higher volumes. Specifically, 10 volume developer has about 3% hydrogen peroxide, which is effective for simple deposit and color refresh without significant alteration to the natural hair color.

This makes it ideal for techniques that require minimal change, such as darkening hair or adding more subtle tones. Higher volumes, such as 20, 30, or 40, contain higher percentages of hydrogen peroxide, which facilitate greater lift and are better suited for lightening hair or achieving more dramatic color changes. Thus, the 10 volume developer is specifically leveraged for low-lift results in hair coloring practices.