Barber State Board Exam Complete Practice Test

When permanent hair color is mixed with 20 volume peroxide, it can lift the hair color by approximately 1-2 levels. This is due to the nature of the developer (the peroxide) used in the coloring process.

20 volume peroxide contains about 6% hydrogen peroxide, which is sufficient for providing moderate lift while depositing the permanent color. This level of developer is commonly used in salon practices as it works effectively to lighten the hair while allowing the color to be properly deposited. A lift of 1-2 levels is generally considered effective for achieving a subtle change or base color modifications without overly compromising the hair's integrity.

In contrast, other developer volumes (such as 30 or 40 volume) would provide greater lifting capabilities, thus explaining why they are not suitable for this specific question. Understanding the relationship between peroxide volume and lifting ability is essential for achieving desired hair results without causing excessive damage to the hair.