Unit of competency details

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 hair colouring and lightening product knowledge.

1.2. Research, develop and apply design applications incorporating creative specialist colouring and lightening techniques.

1.3. Share new knowledge and techniques with other staff members where relevant.

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 colouring and lightening products  to match hair analysis and predetermined result.

3.2. Select and use creative colouring and lightening techniques  according to the predetermined design.

3.3. Ensure client and operator comfort and safety  at each stage of the service according to product instructions, safety data sheets 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 colour selection and placement, 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 pre-service hair analysis
• apply elements and principles of design to hair designs
• select and apply products, equipment and techniques appropriate to achieving creative colouring and lightening effects on 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 specialist creative colouring and lightening techniques to enhance hair designs

Required knowledge 

• the elements and principles of design
• action of peroxide with bleaches and powder lighteners in colour deposit removal
• relationship between porosity, texture, condition and the success of creative colour services
• levels of peroxide and their applications in colour correction
• chemical and physical effects of pre-pigmenting products
• colour wheel and its application in colour selection to achieve warm and cool tones
• the salon colour and lightening products range and colour chart system
• 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 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 creative specialist colouring and lightening techniques
• selecting and applying creative specialist colouring and lightening 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
• trolley stocked with:

• rubber gloves
• stain prevention products
• plastic bowls
• sponges
• tint brushes
• applicator bottles
• variety of application tools, such as sponges, foils, combs and brushes, icing syringe
• cap or plastic film wrap

• a professional range of colour deposit lifting products, including:

• artificial colour removal products
• bleaches
• powder lighteners
• hydrogen peroxides

• product colour charts, information and safety data sheets
• salon procedures relating to:

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

• a professional range of colouring and lightening 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 with different creative colouring and lightening 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:

• communicating and demonstrating creative colouring hair design enhancements to other staff
• designing and applying creative specialist colouring and lightening techniques to enhance hair designs on a range of clients
• advising on home hair care and recommending products.

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

• relationship between porosity, texture, condition and the success of creative colour services
• colour wheel and its application in colour selection to achieve warm and cool tones
• the salon colour and lightening products range and colour chart system
• correct and environmentally sound disposal methods for all types of product waste and in particular for hazardous substances

• research that demonstrates creative and classic looks that use creative specialist colouring and lightening techniques to enhance the hair design
• 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:

• 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:

• non-coloured
• chemically treated
• strong or resistant
• damaged
• dry, oily or normal
• porosity
• texture.

Haircut structure  may include:

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

Enhancement  may include creating:

• interest to hair design textures and movement
• personalised and individual looks
• dramatic or soft colour effects.

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.

Colouring and lightening products  must include:

• colour deposit products
• colour lifting products.

Creative colouring and lightening techniques  may include:

• multiple colour applications, such as:

• tint and slices
• shading
• duo tones
• colour graduations through lengths of hair
• chequerboard application

• fantasy colouring, such as:

• vibrant shades

• highlighting effects, such as:

• slices
• individual chunky colour placements

• freehand techniques, using various application tools such as sponges, combs, brushes and foil to achieve effects, such as:

• end lightening
• marbling
• high-speed service for male clients.

Client and operator comfort and safety  must include:

• following workplace procedures
• following product safety instructions and safety data sheets regarding the preparation and application of corrective colour products
• following product safety data sheets in the event of an accident and seeking medical advice
• appropriate gowning of client
• application of anti skin stain product
• application of colour stain removal product
• wearing operator protective clothing and equipment when mixing and applying products
• monitoring client scalp comfort and condition at all stages of the service.

Salon procedures  must include:

• gowning clients for colour and lightening services
• rules relating to the application of heat acceleration during processing
• 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.

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:

• 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:

• client reaction to skin tests
• contraindications
• previous pre-service analysis
• previous services’ brand and colour selection
• previous services’ application techniques and processing times
• colour outcomes
• recommended after care products.