Unit of competency details

Release 

Comments 

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Editorial corrections. Competency field added.

1

Initial release.

Element 

Performance Criteria 

Elements describe the essential outcomes of a unit of competency.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised text is used, further information is detailed in the required skills and knowledge section and the range statement. Assessment of performance is to be consistent with the evidence guide.

1. Design beards and moustaches.

1.1. Establish beard characteristics  by physical and visual examination.

1.2. Observe and analyse facial features and bone structure.

1.3. Recommend moustache and beard designs that provide balance and emphasis to facial characteristics and confirm with clients .

2. Select and apply tools and equipment.

2.1. Apply over-comb techniques  to remove bulk and to shape beard and moustache in a logical sequence.

2.2. Define beard and moustache lines, according to agreed design using scissors or clippers as required.

2.3. Maintain client comfort, safety and hygiene throughout the service, according to salon procedures .

3. Perform an outline shave.

3.1. Apply a wet lather of shaving cream to the area to be shaved.

3.2. Apply shaving strokes with razor  at the appropriate angle and to a predetermined pattern, with the skin stretched taut.

3.3. Shave face area to a predetermined pattern and against the grain for a smooth shave.

3.4. Shave neck area to a predetermined pattern and in the direction of hair growth to avoid tearing skin.

3.5. Treat blood spots, according to relevant skin penetration regulations and salon procedures.

4. Finalise service.

4.1. Confirm client satisfaction with the finished beard design.

4.2. Dispose of excess hair according to relevant legislation and workplace policies and salon procedures.

This section describes the skills and knowledge required for this unit.

Required skills 

• communication skills to:

• interact with clients
• consult with clients during pre-service analysis
• check client comfort during the haircut
• confirm client satisfaction with results of service

• technical skills to:

• conduct pre-service analysis
• design beards and moustaches to suit facial features
• use haircutting tools to safely apply over-comb techniques to trim beards and moustaches
• shave beard outlines

Required knowledge 

• natural distribution and growth patterns of hair
• relationship between beard characteristics and the finished result
• relevant health regulations, including skin penetration
• salon procedures

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Overview of assessment 

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit 

Evidence of the following is essential:

• pre-service analysis across a range of clients
• safely applying scissors and clippers to complete a variety of beard and moustache styles
• outlining beard areas with shaving techniques
• implementing relevant health and skin penetration legislation and regulations
• completing beard and moustache services that satisfy clients within designated workplace timeframes.

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

Assessment must ensure access to:

• a salon or a simulated salon environment that includes a range of work situations such as client interruptions and involvement in other related activities normally expected in the salon
• an adjustable client chair
• clean client gown or wrap
• haircutting tools and equipment
• a range of clients for beard and moustache designs
• relevant documentation, including:

• skin penetration regulations
• salon procedures.

For further guidance on the use of an appropriate simulated environment, refer to the Assessment Guidelines in this Training Package.

Method of assessment 

A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge. The following examples are appropriate for this unit:

• observation of the learner performing a range of tasks in an actual or simulated work environment, over sufficient time to demonstrate their handling of a range of contingencies. Tasks include:

• conducting pre-service analysis
• consulting clients regarding beard designs
• safely applying haircutting tools and equipment to create beard and moustache designs
• shaving beard outlines

• written or verbal questions appropriate to the language and literacy level of the learner to test knowledge, such as:

• relevant health regulations, including skin penetration
• salon procedures

• review of portfolios of evidence and third-party reports of on-the-job performance.

Guidance information for assessment 

A unit of competency describes an individual skill but people rarely perform one skill at a time. Many skills are combined on a day-to-day basis in the workplace as part of work processes. This does not mean that each skill described by a unit of competency is pre-requisite to another— they are related skills.

Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, salon and job role is recommended, for example:

• SIHHHCS309A Perform face and head shaves
• SIHHIND305A Hone and strop straight razors

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.

Beard characteristics  may include:

• hair texture
• hair density
• growth patterns
• contagious disorders of the face or beard
• blemishes or other facial conditions requiring special consideration.

Clients  may include:

• men from a range of social, cultural or ethnic backgrounds and with a range of physical and mental abilities.

Over-comb techniques  must include:

• scissor over-comb
• clipper over-comb
• clippers with comb guards.

Salon procedures  must include:

• procedures that comply with state or territory and local government health or skin penetration regulations relevant to the service
• occupational health and safety
• environmental protection practices, such as waste disposal.

Razors  may include:

• disposable-blade straight
• straight blade.