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. Research and analyse haircut trends.

1.1. Develop a portfolio of creative haircut designs  using a range of available sources .

1.2. Analyse and identify haircut designs and structures in a haircut plan  and record in the portfolio.

2. Analyse client characteristics and requirements.

2.1. Establish natural hair type , texture , growth patterns , fall and movement using physical and visual examination.

2.2. Observe and analyse facial features and bone structure.

2.3. Adapt and confirm portfolio haircut structures, based on client  analysis.

3. Apply cutting techniques.

3.1. Select haircutting tools  and cutting techniques  to achieve planned haircut results.

3.2. Establish exterior design lines, direction of design lines and interior design or guide lines , according to the structures in the haircut.

3.3. Combine or blend structures, where appropriate to the planned finished design.

3.4. Apply additional cutting techniques to enhance the design where relevant.

3.5. Maintain client and operator comfort, safety and hygiene throughout the haircut according to salon procedures .

4. Select and apply finishing techniques.

4.1. Select finishing products and tools  to achieve planned haircut finish.

4.2. Apply the appropriate finishing techniques  according to the finished hair design and agreed outcomes within designated timelines.

4.3. Confirm client satisfaction with haircut and finish.

4.4. Provide haircut management advice and recommend home care products, according to hair type and client needs.

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

Required skills 

• research skills to source information on local and international current and coming hair fashion trends
• communication skills to:

• interact with clients
• consult with clients during pre-service analysis
• check client comfort during the haircut
• confirm client satisfaction with haircut results
• document pre-service analysis and client histories

• technical skills to:

• conduct pre-haircutting service design and hair analysis
• design haircuts that combine structures and textures for creative effects
• develop cutting plans
• use and safely apply a wide range of haircutting and finishing tools and techniques

• numeracy skills to:

• calculate exterior and interior lengths in the haircut structure
• interpret lines and angles in the haircut structure

• literacy skills to interpret and follow salon procedures

Required knowledge 

• components of haircut design:

• shape
• structure
• proportion
• texture
• form

• natural distribution and growth patterns of hair
• relationship between the quality of the hair and the finished result
• degrees of lift and distribution to achieve solid, graduated and layered structures
• techniques that create texture
• techniques for solid finishes
• techniques for tapered finishes
• weight lines
• weight areas
• proportional relationships between structures
• relevant salon procedures

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:

• developing a comprehensive portfolio of creative haircuts
• performing design analysis for a range of looks
• planning for and combining haircut structures for a variety of creative haircuts
• safe application of a variety of haircutting tools and techniques
• achieving planned haircut designs
• applying finishing techniques to enhance haircuts
• completing haircut 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
• a clean client gown or wrap
• haircutting tools and equipment
• a range of clients for creative haircuts
• finishing tools and equipment
• relevant documentation, including:

• cutting plans
• 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:

• development of a portfolio of at least six creative haircuts, including design analyses and haircut plans
• 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
• planning a number of creative haircuts involving a variety of structural combinations
• safely applying a number of haircuts involving a variety of haircutting techniques to combine haircut structures
• applying finishing products and techniques

• written or verbal questions appropriate to the language and literacy level of the learner to test knowledge which include:

• elements and principles of design
• geometric principles related to angles and shapes.

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:

• SIHHTLS403A Work as a session stylist

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.

A portfolio of creative haircut designs  may include:

• magazine shots
• photographs
• sketches
• material sourced on the internet.

A range of available sources  may include:

• fashion magazines
• hair magazines
• product manufacturer materials
• the internet
• hair fashion videos
• hair shows and competitions
• product manufacturer promotions
• platform artist’s demonstrations
• fashion parades
• pop culture, such as video clips.

Haircut plan  may include:

• outline shapes
• lines and angles
• structural graphic for the haircut plan.

Natural hair type  may include:

• European
• Asian
• African.

Texture  may include:

• coarse
• medium
• fine.

Growth patterns  may include:

• crown area
• hairline
• neckline
• cowlicks (whorls).

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.

Haircutting tools  may include:

• scissors
• razors
• clippers
• combs.

Techniques  may include:

• scissor over-comb tapering
• clippers over-comb tapering
• serrated scissors over-comb thinning
• layering
• clubbing
• graduation
• texturising
• cutting straight lines
• cutting curved lines
• cutting square shapes
• cutting soft lines
• cutting hard lines.

Exterior design lines, direction of design lines and interior design or guide lines  may include:

• hard and soft interior or exterior lines
• straight, curved and diagonal lines.

Salon procedures  must include:

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

Finishing products and tools  may include:

• styling products, such as:

• mousse
• lotion
• gel
• wax
• clay
• spray

• fingers
• blow dryer
• a wide variety of brushes
• straightening irons
• thermal irons.

Finishing techniques  may include:

• blow drying with brushes
• lamp drying
• natural drying with finishing product
• setting and comb up
• thermal setting and straightening