Best Hair Colour Developers of 2025

Charlotte Powell Avatar
Charlotte Powell
Last Updated: 8 Feb 2025

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Hair colour developers are an essential part of the hair colouring process, as they are responsible for activating the hair colouring agents and helping to achieve the desired shade. These products come in a variety of strengths and formulations, allowing hairdressers and at-home users to customise their colouring experience. With the right developer, hair colour can be vibrant, long-lasting, and even. Whether you're looking to cover grey hairs, add highlights, or completely change your hair colour, there is a hair colour developer out there to suit your needs.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Knight & Wilson Colour Freedom 6% Developer Cover #TOP 1
Knight & Wilson Colour Freedom 6% Developer
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Knight & Wilson Colour Freedom Blonde Developer 30 VOL Cover #TOP 2
Knight & Wilson Colour Freedom Blonde Developer 30 VOL
ftb score rating icon 9.7
Colour Culture 6% Cream Peroxide Developer Cover #TOP 3
Colour Culture 6% Cream Peroxide Developer
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Hair Colour Developers

#TOP 1

Knight & Wilson Colour Freedom 6% Developer

UUKD996
White Blonde
75 ml (Pack of 1)
Knight & Wilson Colour Freedom 6% Developer Cover
Knight & Wilson Colour Freedom Blonde Developer 6% 20VOL. Permanent lightening high lift Cream Developer For use with Colour Freedom Ultra Lifting Powder Bleach. 75ml

The Colour Freedom Developer is designed for permanent lightening and high lift results. When used with Colour Freedom Ultra Lifting Powder Bleach, you can achieve stunning whole head colour, balayage, highlights, or cover regrowth effortlessly. This product ensures you can perfect your blonde at home while enjoying the professional quality of a luxury cream peroxide developer. Simply mix one sachet of the bleach with the developer for optimal results, making it a convenient choice for achieving beautiful blonde hair.

What We Like
Easy to achieve professional results
Suitable for various hair techniques
Convenient at-home application
High-quality cream formula
Designed for use with bleach
#TOP 2

Knight & Wilson Colour Freedom Blonde Developer 30 VOL

UUKD869
White
75 ml (Pack of 1)
Knight & Wilson Colour Freedom Blonde Developer 30 VOL Cover
Knight & Wilson Colour Freedom Blonde Developer 9% 30 VOL. Permanent lightening high lift Cream Developer For use with Colour Freedom Ultra Lifting Powder Bleach. 75ml

The Knight & Wilson Developer is a permanent lightening cream designed to work with the Colour Freedom Ultra Lifting Powder Bleach. This developer provides a professional formula, ensuring that you can achieve stunning results at home. It is perfect for various techniques such as balayage, highlights, or covering regrowth. When mixed with the Ultra Lifting Powder, it allows you to create the perfect blonde shade tailored to your preferences. Remember, it must not be used alone, making it essential to pair it with the recommended products.

What We Like
Professional quality results
Versatile for different techniques
Easy to use at home
Specifically designed for blonde hair
High lift cream developer
#TOP 3

Colour Culture 6% Cream Peroxide Developer

CC-P1-6
6% (20 Volume)
1 l (Pack of 1)
Colour Culture 6% Cream Peroxide Developer Cover
Colour Culture Cream Peroxide 6% 20 Volume-1 Litre, Cream Hydrogen Peroxide Activator Developer for Hair Colouring & Bleach, Works with All Brands of Hair Bleach, Hair Colour/Tint & Lightening Powder

Colour Culture Peroxide Developer offers a fantastic solution for hair transformations. With a 6% concentration, this formula delivers vibrant and long-lasting colour while being gentle on your hair. Its creamy consistency ensures easy and even application, giving you control over the results. Additionally, the nourishing mineral oil helps protect your strands, minimising damage and breakage during the colouring process. This versatile product is perfect whether you're touching up roots or trying a bold new shade.

What We Like
Gentle on hair
Easy and even application
Works with all hair colours
UK made for quality
Nourishing formula
#TOP 4

Kobe Cream Peroxide for Hair Colouring

6% (20 vol)
250 ml (Pack of 1)
Kobe Cream Peroxide for Hair Colouring Cover
Kobe Cream Peroxide - Works with All Brands of Hair Bleach, Hair Colour / Tint & Lightening Powder - Choice of Strength & Pack Size - 250ml - 6% (20 vol)

Kobe Cream Peroxide is a versatile product that works with all brands of hair colour, bleach, and lightening powder, making it an excellent choice for your hair dyeing needs. Its thick creamy formula ensures easy mixing and application, allowing you to achieve your desired results with minimal hassle. Enriched with mineral oil, this peroxide helps keep your hair in great condition, preventing damage during the bleaching process. With options available in 6%, 9%, and 12% strengths, you can select the perfect level for your hair.

What We Like
Compatible with all brands
Easy to mix and apply
Keeps hair in good condition
Available in multiple strengths
Variety of sizes offered
#TOP 5

KUAF Professional Hair Developer Cream 6%

KUAF PROFESSIONAL
1 l (Pack of 1)
KUAF Professional Hair Developer Cream 6% Cover
KUAF Professional Cream Hair Developer Activator Peroxide for Hair Colouring Long Lasting Colour and Full Grey Coverage 6% 20 Volume 1000ml

The KUAF Hair Developer is a versatile oxidant cream that comes in four different volumes, allowing you to choose the perfect strength for your hair colouring needs. It effectively activates and develops permanent hair colour, ensuring vibrant and long-lasting results for your hair. The convenient 1-litre bottle provides ample quantity for multiple applications, making it easy for you to achieve your desired look without running out. As a trusted brand among stylists, you can rely on KUAF for quality hair care products.

What We Like
Multiple volume options available
Long-lasting colour development
Convenient 1-litre packaging
Trusted professional brand
Compatible with various hair colours
#TOP 6

Wella Welloxon Perfect 6% Developer 500ml

8005610617343
Mehrfarbig
500 ml (Pack of 1)
Wella Welloxon Perfect 6% Developer 500ml Cover
Wella Welloxon Perfect 6% 20 Vol Creme Developer 500ml

The Wella Welloxon Developer is a 500ml hair colour developer designed for optimal results. This 6% developer is ideal for achieving vibrant and long-lasting colour, giving you the confidence to express your style. With its creamy consistency, it allows for easy application, ensuring that you can achieve a professional finish at home. Additionally, its formulation supports the colour process, helping to ensure that your hair looks healthy and radiant after colouring.

What We Like
Easy application
Long-lasting colour
Supports healthy hair
500ml size
#TOP 7

The Color Codes 1000 ml Cream Hair Developer

THE COLOR CODES
%3 - 10 Volume
White
1 l (Pack of 1)
The Color Codes 1000 ml Cream Hair Developer Cover
The Color Codes Cream Hair Developer Series 1000 ml (%3-10 Volume)

The Color Codes Hair Developer is expertly formulated to deliver precise colour results for your clients. With a high concentration of nourishing mineral oil, it helps maintain the natural moisture balance in hair, ensuring it looks healthy and vibrant. The developer mixes easily and quickly, saving you valuable time during application. Additionally, it is designed to provide a comfortable experience for your customers, making the colouring process enjoyable and stress-free.

What We Like
Accurate colour results
Nourishing mineral oil
Easy and quick mixing
Comfortable for clients
#TOP 8

Wella Koleston WELLOXON Perfect Developer with Brush

Cream Developer
White
1 l (Pack of 1)
Wella Koleston WELLOXON Perfect Developer with Brush Cover
Wella Koleston WELLOXON PERFECT Creme Developer (w/ Sleek Tint Brush) Cream Peroxide (30 Volume / 9% - 33.8 oz liter.)

The Wella WELLOXON Developer is a 30 volume hair colour developer that comes in a generous 1000 millilitre bottle. This peroxide developer is designed to help you achieve vibrant and long-lasting hair colour results. With its sleek tint brush included, applying the developer becomes a seamless task, ensuring even coverage and precision. The 9% concentration provides a strong lift, making it ideal for those looking to lighten their hair or enhance colour intensity. Enjoy the convenience of professional-quality results from the comfort of your own home.

What We Like
Easy application with tint brush
Generous 1000ml size
Strong 30 volume lift
Vibrant, long-lasting colour
#TOP 9

Wella Welloxon Perfect 40 Vol Developer 1000ml

8005610617480
Multicoloured
1 l (Pack of 1)
Wella Welloxon Perfect 40 Vol Developer 1000ml Cover
Wella Welloxon Perfect 12 Percent 40 Vol Creme Developer,1000 Milliliters

The Wella Welloxon Perfect Developer is designed to offer optimal consistency when mixed with KOLESTON perfect. Its reformulation ensures you achieve the most accurate colour results for your clients, enhancing your professional capabilities. You'll find that this developer promotes easier and quicker mixing, saving you valuable time during application. Additionally, it allows for easy rinsing, making the overall colouring process more efficient and pleasant for you and your clients.

What We Like
Accurate colour results
Easier mixing
Quick rinsing
High-shine finish
#TOP 10

Schwarzkopf Blond Me Oil Developer for Moisture

BlondMe
4045787367515
2 percent 1000 ml
1 l (Pack of 1)
Schwarzkopf Blond Me Oil Developer for Moisture Cover
Schwarzkopf Blond Me Premium Care Developer 2 Percent Oil Formaula Hair Moisture Maintaining, 1.101 kg

The Blond Me Oil Developer is designed to maintain the moisture balance of your hair while providing brilliant shine. Its caring formula ensures that your blonde locks stay in great condition, making them look vibrant and healthy. With a high concentration of mineral oil, it helps your hair feel wonderfully soft, enhancing the overall texture. This product is perfect for those who want to achieve stunning blonde results without compromising on hair health.

What We Like
Maintains natural moisture balance
Provides brilliant shine
Creates a soft feel
High mineral oil concentration
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Which developer is best for hair color?

Top Hair Color Developers. Wella Color Charm Creme Hair Developer 20 Volume.L'Oreal Paris, Oreor 20Volume Creme Developer.AGEbeautiful Hair Developer Gentle Creme 20 Volume.SUPER STAR 10v Cream Peroxide Developer.Pure White 20 volume Crème Developer.Sensitive Scalp 20 Volume Creme Developer.

2. What does hair color developer do?

Developer helps the color penetrate the hair shaft and become permanent. Hydrogen peroxide developer lifts the cuticle layer of the hair and depending on the strength of the activator the cuticle will lift more or less. Hair developer levels refer to their oxidizing potential, or how much hydrogen peroxide they have.

3. Whats better 20 or 30 developer?

20 volume is the highest level of developer that should be used on the scalp with bleach as the scalp produces more heat and increases the power of the developer. 30vol developer is ideal for lifting 3 levels using permanent hair color depending on the texture and natural depth of the hair.

4. Do I need 20 30 or 40 developer?

Developer is a active creme for the liquid dye and creme dye color . … 40% developer is a very strong lift or intensity for the color , 30% developer is a medium lift for 5 shades and is strong , 20% developer is standard lift and what most people use to dye their hair .

Editor's Notes

During our hair colour developer research, we found 66 hair colour developer products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 45,686 customer reviews through our big data system to write the hair colour developers list. We found that most customers choose hair colour developers with an average price of £7.83.

The hair colour developers are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of hair colour developers, including Knight & Wilson, Colour Culture, Kobe, KUAF PROFESSIONAL, WELLA.

Written by
Charlotte Powell Avatar

Charlotte Powell is a dermatologist and a licensed cosmetologist from Westminster, London. However, she was first a cosmetologist from London Beauty Training School. According to Charlotte, she needed better insight into the human skin, hence the dermatology degree. Long before she acquired her degree, she wrote and edited articles, eBooks, and editorials for companies and websites. Charlotte combines her skill and knowledge in providing DIY Beauty tips amongst other fashion related topics.