Unit of competency details

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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. Analyse client characteristics.

1.1. Establish natural hair type , texture , growth patterns , length , structure and movement  by physical and visual examination.

1.2. Observe facial features and bone structure .

2. Consult with client and confirm a finished look.

2.1. Apply the elements and principles of design  to complement client  facial features and bone structure and envisage alternative long hair designs .

2.2. Review and discuss possible finished long hair designs using visual examples  as appropriate to establish client expectations.

2.3. Discuss and confirm a preferred long hair design finish with client.

3. Prepare the hair.

3.1. Select and apply styling products  according to hair type and planned design, following manufacturer’s instructions.

3.2. Select and apply relevant hair preparation methods .

4. Apply relevant techniques to create a finished long hair design.

4.1. Select and apply relevant finishing techniques  to achieve the predetermined look.

4.2. Ensure client comfort and safety during the process according to salon procedures .

4.3. Confirm client satisfaction and adjust hair design finish where required.

4.4. Advise on hair design maintenance and recommend relevant home hair care products .

4.5. Complete hair designs within designated workplace timeframes.

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

Required skills 

• communication skills to:

• interact with clients
• consult with clients during preservice design analysis
• check client comfort during hair design preparation and finishing confirm client satisfaction with hair design results

• design skills to:

• conduct hair design analysis
• apply the elements and principles of design to design finished looks

• technical skills to:

• select and apply styling products from the salon range
• prepare the hair for finishing
• back comb hair
• smooth and place hair
• secure long hair using a variety of bands, hooks and pins from the salon range
• apply finishing products to hold the design products tools and techniques to create finished hair designs

• numeracy skills to manage the completion of hair design services within salon timeframes

Required knowledge 

• the elements and principles of design as they are applied to hair design
• the effects of humidity on long hair design finishes
• the workplace styling products 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:

• analysing and identifying the elements of long hair designs and alternative techniques that may be applied to achieve those designs
• applying up styles that include braids, chignons roll and twists
• completing long hair design 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
• a supply of clean towels
• hair design equipment, including:

• combs
• brushes
• clips
• padding
• hot rollers
• blow dryer
• flat iron

• a range of clients with long hair for hair design services
• styling products
• relevant documentation, including:

• product and equipment instructions and safety data sheets
• 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 clients and applying tools and equipment to complete long hair designs
• 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 prerequisite to another—they are related skills.

Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, salon and job role is recommended for example:

• SIHHCCS302A Perform a full client consultation
• SIHHCCS304A Plan services for special events
• SIRXSLS002A Advise on products and services

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.

Natural hair type  may include:

• European
• African
• Asian.

Texture  may include:

• coarse
• medium
• fine.

Growth patterns  may include:

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

Length, structure and movement  may include:

• shoulder length
• below shoulder length
• one length or solid
• graduated
• combination of structures
• straight
• wavy
• natural curl
• chemical curl or waves.

Facial features and bone structure  may include:

• square
• round
• oval
• combination of shapes
• unusual facial shapes.

Elements and principles of design  may include:

• elements, such as:

• straight or curved lines
• shape
• direction
• size
• texture
• colour

• principles, such as:

• balance
• gradation
• repetition
• contrast
• harmony
• dominance
• unity.

Clients  may include:

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

Long hair designs  must include:

• braids
• classic French rolls
• classic victory rolls
• twists
• classic chignons.

Long hair designs  may include:

• knots
• curls
• waves
• texture
• ornamentation.

Visual examples  may include:

• magazine shots
• photographs
• quick sketches or simple line drawings
• hair design text books.

Styling products  may include:

• gels
• glazes
• mousses
• waxes
• setting lotions
• sprays.

Relevant hair preparation methods  may include:

• applying styling products
• blow drying using a round brush for volume
• blow drying hair straight or smooth
• applying flat irons to straighten hair
• applying hot rollers to set hair.

Relevant finishing techniques  may include:

• finishing techniques, such as:

• brushing
• dry moulding
• placing
• backcombing
• smoothing over backcombing
• securing the hair using bands or pins that are not visible in the finished design
• applying fixing products such as hair sprays.

Salon procedures  may include:

• client comfort and safety
• operator safety
• procedures that comply with state or territory and local government health regulations relevant to the service
• environmental protection practices, such as:

• waste minimisation
• waste disposal
• water efficiency.

Home hair care products  may include:

• shampoos
• conditioners
• styling aids, such as:

• mousses
• lotions
• gels
• hair sprays

• texturising products.