Meet Goldwell Topchic – A Colorist’s Go-To
Goldwell Topchic isn’t just any hair color—it’s the kind of product professionals reach for when they want flawless, vibrant results. If you’ve ever admired how rich and glossy salon color looks, there’s a good chance Goldwell played a role.
Why I (and Many Stylists) Trust It
What makes Topchic a standout is its ability to deliver consistent, long-lasting colour with serious depth. Its cream-gel texture glides on smoothly and covers evenly, making the whole application process easier and more precise. And the best part? It’s designed to protect the hair while it colors—something both clients and stylists can appreciate.
Topchic isn’t just about great color—it’s backed by real innovation. With patented Coenzyme Technology and the IntraLipid system, it not only gives you full gray coverage and bold vibrancy, but also helps maintain the hair’s internal health. That means less damage, more shine, and a better reaction to future treatments.
Getting to Know the Goldwell Topchic System
Before you dive into mixing, it’s worth taking a moment to understand the basics. Knowing your tools makes all the difference when it comes to achieving beautiful, predictable results—and choosing the right developer.
Having a sense of the subtle nuances in color mixing ratios and formulation is essential for achieving the best results with Goldwell Topchic.
Topchic Permanent Hair Color Tubes
There are alot of options in the Topchic range, making it important to understand the different shades and levels available—from natural to cool, warm, and bold fashion tones. Each product is clearly coded, which helps a lot when you’re choosing or customizing a formula based on the desired shade and level.
How to Read the Goldwell Color Codes
This part might seem a little technical, but once you get the hang of it, it’s pretty straightforward—and essential for getting the shade just right.
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6N = Dark Blonde Neutral
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7BG = Medium Blonde Beige Gold
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9GB = Very Light Blonde Gold Beige
The numbers refer to depth (how light or darker the shade is), and the letters represent tone.
Special Mix Shades and Intensifiers
These are great to add if you want to achieve more intensity or tone correction. Want to boost vibrancy or cancel out unwanted undertones? You can mix these in with regular shades to create a more customized result. Always test a formula if unsure.
Goldwell’s Depot Can System
If you’ve seen aerosol canisters in salons, that’s part of Goldwell’s professional Depot System. But don’t worry if you’re using tubes at home—the formula inside is exactly the same. The system just helps salons stock products more efficiently.
Choosing the Right Developer: 10, 20, 30, or 40 Volume
Your developer choice matters—it determines how much lift or deposit you’ll get.
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10 Vol – Best for tone-on-tone results or darker coverage
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20 Vol – Great for gray coverage or lightening one level
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30 Vol – Can lift 2 to 3 levels
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40 Vol – Too strong for most cases; not ideal with Goldwell Topchic Developer Lotion
Mixing Ratios Made Simple
Topchic uses a 1:1 mixing ratio—equal parts color and developer.
Example:
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40 ml Goldwell Topchic color
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40 ml Goldwell Topchic Developer Lotion
Always measure accurately and follow manufacturer's instructions to ensure performance and safety.
What You’ll Need Before You Start
Before starting your application, gather everything:
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Color bowl and brush or applicator bottle
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Topchic color and matching developer lotion
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Gloves to protect your hands
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Sectioning clips
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Timer
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Old towel or cape
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Clear space in your store or bathroom center
How to Mix Goldwell Topchic Hair Color (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Find Your Natural Hair Level
Start by identifying your current shade using a Goldwell level chart. This helps you select the right formula.
Step 2: Pick Your Target Shade
Flip through the color chart and choose based on tone and depth. Want cool? Choose Ash. Warm? Go for Gold or Copper.
Step 3: Choose the Right Developer
Pick the developer based on your goal:
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Darken? Use 10 Vol
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Gray coverage? Use 20 Vol
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Want lift? Go with 30 Vol
Step 4: Mix It Up
In a non-metallic bowl, mix the Goldwell dye and developer 1:1. Stir until smooth—don’t shake. This prevents bubbles and uneven application.
Step 5: Apply Right Away
Apply the color to dry, unwashed hair. Start at the roots. For full changes, work section by section. Continue until all sections are covered.
How Long Should You Leave Goldwell Topchic On?
Timing is key:
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Standard: 30 minutes
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Resistant gray: 35–40 minutes
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With heat: ~25 minutes (use only if trained)
Never leave it on too long. Stick to the processing time for best results.
Tips to Get the Best Results with Goldwell Topchic
A few simple steps can really make a difference in how your color turns out:
Section Smart - Start by dividing your hair into four sections. Use clips to keep each part out of the way so you can apply the color evenly and thoroughly. Working methodically like this helps ensure full saturation and a more professional-looking finish.
Don’t Skip Emulsifying - In the last 5 minutes of processing, add a little warm water to the hair and gently massage it in. This step—called emulsifying—helps distribute the color more evenly and gives a smoother overall result.
Rinse + Care the Right Way - Rinse the color out using lukewarm water until it runs clear. Then follow up with a shampoo and conditioner that are safe for color-treated hair. I recommend using something like Goldwell Dualsenses—it’s made to protect and prolong your new shade.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Wrong Developer: Don’t guess—using 30 Vol when you only need 10 can cause damage and unwanted lift.
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Misreading Color Codes: 6A (Ash) isn’t the same as 6K (Copper). Always double-check the tone.
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Overlapping Color: Reapplying on previously colored ends can cause breakage. Focus on roots; refresh ends with a gloss if needed.
If you have questions about these common mistakes or want advice about mixing brands, leave a comment below.
Can You Mix Topchic with Other Brands? Technically yes, but it’s not recommended. Topchic’s formula is balanced to work with its own developer. Mixing brands can lead to uneven or unstable results.
Maintaining Your Color
Use the Right Products: Go for sulfate-free, color-safe shampoos. Goldwell Color Brilliance is a perfect match.
Touch-Up Timing:
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Grays: every 4–6 weeks
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Color refresh: every 6–8 weeks
Salon vs. At-Home: At-home color works well for maintenance, but for bold changes or first-timers, a Goldwell-trained stylist is the safer bet. It could save you a correction down the line!
Summary
Goldwell Topchic puts salon-quality color within your reach. Whether you’re covering grays, lightening up, or just refreshing your shade, knowing how to mix and apply it correctly is key. With these steps, you’re all set to achieve vibrant, healthy-looking hair every time.
FAQs
Can I use Goldwell Topchic without developer?
Nope—you really do need the developer to make the color work. Without it, the color won’t activate or show up.
What volume developer should I use for gray hair?
Go with 20 Vol and a neutral base like “N” to get reliable, even gray coverage every time.
Can I mix two Goldwell Topchic colors together?
Definitely! Just make sure both colors are from the same series and mix them in equal amounts for the best results.
Is Goldwell Topchic safe for damaged hair?
Yes, it is—but I always recommend doing a strand test first. For extra care, use a bond-repair mask alongside to protect and strengthen your hair.
How do I prevent hair color from fading?
Stick to color-safe shampoos, limit heat styling when you can, and protect your hair from sun exposure and chlorine to keep your color vibrant longer.
