Fix Highlights that Turn Out Badly

If your highlights are lighter than you wanted them ... apply a toner or colored gloss on top of your highlights to tone them down. Choose a semi or demi-permanent color (try L'Oreal Paris ColorSpa Moisture Actif, $6.49) and apply it directly to the highlighted areas. Follow the time guidelines provided on the box, but again, check the color as it processes to make sure it's what you want.

If your highlights aren't light enough ... wait two days and then re-do them. To ensure you don't go too light, only re-highlight 1/2 of the sections you lightened previously.

If you're highlights look orange ... it's likely the product you used isn't potent enough to lighten your hair (or you didn't leave the bleach on long enough). Instead of taking matters into your own hands, call your stylist (or a color company's help line) and tell them what you used and what the problem is. They will be able to help you with your specific issue.

Generally the easiest way to fix color you don't like is to find a semi or demi-permanent hair color, like Clairol Natural Instincts, $8.99, that matches your natural base color exactly, O'Connor says. Color all of your hair to help it all blend together. Then wait a month before you do any more color, or see a professional.

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