What developer strengths are commonly used for lifting versus depositing, and what lift is typical with 20-volume?

• A. 10V is deposit-only; 20V lifts and deposits; typical lift with 20V is 1-2 levels.
• B. 5V deposits; 15V lifts; typical lift 2 levels.
• C. 20V is deposit-only; 10V lifts; lift 3-4 levels.
• D. 10V lifts; 20V lifts and deposits; typical lift 3-4 levels.

Answer: (A)

Developer strength determines how much the hair color lifts versus deposits. A 10-volume developer provides low oxidation, so it’s used mainly for depositing color or toning without lifting the natural pigment. A 20-volume developer has more oxidizing power, so it’s capable of both lifting (lightening the hair) and depositing color, depending on the formula. In typical results, 20-volume lightens about 1–2 levels, which is why it’s commonly described as lifting and depositing rather than doing one or the other exclusively. The other option ideas would imply nonstandard uses (like deposits with higher volume or lifting with low volume) that don’t align with common practice.