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. Develop advanced product knowledge and application techniques.

1.1. Develop and maintain chemical reformation product knowledge and share with other staff members where relevant.

1.2. Research, develop and apply design applications incorporating chemical reformation and explain or demonstrate to other staff members.

2. Assess hair and consult with client.

2.1. Analyse hair based on hair type and condition  and planned or existing haircut structure .

2.2. Suggest and confirm the finished design and enhancement  with the client .

3. Select and apply products and equipment.

3.1. Select chemical reformation or straightening products  to match hair analysis and predetermined result.

3.2. Select and apply chemical reformation tools  and winding or relaxing techniques, according to the predetermined enhancement.

3.3. Ensure client and operator comfort and safety  at all stages of the service, according to product instructions, safety data and salon procedures .

4. Finish designs.

4.1. Select finishing tools and techniques  and apply to achieve predetermined designs to client satisfaction.

4.2. Offer after-service maintenance advice .

4.3. Update client history  information.

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

Required skills 

• communication skills to:

• interact with clients
• discuss design ideas and confirm client expectations
• advise clients on degree of curl or degree of relaxation of curl or wave, finished hair designs and home care
• check client comfort during each stage of the service
• review the outcomes of the service and check client satisfaction

• technical skills to:

• conduct accurate preservice hair analysis
• apply elements and principles of design to hair designs
• select and apply products, equipment and techniques appropriate to achieve classic and creative designs

• literacy skills to:

• interpret and follow product instructions and safety data sheets
• interpret and follow relevant salon procedures

• numeracy skills to:

• accurately measure and apply products to minimise waste
• manage processing times effectively.

• research skills to access creative and classic looks that use chemical reformation to enhance the hair design

Required knowledge 

• the elements and principles of design
• the salon chemical reformation product range
• the physical and chemical actions of the following products on the structure of the hair:

• protein fillers
• chemical reformation products
• chemical straighteners and relaxers
• conditioning products
• anti-frizz products
• styling gels and other aids

• a wide range of winding, chemical texturising and straightening techniques and their effects on different haircut structures
• potential application and limitations of chemical reformation products in the salon range
• salon procedures relating to:

• client comfort and safety
• operator safety
• health and hygiene
• waste minimisation
• waste disposal
• water efficiency

• correct and environmentally sound disposal methods for all types of waste and in particular for hazardous substances

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:

• conducting accurate preservice hair and design analysis
• applying the elements and principles of design to create contemporary and classic designs and to forecast new looks enhanced by the creative application of chemical reformation
• selecting and applying chemical curling, volumising, straightening and relaxing equipment and techniques to achieve predetermined designs that enhance a variety of haircut structures on a range of clients
• consulting with clients and providing after-service care and maintenance advice.

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
• fully equipped workstation which includes as minimum:

• an adjustable client chair
• clean client gown or wrap
• a plentiful supply of clean towels
• thermostatically-controlled ceramic flat irons
• trolley stocked with:

• a variety of sized perm rods and sticks of different sizes
• perm papers
• medium-toothed combs with even edges
• straightening boards
• barrier creams
• cotton wool
• plastic bowls or applicator bottles
• applicator brushes

• finishing tools, including:

• heat lamps
• heat diffuser
• blow dryer flat irons
• hair rollers of different sizes
• pin curl clips

• a fully equipped basin services area which includes as a minimum:

• shampoo basins
• client shampoo chairs
• adjustable water temperature and shampoo spray attachments
• a plentiful supply of clean towels
• clean client gown

• a professional range of chemical and protein relaxation and straightening products suited to match hair analysis on a range of clients
• relevant documentation, including:

• product instructions
• product safety data sheets
• salon procedures

• a range of clients seeking chemical straightening or relaxing services.

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 his or her handling of a range of contingencies. Tasks include:

• communicating and demonstrating chemical reformation hair design enhancements to other staff
• designing and applying chemical reformation to enhance hair designs on a range of clients
• advising on home care and recommending products.

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

• the salon chemical reformation product range
• the physical and chemical actions of the following products on the structure of the hair:

• protein fillers
• chemical reformation products
• chemical straighteners and relaxers
• conditioning products
• anti-frizz products
• styling gels and other aids

• a wide range of winding, chemical texturising and straightening techniques and their effects on different haircut structures
• potential application and limitations of chemical reformation products in the salon range

• research that demonstrates creative and classic looks that use chemical reformation to enhance the hair design
• review of portfolios of evidence and third-party reports of on-the-job performance by the learner.

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:

• SIHHHCS410A Design and perform creative haircuts

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.

Hair type and condition  may include:

• untreated naturally curly hair or wavy hair
• chemically treated hair
• strong or resistant natural curls
• naturally straight hair
• damaged hair.

Haircut structure  may include:

• short
• medium
• long
• solid form
• layered
• graduated
• combinations.

Enhancement  may include:

• full or partial head
• changes in texture
• adding curl root to point (spiral)
• adding curl or volume point to root
• adding waves
• relaxing natural curl
• increasing body
• increasing volume.

Clients  may include:

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

Chemical reformation straightening and relaxing products  may include:

• preprocess shampoos and softeners
• pre and post-process fillers and conditioning products
• alkaline perms
• acid perms
• perming products in a variety of strengths
• curl relaxers for chemically treated hair
• hair straighteners for:

• naturally wavy or curly hair
• strong or resistant natural curls

• neutralisers
• post-process care and styling products.

Chemical reformation tools  may include:

• perm rods and sticks in various shapes and sizes
• medium-toothed combs with even edges
• straightening boards
• fingers
• flat irons.

Client and operator comfort and safety  must include:

• providing protective gowning for client
• applying straightening product 1cm from the hair root to avoid breakage
• avoiding product contact with client and operator skin or eyes
• wearing protective gloves for operator.

Relevant legislation  may include:

• federal, state and local health and hygiene legislation and regulations
• occupational health and safety legislation and regulations.

Salon procedures  must 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.

Finishing tools and techniques  may include:

• natural drying
• heat lamps
• heat diffuser
• blow drying
• flat irons
• roller finishes
• pin-curl finishes.

Maintenance advice  may include:

• product manufacturer after-service care and maintenance instructions
• shampooing hair following procedure
• conditioners
• intense protein treatments
• anti-frizz products
• hair gloss
• sprays and lacquers
• self-drying techniques
• brushes and combs.

Client history  may include:

• hair analysis outcomes
• desired degree of:

• curl
• volume
• relaxation

• tool and product selection
• winding or relaxation technique
• outcome of service
• home hair care products:

• recommended
• purchased.