Hair Bleach, Developer and Peroxide: A Complete Guide for Hair Professionals

When it comes to hair lightening and colour transformation, the trio of bleach, developer, and peroxide is at the heart of every professional stylist’s toolkit. But picking the right products can be the difference between stunning blonde brilliance and unwanted damage.

In this guide, we’ll help you confidently choose the best products – with practical advice, key differences, and top picks from SalonServe’s product range.

What Is Hair Bleach?

Hair bleach is a lightening agent that removes natural or artificial pigments from the hair shaft. It works by breaking down melanin (the hair’s natural colour molecule), allowing you to create a blank canvas for further colour application – from icy platinum to vivid fashion shades.

Why stylists use it:

• To lift natural hair colour several levels lighter
• To pre-lighten before applying semi-permanent or vibrant dyes
• To create highlights or balayage effects

Popular options at SalonServe:

• Powder Bleach for maximum lift in traditional foil work
• Cream Bleach for more controlled, scalp-safe applications

Explore our full Hair Bleaching & Colouring collection for industry-grade options.

What Is Hair Developer?

Hair developer is a cream or liquid containing hydrogen peroxide. It activates bleach or hair dye, opening the hair cuticle so the colour or lightener can penetrate and work effectively.

Developer volumes and what they do:

• 10 Vol (3%) – Gentle lift, great for toning or depositing colour
• 20 Vol (6%) – Lifts up to 2 levels, ideal for grey coverage
• 30 Vol (9%) – Lifts 2–3 levels, good for darker hair bases
• 40 Vol (12%) – Strong lift, used with caution for up to 4 levels

Need help choosing? Our Developers & Peroxides range includes professional formulas matched to every technique.

What Is Hydrogen Peroxide in Hair Colouring?

Hydrogen peroxide is the active oxidising agent in most developers. It’s what powers both the lifting and colouring processes by:

• Opening the hair cuticle
• Breaking down existing pigment
• Helping new pigment molecules form and lock in

Common strengths:

• 3%, 6%, 9%, and 12% concentrations (align with 10–40 volume developers)

While peroxide is essential for lasting results, improper use can cause dryness or breakage — which is why aftercare with Hair Treatments and Shampoo & Conditioner is key.

Types of Bleach, Developer, and Peroxide Products

Browse Bleach, Foils & Accessories and Application Tools to complete your set-up.

Benefits and Risks of Using Bleach and Developer

Benefits:

• Maximum colour flexibility
• Bright, vivid or cool-toned results
• Customisable lift levels for any base

Risks (and how to reduce them):

• Dryness or breakage – Use bonding treatments and intensive masks
• Scalp sensitivity – Opt for lower volumes or cream formulas
• Uneven lift – Prevent with proper sectioning and developer mixing

Pro tip: Always perform a strand and patch test before application.

Application Techniques for Hair Stylists and Colourists

To get salon-quality results every time:

1. Section hair with clips for better control
2. Mix bleach and developer in a non-metal tint bowl — usually 1:2 ratio
3. Apply evenly with a tint brush, starting from the mid-lengths to ends
4. Monitor development closely — timing is everything
5. Rinse thoroughly and tone as needed using a hairdryer to style post-treatment

Don’t forget: Wear protective gowns & towels to safeguard both client and workspace.

How to Choose the Right Products for Different Hair Colours

Use this quick guide to make smart choices based on your client’s hair type and goal:

Checklist: Designing a Custom Bleaching & Colouring Plan

Use this step-by-step process for safer, more consistent outcomes:

✅ Assess the client’s hair type, colour history, and condition
✅ Define the desired result (shade, tone, level)
✅ Choose the bleach type and developer strength
✅ Conduct a strand and sensitivity test
✅ Plan application timing and technique
✅ Stock up on tools: Bowls, Brushes, Combs, Clips
✅ Protect with Salon Gowns & Towels
✅ Use post-treatment care: Conditioners, Styling Products
✅ Provide aftercare advice for at-home maintenance

With the right selection and technique, bleach and developer unlock endless possibilities.

Whether you’re lifting gently or creating bold transformations, SalonServe has the products and tools to help you work smarter and safer.

Need help building your kit? Start browsing our full Hair range to achieve professional results, every time.

Have questions? We’re always here to help you find the perfect fit for your salon.

The SalonServe Promise

We have a team of highly qualified employees that pay close attention to detail. We are committed to providing you with outstanding customer service at all times, and our trained therapists are on hand to answer any questions. 

Your orders are expertly hand-picked and packed by our trained warehouse professionals to guarantee that each item will arrive in perfect working order.

Fast, Easy Delivery

We offer free next day delivery Monday to Friday (mainland UK, excludes furniture) when you spend £65 + VAT, or we can work with you to pick a delivery day that suits you best.

Returns Policy

Our returns policy is an easy, stress-free process. With no questions asked and no bad feelings, you can return your purchases within 15 days if you’re not completely satisfied (we’re sure you will be).

Please ensure the product and packaging are in the condition you received them in, ready for resale. Returns of furniture will incur a 25% restocking fee, and after you return your item, we’ll issue you a refund. Simple!