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. Prepare for colour product application.

1.1. Discuss colour service and confirm supervising hairdresser instructions prior to commencing application.

1.2. Measure and prepare colour products , according to supervising hairdresser instructions .

1.3. Gown or wrap client  according to salon procedures .

2. Apply colour products.

2.1. Ensure client and operator comfort and safety  at all stages of the colour service.

2.2. Follow stages and methods of product application  as directed by supervising hairdresser.

2.3. Take personal precautions  to prevent operator skin stain and allergic reactions to colour chemicals.

2.4. Ensure colour application is even and without stain on the scalp or hairline.

2.5. Ensure regrowth application does not overlap with previously coloured hair.

2.6. Complete colour application within salon timeframes.

2.7. Safely dispose of waste product, according to salon procedures.

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

Required skills 

• communication skills to:

• seek direction and advice from supervising hairdressers regarding key stages of the service
• interact with clients
• check client comfort during colour application and processing

• technical skills to:

• evenly apply temporary colours using sponge and applicator bottle methods
• evenly apply tint product to regrowth area
• comb through and evenly apply tint product to mid lengths and ends where instructed
• prevent possible scalp stain on client

• literacy skills to:

• interpret product information, manufacturer instructions and safety data sheets
• interpret relevant salon procedures

• numeracy skills to:

• measure, mix and apply colour products in correct proportions
• set and follow processing times
• minimise waste

Required knowledge 

• physical effects of temporary and tint colour products on the hair
• instructions and safety data sheets for the product being used
• 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:

• seeking and following direction from a supervising hairdresser regarding application of colour products
• implementing salon procedures that:

• ensure client comfort and safety
• ensure operator safety
• minimise product waste
• ensure safe disposal of product waste

• interacting with clients and senior hairdresser
• completing colour applications within designated salon 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
• a fully equipped workstation which includes as minimum:

• an adjustable client chair
• clean client gown or wrap
• a plentiful supply of clean towels
• a trolley stocked with:

• rubber gloves
• stain prevention products
• plastic bowls
• sponges
• tint brushes
• applicator bottles
• cap or plastic film wrap

• a supervising hairdresser
• relevant salon procedures, such as:

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

• a professional range of temporary and tint colour products
• a range of temporary or tint hair colour service clients with different application requirements.

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:

• selecting and preparing colour products as instructed by a supervising hairdresser
• taking personal precautions to avoid contact of colour products with operator skin or eyes
• following salon procedures to ensure the comfort and safety of clients during colour applications
• minimising and ensuring safe disposal of product waste
• interacting with clients and supervising hairdresser
• completing colour applications within designated salon timeframes

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

• the physical effects of temporary and tint colour products on the hair
• relevant product instructions and safety data sheets
• salon procedures relating to:

• client comfort and safety
• operator safety
• health and hygiene
• the protection of client and operator skin and clothing during rinsing and neutralising
• waste minimisation
• waste disposal
• water efficiency

• 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:

• SIHHBAS201A Perform shampoo and basin treatment services
• SIHHOHS201A Apply salon safety procedures

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.

Colour products  may include:

• the following types of colour products from the salon range:

• temporary colour products
• semi and demi-colour products
• tint-colour products.

Supervising hairdresser instructions  must include:

• methods of preparation and application that reflect manufacturer product information and safety data sheets
• nominating colour type and product
• product proportions
• volume of hydrogen peroxide in the case of tint products
• product preparation method
• technique and stages of application
• points at which the application and processing must be referred back to the supervising hairdresser for checking
• processing times for each stage.

Client  may include:

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

Salon procedures  must include:

• gowning clients for colour services
• compliance with state or territory and local government health regulations relevant to the service
• occupational health and safety procedures
• environmental protection practices, such as:

• waste minimisation
• waste disposal
• water efficiency.

Client and operator comfort and safety  must include:

• application of gown and towels to protect client's clothes
• application of anti skin stain product on hairline and neckline areas
• application of colour stain removal product
• avoiding product contact with client or operator’s eyes
• avoiding inhalation of fumes whilst mixing product
• wearing operator protective gloves.

Stages and methods of product application  may include:

• whole head
• regrowth
• mid lengths
• ends
• cross checking for even coverage
• sponge
• applicator bottle
• tint brush and comb.

Personal precautions  may include:

• rubber gloves
• skin barrier creams.