How to Fix Bad Highlights Yourself at Home

We love (and praise) all of the talented colorists out there, but sometimes, highlights just don’t turn out the way they were supposed to. Maybe they’re too brassy, there’s a strip that’s too chunky, or the money pieces aren’t symmetrical. And you’re not alone if you don’t want to ask your colorist to fix it (awkward), or you don’t have time to go back to the salon. We get it; we’ve been there. When your highlights don’t turn out the way you pictured them, turn to these expert recommendations for a fix. Here, leading hair colorists share the best ways to fix bad highlights at home.

Featured Experts

If Your Highlights Look Too Bright or Harsh…

Celebrity colorist Rita Hazan says that if you ever get back from the hair salon and notice your highlights are too brassy or too light, there are simple, safe ways to fix your hair color at home without having to go back to the salon. “To neutralize platinum highlights, I love using the Glaze Supergloss in shade Pearl Blonde ($18), which is designed to tone and enhance natural blondes, bleached hair and highlights. Or, if you have brown hair, use Glaze Supergloss in shade Vanilla Lights ($18), which is a color-toning gloss and can help neutralize overly light highlights. They are both easy to use and the perfect at-home solution for glossy, high-shine hair in just 10 minutes.”

“When highlights look too harsh, apply a root touch-up stick or a tinted wax directly to your part while your hair is still damp,” says colorist Jennifer Korab. “It settles in as the hair dries, mimicking a soft shadow root and helping everything blend more seamlessly.” She also suggests another quick fix, which is changing your part or your style. “Try a zig-zag or diagonal part and go for loose waves or a lived-in braid,” adds Korab. “The change in direction breaks up lines and draws the eye away from problem areas, making even imperfect color look styled on purpose.” If you always part your hair down the middle, try a side part where the highlights may look more even.

An oil treatment can gently soften the look, too, says Korab. “When highlights feel too bright or harsh, try applying coconut, argan or even olive oil to the overprocessed areas before washing your hair. This can help fade excess pigment while keeping your hair moisturized. Let the oil sit for 30 to 60 minutes, then shampoo with a clarifying formula to lift the color gradually. It’s a simple, at-home way to tone things down with no damage.”

If Your Highlights Are Too Dark…

“If your highlights are too dark for your taste, it may be an easier fix than you think,” says Hazan. “A clarifying shampoo is all you really need. Normally, a clarifying shampoo is used to strip buildup and excess product from your hair. However, it can also strip color from your hair. Clarifying can dry out your hair, so be sure to use a good conditioner after to keep your hair hydrated and to avoid frizz. For extra hydration, I love to use a leave-in conditioning treatment like the Oli G Atomic Hair Repair Leave-In Treatment ($55). It’s a lightweight, frizz-free formula created for all hair types.”

“Don’t panic if your highlights aren’t right,” says master hair artist Taresa Pareta. “You’ll be tempted to put dark color all over your hair, but first try a semipermanent color matching your natural color, and apply it on 1 or 2 inches of your root. This will help blend the highlights for a softer look. If you don’t have time to color your hair, grab a gray blending spray or powder to blend highlight lines. A ‘less is more’ approach is always the best plan of action.”