Color Overlay

Hi, I tried filling a layer with a certain color and using the hue blend option to change the color of a picture, and it works but I don't get the same color changing effect as these pictures here. I even tried lowering opacity and everything. So I was wondering if anyone could tell me how... Thanks
http://www.anime100.com/images/header_main.jpg
http://www.anime100.com/images/nav2.jpg

Mmm... Try using CTRL+U to fiddle around with hue and saturations.

ehh, tried that, turns the whole picture to a certain color

that's how the examples are...

If you look closely you can see that the color changes to white slowly, as if it were a gradient.

You may have just answered your ?....

Well true true, I answered that part, but the hue/saturation settings can't change the colors so that they look as natural. Anyhow, if nobody knows, I'm cool with it, I'll just work with what I have.

Maybe use a gradient with transparancy colors on both sides (white in the middle). Or .... Go to the alpha channels, create a new one, select the region you want to add that highlight to, fill with white on that alpha channel.
Give it a bunch of guassian blur to spread it out. If you go back into the image, adjust curves you can make the white a bit brighter.

Also mess with some of the opacites.... Just some ideas. I am at work so this may be a bit scattered....