Hair colour developer: how to choose 3 %, 6 %, 9 % or 12 %

When choosing professional hair colour, both the shade and the correct oxidising emulsion matter. Different concentrations are not interchangeable: the result depends on the colour range, starting hair colour and manufacturer's specified mixing ratio.

This guide explains developer percentages and where to find products from the same manufacturer. Always check the required concentration against your hair colour's technical instructions.

What do 1,5 %, 3 %, 6 %, 9 % and 12 % mean?

1,5–1,9 % — lower-strength activators used for toning in some professional systems. Not all colours allow this concentration.

3 % — a lower-strength developer; its purpose depends on the colour system and manufacturer's protocol.

6 % — a common professional colouring option, but it is not automatically suitable for every shade or service.

9 % and 12 % — higher concentrations, used only where the specific professional system permits them. An unsuitable concentration can damage hair or irritate the skin.

How do you choose the right developer?

1. Check the exact hair colour range and manufacturer. Developers with the same percentage from different manufacturers are not necessarily interchangeable.

2. Read the technical instructions: mixing ratios, processing times and permitted concentrations vary. Do not change the proportions yourself.

3. Assess hair condition, previous colouring and the desired result. If you plan to lighten or correct colour, it is best to consult a professional colourist.

Developers for different hair colour ranges

BBCOS INNOVATION EVO

BBCOS INNOVATION EVO technical instructions specify OXIGEN CREAM emulsion from the same colour system. In the shop, you can view: BBCOS OXIGEN CREAM 3 %, 6 % and 9 %. Choose strictly according to the colour used and the manufacturer's recommendations.

ESTEL DE LUXE

The ESTEL DE LUXE range uses the corresponding DE LUXE developers: 3 %, 6 % and 9 %. The exact option is determined by the colour range and technical protocol.

ELEA ARTISTO COLOR

For ELEA ARTISTO colours, you can find developers from the same range: ELEA ARTISTO 3 % and 6 %. Check the manufacturer's instructions to see whether other concentrations are needed.

KEEN VELVET COLOUR

For the KEEN colour system, view: KEEN Cream Developer 3 % and 6 %. Developer strength and mixing proportions must follow the instructions for the selected KEEN colour.

Frequently asked questions

Can I mix one manufacturer's colour with another's developer?

This is not recommended unless the manufacturer explicitly permits the combination. Compatibility depends on more than the percentage concentration.

Does 12 % developer always give a better result?

No. A higher concentration does not guarantee better colour results and is not always suitable for the chosen product or hair condition.

How do I calculate the mixing ratio?

Refer to your colour packaging and the manufacturer's instructions. Different systems use different colour-to-developer ratios.

Where can I find colour and developer for one order?

Browse the professional hair colour range at plaukams.com. It is easier to choose both products from the same system and buy them together, following the manufacturer's safe-use instructions.

If you are still choosing a shade, you may find our guide to choosing professional hair colour. Before colouring, follow the product's allergy sensitivity test and application instructions.