  The total $\gamma^*\gamma^*$ cross-section is derived in the Leading Order
QCD dipole picture of BFKL dynamics, and compared with the one from 2-gluon
exchange. The Double Leading Logarithm approximation of the DGLAP cross-section
is found to be small in the phase space studied. Cross sections are calculated
for realistic data samples at the $e^+e^-$ collider LEP and a future high
energy linear collider. Next to Leading order corrections to the BFKL evolution
have been determined phenomenologically, and are found to give very large
corrections to the BFKL cross-section, leading to a reduced sensitivity for
observing BFKL.
