Faded gray hair transformation

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Problem: Faded gray/blonde
Helen Russell, 51
Musician and production consultant

First gray sighting: "About 12 years ago. My hair is fine, but the gray was an entirely different texture, wiry and coarse."

Her reaction: "I tried covering it by combing my hair differently. That didn't work very well. So I started getting blonde highlights every six months or so."

Her haircolor ambition: "Eventually, I want to go all gray. But for now, I wouldn't mind being a little blonder."

Rita's solution: "There was no contrast between Helen's ashy haircolor and her complexion, so she looked completely washed-out. I gave her a warm, gold allover base color, with baby blonde, honey, and gold highlights to add dimension."