Hello Sarah, Welcome to the forums.
If you have the option for exposure compensation on your camera, you can underpose by 1/2 to a full stop, then bring the exposure back with your imaging software.
You can also reduce the harsh light by using fill in flash, in aperture priority mode or auto.
Try to avoid harsh light when taking your pictures, this will rule out the blown highlights.
As a last resort, If you have a half descent graphics package, you can repair some of your images that you want to keep, with some very useful tools.
I had a quick word with Graham Gouch, and he swears by this technique for his hair loss pictures, Clone Stamp tool in PS.:lol: