Unit of competency details

Release 

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Editorial corrections. Competency field added.

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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. Consult with clients.

1.1. Discuss client needs and expectation s.

1.2. Identify cost, application, maintenance requirements, features, benefits and applications of different wigs and hairpieces  and clearly explain to clients.

1.3. Confirm finished wig or hairpiece designs that meet client requirements .

2. Analyse and select hair type.

2.1. Discuss human hair types , synthetic hair and their suitability to meet client needs.

2.2. Match hair type is to the client’s own hair to achieve colour match and wave or curl match, where possible and according to client requirements.

3. Prepare hair for use in wig or hairpiece.

3.1. Ensure safe use of hack according to salon procedures .

3.2. Apply root-turning procedure root to root and end to end, according to natural hair growth pattern.

3.3. Select and mix various hair types, according to required texture, colour and curl, and predetermined client requirements.

4. Make wigs and hairpieces.

4.1. Take key measurements  for base of wig and transfer measurements accurately from head to block.

4.2. Select suitable materials  for wig or hairpiece base and other parts of the wig to suit agreed end product.

4.3. Determine procedure for placing hair on base , according to client requirements.

4.4. Select, apply and maintain wig-making tools , according to salon procedures.

4.5. Select and apply ventilating techniques  where required.

4.6. Knot and make wig or hairpiece, according to client requirements.

4.7. Ensure the safe disposal of waste hair and other materials, according to salon procedures.

5. Fit wigs and hairpieces.

5.1. Fit finished wig or hairpiece on client to ensure a firm but comfortable fit.

5.2. Make adjustments where necessary and confirm client comfort and satisfaction.

5.3. Offer home hair care and in-salon maintenance advice.

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

Required skills 

• communication skills to:

• interact with clients
• consult with clients to establish their end product requirements
• check client comfort during the fitting process
• confirm client satisfaction with finished wigs and hairpieces

• technical skills to:

• perform client measurement and fitting
• select and prepare hair for a variety of wig-making procedures, including:

• hackling
• root turning
• hair colouring and curling
• matching client’s hair type
• hair blending

• select appropriate bases
• perform knotting and other wig making techniques

• literacy skills to interpret and apply salon procedures
• numeracy skills to take key measurements and transfer them to a wig-making block

Required knowledge 

• factors affecting the design of wig and hairpieces:

• selection of hair type
• preparation of materials
• design and structure of wigs, hairpieces and postiche
• different hair fibres, hair types and bases
• head blocks and tools
• facial shapes and features, bone structure and body shape
• client characteristics and limitations
• client preferences and expressed requirements
• occasion
• balancing hair length and volume
• the elements and principles of design as applied to hair design

• a range of head blocks and their suitability for attaching wigs and hairpieces
• a range of block attachments and tools for making wigs and hairpieces
• a range of measuring and fitting requirements and procedures for wigs and hairpieces
• relevant salon procedures
• human hair types used in wigs and hairpieces and their characteristics

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:

• analysing client characteristics and requirements and recommending appropriate hair fibre
• knowledge and safe application of technical tools
• procedures and techniques used in wig making
• integrating a range of wig-making techniques to produce wigs and hairpieces suitable for photographic, theatre, film, television, special effects and prosthesis application
• evaluating completed wigs or hairpieces and confirming client satisfaction with the finished result.

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
• a client consultation area
• wig blocks and appropriate attachment tools
• a full range of wig making products
• a supply of hair fibres of different type
• sample wigs and hairpieces
• clients requiring a range of wig or hairpiece applications
• haircutting tools and equipment
• relevant documentation such as salon procedures.

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

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:

• direct observation of the learner:

• consulting with clients
• measuring clients for full head wigs and hairpieces
• selecting, preparing and blending hair
• selecting base materials
• applying ventilating and wefting techniques

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

• the types of human hair types used in wigs and hair pieces
• tools, procedures and techniques used in wig making
• relevant 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:

• SIHHHDS407A Apply and maintain wigs and hairpieces.

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.

Client needs and expectations  may include:

• for theatrical or film character roles
• to simulate or replace their own hair in response to hair loss
• for fashion effects.

Wigs and hairpieces  may include:

• full head wigs
• toupees
• artificial beards and moustaches
• long or short frangia
• one, two or three stem switch
• button
• postiche, including:

• square
• round
• heart
• fantasy shape

• wiglets in a variety of base shapes
• hair, such as:

• long
• short
• straight
• wavy
• curly
• natural or artificial colours.

Human hair types  may include:

• European
• Asian
• Euro-Asian
• African.

Salon procedures  may include:

• client comfort and safety
• operator safety
• procedures that comply with state or territory and local government health regulations relevant to the service
• environmental protection practices, such as:

• waste minimisation
• waste disposal
• water efficiency.

Key measurements  may include:

• circumference from head to nape
• ear to ear over top of head
• front hairline to centre of forehead
• ear to ear over the occipital area.

Materials  may include:

• galloon
• tulle
• net (caul)
• springs
• weft.

Procedure for placing hair on base  may include:

• ventilating
• wefting.

Wig-making tools  may include:

• wefting frame
• crochet hook.

Ventilating techniques  may include:

• single
• double
• triple
• English.