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 client for a face or head shave.

1.1. Identify client characteristics  by physical and visual examination.

1.2. Discuss contraindications to shaving  with the client .

1.3. Soften the area to be shaved  by applying a hot towel.

2. Select and apply tools and equipment.

2.1. Select tools and equipment  required for service.

2.2. Apply lather and remove lather from areas that will not be shaved.

2.3. Stretch skin taut and using the free hand, shave over once, using razor movements  that ensure safe access to the area being shaved.

2.4. Perform a second and close shave against the hair growth for a smooth result.

2.5. Apply hot then cold towels on completion of shaving technique.

2.6. Apply after shave products  to complete the service.

2.7. Maintain client comfort, safety and hygiene throughout the service, according to skin penetration regulations and salon procedures .

2.8. Complete services to client satisfaction and within a defined salon service timeframe.

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

Required skills 

• communication skills to:

• interact with clients
• consult with clients during pre-service analysis
• check client comfort during the shave service
• confirm client satisfaction with results of service

• technical skills to:

• conduct pre-service analysis
• apply hot towels
• lather skin and apply shaving strokes to safely shave heads and faces

Required knowledge 

• contraindications to shaving
• shaving strokes
• growth patterns of hair on the face, head and neck
• relevant health regulations
• skin penetration regulations
• salon procedures
• the salon after shave product range

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:

• pre-service analysis on a variety of clients
• safely using razors to apply shaving strokes that produce a smooth, hair-free finish
• application of salon procedures and skin penetration legislation
• completing shaving services within designated workplace 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
• an adjustable client chair
• clean client gown or wrap
• a supply of clean towels
• haircutting tools and equipment
• a range of clients for shaving services
• shaving and after shave products
• relevant documentation, including:

• skin penetration regulations
• salon procedures

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:

• conducting pre-service analysis
• performing face shaves

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

• skin penetration regulations
• relevant health regulations
• salon procedures

• 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:

• SIHHHCS308A Design and maintain beards and moustaches

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.

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.

Clients  may include:

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

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.

Salon procedures  must include:

• procedures that comply with state or territory and local government health or skin penetration regulations relevant to the service
• occupational health and safety
• environmental protection practices, such as waste disposal.