Best Hair Colour Developer Creams of 2025

Charlotte Powell Avatar
Charlotte Powell
Last Updated: 8 Feb 2025

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Hair Colour Developer Creams are essential products for achieving the desired hair colour. These creams are used in conjunction with hair dye to activate the colouring process. They come in different strengths, such as 10, 20, 30, and 40 volume, which determine the degree of lift and intensity of the colour. Hair Colour Developer Creams are formulated with ingredients that help to stabilise the colour and protect the hair during the dyeing process. They are widely available and can be used at home or in a salon.

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
Matrix SoColor 20 Volume Cream Developer Cover #TOP 3
Matrix SoColor 20 Volume Cream Developer
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Hair Colour Developer Creams

#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

Matrix SoColor 20 Volume Cream Developer

3474630497122
Ivory
1 l (Pack of 1)
Matrix SoColor 20 Volume Cream Developer Cover
Matrix SoColor 20 Volume Cream Oxydant Developer, 1000 ml

The Matrix SoColor Developer offers a unique ability to adjust the tone of your natural hair, ensuring a more personalised colour experience. It leaves your hair with a soft, lovely touch, enhancing its overall health and appearance. Ideal for dyeing to a darker shade or for pre-bleached hair, this developer works perfectly with a matching colour line of hair dye. You will appreciate the long-lasting colour and brilliant shine it provides, making your hair look vibrant and fresh.

What We Like
Adjusts natural hair tone
Soft, healthier feel
Suitable for darker shades
Long-lasting colour
Brilliant shine
#TOP 4

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 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 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 7

HH Pro Cream Hair Colour Developer 9%

HHPROCP91L
1 l (Pack of 1)
HH Pro Cream Hair Colour Developer 9% Cover
HH Pro Cream Hair Colour Tint Peroxide Developer 9% (30 volume) Litre 1000ml

The HH Pro Hair Developer offers a reliable solution for all your hair colouring needs. Manufactured in the UK to the highest standards, you can be assured of its quality. The rich crème formula ensures easy mixing, allowing you to achieve great results without hassle. Additionally, it works seamlessly with any tint or bleach, giving you the flexibility to create your desired look. Available in various sizes, this developer caters to both personal and professional use, making it a versatile choice for everyone.

What We Like
High-quality UK manufactured product
Easy mixing with rich formula
Compatible with any tint or bleach
Multiple size options available
#TOP 8

Colour Culture 12% Cream Peroxide Developer

CC-P1-12
12% (40 Volume)
1 l (Pack of 1)
Colour Culture 12% Cream Peroxide Developer Cover
Colour Culture Cream Peroxide, 12% 40 Volume-1000ml, Hydrogen Peroxide Developer for Hair Colouring & Bleaching, Lifts 8-9 Levels, Works with All Brands of Hair Bleach Colour/Tint & Lightening Powder

Colour Culture Cream Peroxide offers a professional-grade solution for vibrant hair transformations. With a 12% (40 Volume) strength, it allows you to elevate your hair colour by 8-9 levels, making it perfect for bold and artistic hues. You will appreciate the effortless and even application thanks to its creamy consistency, which ensures consistent coverage and reduces the risk of patchy results. Additionally, this product delivers maximum lightening power, enabling you to express your unique style with confidence.

What We Like
Professional-grade results
Effortless application
Maximum lightening power
Compatible with various brands
Crafted in the UK
#TOP 9

H.H Pro Cream Hair Colour Developer 12%

White
1 l (Pack of 1)
H.H Pro Cream Hair Colour Developer 12% Cover
H.H Pro Cream Hair Colour Tint Peroxide Developer 12% (40 volume) Litre 1000ml

The H.H Pro Hair Colour Developer is a high-quality peroxide developer manufactured in the UK. This 12% (40 volume) formula is designed for easy mixing, ensuring you achieve great results every time. You can use it with any tint or bleach, providing versatility for your hair colour needs. Its rich cream formula simplifies the application process, making it ideal for both professionals and at-home users. Available in various sizes, it caters to different usage requirements, making it convenient for everyone.

What We Like
High-quality UK manufacturing
Easy mixing formula
Compatible with any tint or bleach
Available in multiple sizes
#TOP 10

H.H Pro Cream Hair Colour Developer 6%

HHPROCP6250
250 ml (Pack of 1)
H.H Pro Cream Hair Colour Developer 6% Cover
HH Pro Cream Hair Colour Tint Peroxide Developer 6% (20 volume) 250ml

The H.H Pro Hair Colour Developer is expertly manufactured in the UK, ensuring high quality that you can trust. Its rich crème formula allows for easy mixing, making the application process more convenient for you. This developer can be paired with any tint or bleach, offering great versatility in your hair colouring routine. With a selection of sizes available, you can choose the amount that best suits your needs, whether for personal use or professional applications.

What We Like
High-quality UK manufacturing
Easy mixing with crème formula
Compatible with any tint or bleach
Available in multiple sizes
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What does hair color cream developer do?

What Is Developer? The developer is a totally essential element in the hair coloring process. The oxidant creams contain the hydrogen peroxide, which opens the hair cuticle. Color pigments, due to this process, can penetrate deep into the hair fiber and color it.

2. 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.

3. Which developer is best for dark hair?

If you're going darker, you should use 10 developer. 20 – 40 developer can be used to lift 1-4 levels. 20 developer is best for grey coverage.

Editor's Notes

During our hair colour developer cream research, we found 57 hair colour developer cream products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 16,412 customer reviews through our big data system to write the hair colour developer creams list. We found that most customers choose hair colour developer creams with an average price of £7.74.

The hair colour developer creams are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of hair colour developer creams, including Knight & Wilson, Matrix, THE COLOR CODES, KUAF PROFESSIONAL, WELLA PROFESSIONALS.

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.