How to Fix Highlights That Are Too Light

Co-authored by Janet Miranda

Last Updated: October 29, 2022 References

If your new highlights are too light, there are a couple ways you can fix them from the comfort of your own home. Applying a toner and developer on your highlights will help take away the brightness while darkening the highlights a bit. If you don't want to use a toner, try spraying a colored dry shampoo over your hair to even out the tone. If you're dealing with highlights that are too light against your hair color and are brassy, using a clarifying shampoo or dish soap to wash your hair works well to dull the brassiness.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Choosing Your Correct Color

1
Figure out what level your highlights are by referring to a color chart. It's best to look at a color chart for the company whose hair dye products you're going to be using to be sure you pick the right color. Hold your highlighted hair up to the picture, seeing which color most closely resembles your hair.^{[1]
X
Research source}
- Most color charts go from 1-10 or 1-12, with one end of the scale being the darkest black and the opposite end being a light blonde or lightest blonde.
- Type the brand you'll be using and then "hair color chart" into an online search engine to find the correct chart.
- Referring to a color chart for your specific brand of hair products is important because all hair product companies have a slightly different color scale.
- If your highlights are too light, they're most likely in the 10 range.
2
Choose the level you'd like your highlights to be. Look at the color chart and pick the level you'd like your highlights to resemble. This should be about 2 or 3 shades darker, at most. Make note of what level it is so that you don't forget when you go to pick out your toner.^{[2]
X
Research source}
- For example, if your highlights are currently a level 10, you might want them to be a level 7 or 8.
Advertisement
3
Visit a beauty supply store to pick out the correct color toner. It's best to do this in person in case you need help from an employee. Choose a toner at the level you'd like your hair to look, making sure to purchase the same brand whose color chart you referred to.^{[3]
X
Research source}
- Demi permanent toners are popular as they only deposit color on top of the hair as opposed to seeping in to the hair follicle.
- The toner will help neutralize the intense color of your hair so it isn't so light.
4
Purchase a 10 volume developer to mix with your toner. The developer will combine with the toner to deposit the color on your hair. You'll be able to purchase developer at the beauty store along with your toner.^{[4]
X
Research source}
- Try to stick with the same brand for your developer as well.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Toning Your Hair

1
Mix the developer and toner together using the correct ratio. There will be instructions that come with your specific hair toner telling you how much developer to use, so refer to these for the specific ratio. Use a hair dye application brush to mix the developer and toner together in a small or medium size bowl.^{[5]
X
Research source}
- Usually, you mix 2 parts developer with 1 part toner.
- The toner and developer should create a relatively thick consistency that's gel-like.
2
Brush the mixture onto sections of your hair using the brush. You can apply the toner to only the highlighted sections, or you can choose to put it on your entire head. Use the application brush to spread the toner over strands of your hair, starting at the roots and working your way down.^{[6]
X
Research source}
- Choose how you'd like to section off your hair if desired, using a clip to separate hair you've already dyed.
- Don't worry if you get toner on darker sections of your hair, as it won't really affect it.
3
Use a comb to comb through all of your hair. This is a great way to spread the toner throughout your hair more evenly. Comb through each section of your hair, starting at the roots and going down to spread the toner down each strand.^{[7]
X
Research source}
- Rinse the comb after you're finished to make sure there's no toner or developer left on it.
4
Leave it in for 20-30 minutes, depending on your toner. The instructions that come with your toner will have a recommended time that you should wait before rinsing out your hair. Watch your hair as it develops, and once you notice it's reached the correct level, wait 2-5 more minutes before calling it done.^{[8]
X
Research source}
- Waiting the extra time will account for any toner that's rinsed off once you put your hair under the water.
- Set a timer so you don't forget how long the toner has been in your hair.
- Avoid leaving the toner in your hair for more than 30 minutes.
5
Rinse your hair out using cold water. Step into the shower and thoroughly rinse out your hair, massaging your scalp to get rid of the toner and developer. Once it's all rinsed out, you're ready to enjoy your new hair.^{[9]
X
Research source}
- Be aware that shampooing your hair right after you rinse out the developer and toner may lighten the effects.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Correcting Light or Brassy Highlights

1
Spray a colored dry shampoo over your hair for a quick fix. If your highlights are too light against your regular hair color, look for a colored dry shampoo that helps deposit color to even out the overall tone. Spray the dry shampoo all over your hair, using your fingers to rub it onto your roots. Brush through your hair after you've sprayed to make sure it's evenly distributed.^{[10]
X
Research source}
- Dry shampoo that's colored comes in shades for blondes and brunettes.
- Look for tinted dry shampoos at your local beauty or big box store, as well as online.
- Shake the shampoo thoroughly before spraying it on your hair.
2
Wash your brassy-colored hair with a clarifying shampoo once a week. Not only are clarifying shampoos great for getting rid of dirt and oil in your hair, but they're also useful in helping to fade highlights that aren't the right color. Only use the clarifying shampoo once a week at most, as it can be a little rough on your hair when used too often.^{[11]
X
Research source}
- If you have very dry hair, use caution when using a clarifying shampoo because it strips your hair of moisture and natural oils.
- Visit your local beauty store to find a clarifying shampoo.
3
Use dish soap to fade your brassy highlights. This works especially well if you have light brassy highlights. The ingredients in dish soap will help to remove the excess color much faster than a normal shampoo rinse. Massage the dish soap into your hair thoroughly before rinsing it out with cool water.^{[12]
X
Research source}
- Avoid washing your hair with dish soap regularly to avoid excess damage, as the ingredients are stronger than normal shampoo.
4
Apply purple shampoo to your hair to correct the brassy tone. Purple shampoos are great for dealing with brassy highlights, whether they're a light red, orange, or yellow. When you use the purple shampoo, your hair will absorb some of the purple color which helps counteract the brassy tones.^{[13]
X
Expert Source

Janet Miranda
Professional Hair Stylist & Makeup Artist
Expert Interview. 11 February 2021.} Use purple shampoo once a week, leaving it in for five minutes before rinsing it out.^{[14]
X
Research source}
- Purple shampoo can dry your hair out if you use it too often.
5
Take precautions to avoid too-light highlights in the future. This includes preventative action like asking for balayage instead of highlights, meaning your hair is colored by hand. If you do choose to highlight, try doing it in smaller strips. Always try to bleach your hair for a shorter time than you think is necessary—you can always make it lighter, but you can't un-bleach it.^{[15]
X
Research source}
- If your highlights are too light due to your salon experience, let your hairdresser know so that the same thing doesn't happen again.
- For example, if you highlighted your hair in 0.5 cm (0.20 in) strips, try doing 0.25 cm (0.098 in) strips instead.
6
Visit a salon if you're still not happy with your highlights. If you've tried a bunch of different methods and you still think your highlights look too light, it's time to book an appointment with your hairdresser. They'll be able to give you an expert opinion and hopefully fix your hair so that it's exactly as you'd like it to look.^{[16]
X
Expert Source

Janet Miranda
Professional Hair Stylist & Makeup Artist
Expert Interview. 11 February 2021.}
- Book your appointment with someone who has experience with color correcting or fixing highlights that are too light.

Expert Q&A

Question

Is there anything else I can do?

Janet Miranda
Professional Hair Stylist & Makeup Artist
Janet Miranda is a Professional Hair Stylist, Makeup Artist, and the Founder of Be.NYLA. With over 15 years of experience, Janet specializes in makeup and hair for advertising, commercial, editorial, runway, special events, television, and videos. She was trained at Vidal Sassoon Academy and with top hair and makeup artists including MAC Cosmetics and Redken. Janet has worked five seasons of New York Fashion Week and one season on Project Runway. She continues to add brands to her growing client list including Armani Exchange, Neutrogena, and Pantene. Janet’s work has been featured on CBS, Brides Magazine, 100 Layer Cake, Style Me Pretty, Green Wedding Shoes, Ireland Image Brides Magazine, and Elle Japan.

Janet Miranda

Professional Hair Stylist & Makeup Artist

Expert Answer

There are actually shampoo toners that can fix highlights that are too light. Basically, you buy the color you're looking for, then wash your hair with the shampoo toner. The results typically last 6-8 weeks.