Many people believe that bleaching your hair will automatically damage it, but this isn’t always the case. In fact, bleach can actually be quite beneficial for your hair if used correctly. It can help to strip away unwanted build-up, leaving your hair looking and feeling healthier.
However, it’s important to note that bleaching your hair is a chemical process, and as such, it’s important to be careful when using bleach. One of the most important things to keep in mind is how long to leave bleach in your hair.
If you leave bleach in your hair for too long, it can cause serious damage. Bleaching your hair damages the cuticle, which is the outer layer of your hair. This damage can lead to dryness, brittle hair, and even breakage.
On the other hand, if you don’t leave bleach in your hair long enough, it won’t be effective. Bleaching your hair is a two-step process: first, the bleach must penetrate the cuticle, and then it must react with the pigment in your hair.
If you don’t leave bleach in your hair long enough for it to penetrate the cuticle, it won’t be able to react with the pigment, and as such, your hair won’t lighten.
So, how long should you leave bleach in your hair 20 vol? Continue reading to find out.

What Is a 20 Vol Developer?
A 20 vol developer is a hair bleaching product that contains hydrogen peroxide. The concentration of hydrogen peroxide in a 20 vol developer is 6%. This means that it can lighten hair by up to five levels.
A 20 vol developer is a strong bleaching agent and should only be used if you’re looking to make a significant change to your hair color. If you’re just looking to add some highlights or lighten your hair a few shades, then you should use a weaker bleaching agent, such as a 10 vol or 15 vol developer.
How Long to Leave Bleach in Hair 20 Vol? How Long Does 20 Vol Take to Lift?
The answer to this question depends on how light you want your hair to be. If you’re just looking to add some highlights, then you can leave the bleach in your hair for 20-30 minutes.
If you’re looking to lighten your hair by several shades, then you’ll need to leave the bleach in for a longer period of time. We recommend leaving it in for 40-50 minutes.
Bleaching your hair can be damaging, so it’s important to use a conditioner afterward and avoid doing it too often.
However, it’s important to keep in mind that the time required to lift your hair will vary depending on your hair type.
What Is the Difference Between 20 Vol and 30 Vol?
The main difference between 20 vol and 30 vol developer is the concentration of hydrogen peroxide. A 20 vol developer contains 6% hydrogen peroxide, while a 30 vol developer contains 9% hydrogen peroxide.
This means that a 30 vol developer is more powerful and can lighten hair more quickly. However, it’s also more likely to cause damage, so it’s important to use it with caution.
Related Read: How Long To Leave Bleach In Hair 30 Vol?
Is 20 Vol Enough to Lift Black Hair?
20 vol is generally not strong enough to lift black hair. If you’re looking to make a significant change to your hair color, then you’ll need to use a 30 vol or 40 vol developer.
What Are the Side Effects of Using a 20 Vol Developer?
The main side effect of using a 20 vol developer is that it can be damaging to your hair. Bleaching your hair with a 20 vol developer can cause dryness, breakage, and split ends.
It’s important to use a conditioner after bleaching your hair and to avoid doing it too often.

How to Safely Use a 20 Vol Developer? Tips for Bleaching Hair With a 20 Vol Developer
If you’re looking to bleach your hair with a 20 vol developer, then there are a few things you need to keep in mind:
- It’s important to use gloves when handling bleach. This will help protect your hands from harsh chemicals.
- You’ll need to mix the bleach and developer in a ratio of 1:2. For example, if you’re using 2 ounces (60 ml) of bleach, then you’ll need to use 4 ounces (120 ml) of the developer.
- It’s important to apply the bleaching mixture evenly to your hair. You can use a brush or your fingers to do this.
- You’ll need to leave the bleach in your hair for 20-30 minutes if you’re looking to add highlights, or 40-50 minutes if you’re looking to lighten your hair by several shades.
- It’s important to use a conditioner after bleaching your hair to help restore moisture and avoid damage.
Can I Bleach My Hair Twice With a 20 Vol Developer?
Although it is possible to bleach your hair twice with a 20 vol developer, we don’t recommend doing so. Bleaching your hair can be damaging, and using a higher-strength developer can make the damage even worse.
If you’re looking to lighten your hair by several shades, then we recommend using a 30 vol or 40 vol developer. However, keep in mind that using a higher-strength developer can be harmful to your hair, so use it with caution.
How to Care for Your Hair After Bleaching It With a 20 Vol Developer
After you’ve bleached your hair with a 20 vol developer, it’s important to take care of it.
- Use a conditioner to help restore moisture and avoid damage.
- Avoid using heat styling tools as much as possible. If you do use them, make sure to use a heat protectant.
- Try to avoid washing your hair too often. Washing your hair can strip away the natural oils that help protect it.
You can keep your hair healthy and avoid damage by following these guidelines.

Final Thoughts
Overall, it takes about 20-30 minutes to lighten your hair with a 20-volume developer. However, the time it takes will differ depending on your hair type.
We hope this article was helpful in answering your question: how long to leave bleach in hair 20 vol.
Remember to use caution when bleaching your hair and to follow the tips we’ve provided. Bleaching your hair can be damaging, so it’s important to take care of it afterward.
Learn More: How Long To Leave Bleach On Hair?