Unit of competency details

Unit Descriptor 

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to design and apply creative chemical reformation techniques to a range of haircut structures and long hair.

This unit of competency will apply to a range of chemical reformation services and roles in the workplace.

Application of the Unit 

This unit requires the operator to communicate with clients regarding their design expectations, and to suggest and apply chemical reformation techniques to enhance the haircut structure or long hair. It combines pre-service hair and design analysis with an established in-depth knowledge of the action of chemical reformation chemicals on the hair's structure. The unit involves enhancing hair designs by applying a wide range of tools and techniques to chemically change the texture, wave or curl in hair.

In the context of an assessment-only and/or a training delivery and assessment pathway, units of competency that relate to this unit are identified in the evidence guide of this unit.

Employability skills 

This unit contains employability skills.

Elements describe the essential outcomes of a unit of competency.

Performance criteria describe the level of performance required to demonstrate achievement of the element. The variables for the bold italicised  text are outlined in the range statement. Assessment of performance is to be consistent with the evidence guide.

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

1

Assess hair and consult with client.

1.1

Hair assessment is made based on hair type and condition  and planned or existing haircut structure .

1.2

Desired finished design and enhancement  are confirmed with the client .

2

Select and apply products and equipment.

2.1

Chemical reformation straightening /relaxing products  are selected to match hair analysis and predetermined result.

2.2

Chemical reformation tools  and winding or relaxing techniques are selected according to the predetermined enhancement.

2.3

Chemical reformation products, tools and techniques are applied according to manufacturer's instructions to ensure predetermined outcomes.

2.4

Client and operator comfort and safety  are ensured at all stages of the service according to relevant legislation , manufacturer's product safety data sheets and workplace policies and procedures .

3

Finish design.

3.1

Finishing tools and techniques  are selected and applied to achieve predetermined design to client satisfaction.

3.2

After-service maintenance advice  is offered and home care products are suggested to the client.

3.3

Client history is updated to include tool and product selection, winding or relaxation technique, outcome of service and home hair care products recommended and purchased.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE 

This describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level , required for this unit .

Skills may include :

• conducting pre-service hair and design analysis

• communication techniques, including:

• using open and closed questions
• speaking clearly and concisely
• using appropriate language
• non-verbal communication

• consistently selecting and applying chemical reformation products, equipment and techniques to achieve classic and creative designs

• finishing techniques appropriate to the planned design

• consistently applying safe work practices and manufacturer's instructions

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

• language, literacy and numeracy skills relevant to the role and workplace requirements.

Knowledge may include :

• the workplace 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

• the potential application and limitations of chemical reformation products in the workplace range

• the provisions of relevant health and hygiene legislation and regulations

• the provisions of relevant occupational health and safety legislation and regulations.

EVIDENCE GUIDE 

The evidence guide describes the underpinning knowledge and skills that must be demonstrated to prove competence. It is essential for assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, the range statement and the assessment guidelines of the relevant Training Package.

Overview of assessment 

A person who demonstrates competency in this unit of competency must be able to consistently perform pre-service hair analysis, consult with clients regarding the desired curl/body result, and then perform the full chemical straightening/relaxing service to achieve that outcome to the satisfaction of the client. Client and operator safety must be ensured at all stages during the chemical reformation straightening/relaxing process.

Knowledge and skill in the application of relevant legislation and workplace policies and procedures must also be demonstrated.

Specific evidence requirements 

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

• consistently conducting accurate pre-service 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

• consistently selecting and successfully applying chemical reformation products, equipment and techniques to achieve predetermined designs

• evidence of the application of chemical curling, volumising, straightening and relaxing techniques to enhance a variety of haircut structures

• consistently consulting with clients and providing after-service care and maintenance advice.

Context of assessment 

For valid and reliable assessment of this unit, competency should be consistently demonstrated over a period of time and observed by the assessor and/or the technical expert working in partnership with the assessor. The technical expert may include the hairdresser and/or an experienced person at the workplace.

Competency should be demonstrated in the workplace or a simulated workplace environment in a range of situations which may include client interruptions and involvement in other related activities normally expected in the workplace. For further guidance on the use of an appropriate simulated environment, refer to the Assessment Guidelines in this Training Package.

Specific resources for assessment 

Competency for this unit should be assessed through access to:

• relevant documentation including occupational health and safety legislation and regulations, workplace policy and procedures manuals and manufacturer's product safety data sheets
• a wide range of chemical curling and volumising, straightening and relaxing tools, products and equipment
• clients presenting with a range of creative and classic hair design requirements in a salon or simulated salon area.

Relationship to other units 

In the context of an assessment-only and/or a training delivery and assessment pathway, all units that relate to a job function can be integrated for assessment purposes.

Prerequisite units :

• WRHCR302B Perform chemical curling and volumising services
• WRHCR303B Perform chemical straightening and relaxing services
• WRHHD303A Design and apply short to medium-length hair design finishes.

Co-requisite unit :

• WRHHC410B Design and perform creative haircuts.

Method of assessment 

The following assessment method is suggested.

• Observation of the learner performing a range of tasks in an actual or simulated work environment, over sufficient time to demonstrate his/her handling of a range of contingencies. Tasks may include:

• conducting pre-service hair and design analysis
• confirming planned finished design with client
• selecting and applying products and equipment
• completing a full service to achieve a predetermined design, incorporating creative or classic chemical reformation techniques.

Evidence required for demonstration of consistent performance 

For valid and reliable assessment of this unit, evidence should be gathered through a range of methods to indicate consistent performance.

It can be gathered from assessment of the unit of competency alone, through an integrated assessment activity or through a combination of both.

Evidence should be gathered as part of the learning process.

RANGE STATEMENT 

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that will affect performance.

The following variables 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. Bold italicised  text from the performance criteria is detailed here.

Hair type and condition  may include:

• untreated naturally curly hair
• untreated naturally 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 be full or partial head and may include:

• changes in texture
• adding curl root to point (spiral)
• adding curl point to root (curl/volume)
• adding waves
• relaxing natural curl
• increasing body/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 /relaxing products  may include:

• pre-process 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 normal naturally wavy or curly hair
• hair straighteners for 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  may 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.

Workplace policies and procedures  may include:

• client comfort and safety
• operator safety
• health and hygiene.

Finishing tools and techniques  may include:

• natural drying
• heat lamps
• heat diffuser
• blow drying
• roller/pin curl finishes.

Maintenance advice  may include:

• shampooing hair following procedure
• conditioners
• intense protein treatments
• anti-frizz products
• hair gloss
• sprays and lacquers
• self-drying techniques
• brushes and combs.

Competency Field 

Hairdressing