Lighteners, Toners, Demi-Permanent Colors and Permanent Colors are mixed with what oxidizing agent?

• A. Hydrogen Peroxide
• B. Water
• C. Developer
• D. Ammonia

Answer: (C)

Lighteners and hair color products rely on an oxidizing agent to trigger the chemical reactions that lift color or deposit it. The agent you mix with these products is called the developer. It’s basically a hydrogen peroxide solution available in different strengths (volumes) to control how much lift or color development occurs. Water isn’t an oxidizer, so it won’t drive the color reaction. Ammonia helps open the hair cuticle and change pH but doesn’t oxidize the color. Hydrogen peroxide is the actual oxidizer used in the reaction, but in practice the term you use when mixing is developer, which is the labeled oxidizing agent you add to the product.