Unit of competency details

Unit Descriptor 

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to perform face shaves and head shaves.

Application of the Unit 

This unit involves communicating with clients and selecting and applying tools and equipment to perform full face shaves and full head shaves. Demonstrated knowledge of the safe application of shaving tools, along with the application of relevant legislation and workplace practices particularly in regard to hygiene, workplace safety and client comfort are required.

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

Prepare client for a face or head shave.

1.1

Client characteristics  are identified by physical and visual examination.

1.2

Contraindications to shaving  are discussed with the client.

1.3

Hot towel is applied to soften the area to be shaved .

2

Select and apply tools and equipment.

2.1

Tools and equipment  are selected for service.

2.2

Lather technique for face or head shave is applied according to workplace procedures, and lather is removed from areas that will not be shaved.

2.3

Using the free hand, skin is stretched taut and shaved over once using a variety of razor movements .

2.4

Second and close shave is performed against the hair growth for a smooth result.

2.5

Hot then cold towels are applied on completion of shaving technique.

2.6

After shave products  are applied to complete the service.

2.7

Client comfort, safety and hygiene are maintained throughout the service according to relevant legislation  and workplace practices .

2.8

Services are completed within a defined workplace timeframe.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE 

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

Skills may include :

• pre-service analysis

• client consultation that takes into account the culture, background and physical abilities of the client while demonstrating knowledge of the following communication techniques:

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

• applying hot towels

• shaving strokes

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

Knowledge may include :

• contraindications to shaving

• the provisions of relevant health and hygiene legislation and regulations
• the provisions of relevant skin penetration legislation and regulations

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

• workplace procedures in regard to:

• infection control
• safe handling and disposal of sharps
• contingency strategies for blood and body fluid contact

• the workplace after shave product range.

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 and safely perform full face shaves and full head shaves. They must be able to consistently use shaving tools in a safe manner while complying with all relevant occupational health and safety requirements.

Specific evidence requirements 

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

• pre-service analysis on a variety of clients

• consistently demonstrated ability to safely apply razors to produce a smooth, hair-free finish

• consistent application of relevant health regulations and skin penetration legislation

• the ability to consistently complete shaving services within designated workplace timeframes.

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 that 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 and workplace policy and procedures manuals
• a salon or simulated salon environment
• shaving tools and equipment
• clients requiring face and/or head shaves
• after shave products.

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 unit :

• WRHCS201A Prepare clients for salon services.

Co-requisite units :

• none.

Method of assessment 

The following assessment methods are 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:

• consulting with clients
• performing face and/or head shaves.

• Written questions on relevant health regulations and skin penetration legislation and regulations.

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.

Client characteristics  may include:

• bone structure
• wrinkles
• sunburn
• chapped lips
• pimples
• moles
• dense, strong beard
• hair growth pattern on head.

Contraindications to shaving  may include:

• contagious disorders of the skin, hair and scalp
• abnormal skin and scalp conditions.

Areas to be shaved  may include:

• face
• head.

Tools and equipment  may include:

• disposable-bladed straight razors
• straight blade razors
• shaving brushes
• shaving lather
• towels
• after shave products.

Razor movements  may include:

• freehand position and stroke
• backhand position and stroke
• reverse freehand stroke
• reverse backhand stroke.

After shave products  may include:

• styptic lotion (not pencil)
• after shave lotion
• after shave skin conditioning cream
• talcum powder.

Relevant legislation  may include:

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

Workplace practices  may include:

• shaving service procedures
• procedures for safe work practices.

Competency Field 

Hairdressing