Turn on your highlights: three Shape readers put themselves in the hands of top colorists for a subtle makeover. Read on for their results - and how to do it yourself - Reader Makeover

Shape, August, 2002 by Valerie Latona

When it comes to beauty, sometimes it's the little things you do that make all the difference: swiping on a bright lipstick, dusting on bronzer to give your skin a glow and, on hair, adding a touch of unexpected brightness. "Highlights, even on just a few strands of hair around the face, can give your looks - and your mood - a boost," says celebrity colorist Giselle of the Pierre Michel Salon in New York City. In fact, changing your hair color just that little bit may be the added motivation you need to stick to your diet/fitness regimen or to walk with an extra air of confidence. Three Shape readers subjected their tresses to the able hands of top colorists. Their results - and the color tips they learned along the way - follow.

Our Shape makeover candidates had one thing in common: Each one was frustrated with the color of her hair, but was scared to do anything drastic. The experts we consulted confirmed that simple, subtle highlights were the way to go. "You don't want to go overboard, particularly on darker hair. Otherwise, you'll end up with brassy-looking, unnatural color," explains colorist Judith Starnes of the Peter Coppola Salon in New York City. Here are other color tips we compiled from the experts our readers visited.

Protect your color. Shape makeover candidate Rachelle Camhi, 28, knew she'd be traveling to the Bahamas shortly after getting highlights and was concerned about maintaining her color in the sun and salt water (which can cause color to fade, lighten even more and/or develop brassiness). The tips she learned that kept her color vibrant in and out of the surf: Coat hair with a conditioner when outdoors to act as a buffer against the elements (we like Bath & Body Works bio Restorative Hair Treatment Capsules, $10; 800-395-1001). Rinsing hair with fresh water immediately after swimming also can prevent the algaecides in pool water from turning blond hair green.

Shampoos and conditioners for color-treated hair can also help protect color in the sun; they're gentler on locks than other shampoos are and often contain ingredients that can protect strands from the sun's UVA/UVB rays. Our favorites: Aveda Color Conserve Shampoo and Conditioner with plant-based color protectors and a 100 percent certified organic aroma -- a blend of peppermint, grapefruit and mandarin orange ($12 each; 800-328-0849) -- and L'Oreal ColorVlVE Shampoo and Conditioner ($4 each; at drugstores).

Keep hair conditioned. Whether you're getting salon highlights done or have already gotten your locks colored, you need to hydrate your hair. (Color and bleach can dry out tresses, contributing to split ends and frizzy, flyaway hair.)

Help heal your hair with weekly deep-treatment masks like ThermaSilk Intensive Conditioning Thermal Wrap ($7; at drugstores), Kiehl's Lecithin and Coconut Enriched Hair Masque ($22; 800-KIEHLS-1) or Rene Furterer Karite ($22; 800-522-8285). Or condition tresses daily with superhydrating conditioners like Paul Labrecque Silk Protein Leave-In Conditioner ($18; 888-PL-SALON).

Know that good salon color doesn't need to be expensive. If the thought of spending hundreds of dollars on salon highlights is keeping you from making an appointment, colorist Steve Beeson of the Louis Licari Salon in New York City offers this advice: Call the top salons in your area and ask about their training nights. On these evenings, junior colorists work under the supervision of master colorists for a fraction of the cost. (The salon where Beeson works offers training nights in New York and Beverly Hills on Wednesdays; call 212-758-2090 or 310-247-0855 for more information.)

If you're still unsure, try temporary options first. Color-depositing shampoos and conditioners leave behind color-boosting pigments on strands, giving you a less drastic, temporary hue change. (They last from one to three shampoos.) "They're perfect if you've never colored your hair before," Beeson explains. These products can also boost and prolong hair hues after coloring. Try Origins Tea-lights ($17; origins.com) or ARTec Color Depositing Shampoos and Conditioners ($11, $15; 800-323-6817).

Additional reporting by Elizabeth Graves, Jennifer Laing and Beth Janes.

reader makeover #11

ON HOPE

the problem: dull-colored hair

"Help! My hair is a dirty-dishwater color," wrote public-policy graduate student and tennis player Hope Neighbor, 28, in giving us reasons to make her over. "I'm constantly searching for something just a little bit more exciting when it comes to my hair, but I haven't found the right colorist. One actually wanted to dye my hair deep purple. What was he thinking?"

the color solution

"Brighter is better for Hope, particularly during the summer months," explains colorist Giselle of the Pierre Michel Salon in New York City. "It will help emphasize the neutral blond hue she already has and will warm up her skin tone ever so slightly."

the must-have products

Pantene's Pro-V Color Care line of products for color-treated hair, from shampoo and conditioner to styling mousse and spray ($3-$7; at drugstores), helps keep blond hair bright. Redken Color Extend Total Recharge ($15, 800-REDKEN-8) and Physique Keep It Straight Lotion ($8; at drugstores), both with UV filters, also help prolong color during the summer months.