haircolor roots disaster

I have highlighted my roots before..once...and was fairly successful, so I wasn't worried about a second time. But...this time I used a color lightener that did not recommend dark brown to lighten. I don't know why, but I used it anyway! So as it was processing I saw that is was turning light red. I stopped and washed it out, went to the store and got a bleach highlighter. It did make them lighter, but they are still a strawberry blonde. I now have an ash tinted blonde with strawberry blonde roots! Any suggestions? I really want to try on my own. l like learning myself; it's fun. I'd love some ideas!

" I don't know why, but I used it anyway! So as it was processing I saw that is was turning light red."

Yes, this is a normal part of the process. You hair colour goes through different stages as it is lightening. You didn't leave it on as long as you were supposed to,so that's the problem.