Unit of competency details

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Editorial corrections. Competency field added.

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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. Consult with client or supervising hairdresser and prepare for service.

1.1. Confirm desired finish with client  or supervising hairdresser.

1.2. Select tools and equipment  and braiding techniques  to achieve desired finish.

1.3. Gown client and prepare hair, according to salon procedures.

2. Apply braiding technique.

2.1. Pick up clean, even sections throughout the service.

2.2. Pick up and braid hair systematically and with even tension.

2.3. Secure end of braid.

2.4. Ensure client and operator comfort and safety throughout the service, according to salon procedures .

3. Finish hair.

3.1. Confirm client or supervising hairdresser satisfaction and make adjustments to braiding as required.

3.2. Apply holding products  where directed by supervising hairdresser or requested by client.

3.3. Explain braiding home hair care and maintenance procedures to client.

3.4. Complete the service within the salon service timeframe.

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

Required skills 

• communication skills to:

• interact with clients
• seek direction and advice from supervising hairdressers
• check client comfort during the service

• technical skills to:

• section hair
• apply single, two and three strand braiding techniques

• literacy skills to interpret salon procedures
• numeracy skills to manage service times

Required knowledge 

• relevant salon procedures
• simple braided effects

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:

• interacting with clients
• confirming the braiding technique to be applied with a supervising hairdresser
• applying single, two and three strand braiding techniques
• knowledge and application of salon procedures relevant to the service.

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
• a range of clients for braiding services
• styling products
• relevant documentation, including 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:

• direct observation of the learner consulting with supervising hairdressers to receive direction on braiding style and area to be braided
• applying single, two and three strand braiding techniques review of portfolios of evidence and third-party reports of on-the-job performance by the learner.

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:

• SIHHHDS201A Dry hair to shape
• SIRXCOM001A Communicate in the workplace

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  may include:

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

Tools and equipment  may include:

• combs
• sectioning clips
• pins
• rubber bands
• ribbons
• ornamentation.

Braiding techniques  may include:

• two strand
• three strand
• multi strand
• French or invisible braid
• rope braid
• fishtail or herringbone
• cornrow.

Salon procedures  may include:

• gowning clients
• preparing hair for braiding
• 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.

Holding products  may include:

• sprays
• gels.