Step by Step: Structured Delicacy by Sonia Jiménez Cambronero

A style that fuses precision and softness, where geometric cutting is balanced with an ethereal, powdery color. The proposal is inspired by the concept of “Structured Delicacy,” in which pure cutting lines are combined with soft, diffused highlights, creating a light effect that enhances femininity, elegance, and the hair’s natural movement.

The chosen color, a pearly pink, conveys calm, modernity, and creative strength. Its neutral undertone is versatile and adapts to both warm and cool skin tones, adding sophistication while showcasing the professional’s technical control at every stage of the process. This proposal not only seeks an attractive visual finish but also prioritizes the health and integrity of the hair fiber, ensuring that each section of hair receives the appropriate care and treatment.

The following step-by-step guide details a complete protocol from diagnosis to finalization, designed for professionals seeking an impeccable result with a perfect balance between technique, color, and hair care.

Step 1: Diagnosis

Analyze the hair before any intervention:

• Fiber type: Fine to medium, with a tendency toward sensitivity at the ends.

• Porosity: Slight, likely due to previous lightening services.

• Current color: Root level 6–7 with an ash base; mid-lengths light blonde level

  9–10 with warm yellowish reflections; ends with slight greenish tones caused

  by oxidation of cool pigments or mineral residue.

• Fiber condition: Dull and dehydrated, with an open cuticle in lighter areas,

  indicating the need for reconstructive treatments before or after the service.

This diagnosis allows for selective color corrections and treatments that respect the integrity of the hair fiber.

Step 2: Application / Color Technique

Required materials: Fine-tail comb, clips, aluminum foil, brushes (flat and detail), bleaching powder, 10 vol. developer, acidic pH shampoo and mask, gloves, bowl, and scale.

Sectioning:

1. Top section (crown): From the central front parting to the crown.

2. Sides: From the central parting toward each side, ear to ear.

3. Nape: Lower and upper nape, separated horizontally.

Step by Step:

1. Mixture preparation: Bleach + 10 vol. developer (1:2), creamy texture for even saturation.

2. Lower nape: Fine highlights (1–2 mm), horizontal panels of 2–3 cm, using foil; soft feathering near the root, saturating mid-lengths and ends.

3. Upper nape: Same pattern, alternating highlights with fine veils left unlightened for a natural effect.

4. Sides: Backward diagonals, adapting the angle to the hair; contours and sideburns with small foils or freehand for softness.

5. Top section: Crossed diagonal “V” pattern to integrate light; front area with a diffused money piece and fine highlights close to the root.

6. Lightening control: Check every 10 minutes; target level 9–10 with a slightly golden base; rinse once a uniform tone is achieved.

7. Wash and treatment: Rinse with lukewarm water, apply acidic pH shampoo and a sealing mask to close the cuticle and rebalance the fiber.

Step 3: Emulsification, Washing, and Treatment

1. Emulsification and rinsing:

o At the shampoo basin, emulsify each section with lukewarm water

following the order of application.

o Carefully remove foils and rinse until all product residue is eliminated.

2. Acid line washing:

o First gentle wash to remove bleaching residue.

o Second wash with acidic shampoo to rebalance pH and promote cuticle

closure.o Rinse with lukewarm water and remove excess moisture with a towel.

3. Two-phase treatment:

o Phase 1 – pH regulation: Apply section by section from roots to ends,

comb through, and leave on according to manufacturer instructions.

o Phase 2 – Proteins and amino acids: Apply to the entire hair, massaging

from mid-lengths to ends; leave on for the required time and partially rinse to retain some of the treatment.

Step 4: Root Smudge with Acid Color

1. Hair preparation:

o With towel-dried hair, comb and divide into four sections for precise

control.

2. Root smudge application:

o Prepare the acid color according to the desired shade.

o Apply at the root with a brush, from front to nape.

o Work with fine partings, applying close to the root and softly diffusing

toward the mid-lengths using a clean brush or fingers for a natural

blend.

3. Processing time:

o Leave on according to manufacturer instructions, visually controlling the evolution for even color.

4. Emulsification and rinse:

o Emulsify with lukewarm water, gently massaging the scalp.

o Rinse until the water runs completely clear.

Step 5: Toning the Mid-lengths and Ends

1. Hair preparation:

o After the root smudge and rinse, work with towel-dried hair.

o Comb through to remove excess water and gently detangle.

2. Tone application:

o Prepare the selected toner for mid-lengths and ends.

o Apply evenly from back to front.

o Distribute with a brush or fingers, massaging to ensure penetration and

uniform color.

3. Processing time:

o Leave on according to manufacturer instructions, visually controlling until the desired reflection is achieved.

4. Emulsification and rinse:

o Add lukewarm water and gently emulsify from mid-lengths to ends.

o Rinse thoroughly until all product is removed.

5. Final seal:

o Apply conditioner or an acidic pH treatment to seal the cuticle and

provide shine and softness.

Credits

• Hair: Sonia Jiménez Cambronero @soniacambronero

• Photography: Juanky Designer Studio @juanky.dgr

• Products: Tempting Professional @tempting_professional