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. Consult with clients.

1.1. Determine client  needs and expectations through questioning and discussions.

1.2. Design hair extension concepts  to match facial features, bone structure, natural hair and client requirements.

1.3. Discuss finished design with client to confirm that design meets client characteristics and requirements.

1.4. Identify cost, application technique, maintenance requirements and features and benefits of the service and clearly explain to clients.

2. Analyse and select hair type and colour.

2.1. Identify extension hair type .

2.2. Identify and select colour and texture of hair extensions, according to confirmed design.

2.3. Select number of strands in hair extension and mix fibres according to product instructions and confirmed design.

3. Prepare client’s natural hair.

3.1. Prepare client’s natural hair so that it is clean, dry and free of styling aids.

3.2. Remove existing hair extensions where required, according to salon procedures and product instructions.

3.3. Section client’s natural hair according to confirmed design.

3.4. Ensure the safe disposal of waste, according to salon procedures .

4. Apply hair extensions.

4.1. Select strand sizes to match the confirmed design.

4.2. Select section sizes that are appropriate for the strand size chosen.

4.3. Apply strands and securely seal using bonding equipment , according to product instructions, salon procedures, and to match confirmed design.

5. Complete hair design.

5.1. Apply cutting and finishing techniques where required to blend extensions and natural hair, and to achieve the planned finished design.

5.2. Confirm client satisfaction and make adjustments if required.

5.3. Explain hair extension maintenance procedures clearly to client.

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

Required skills 

• interpersonal skills to interact with clients
• communication skills to:

• interact with clients
• consult with clients during preservice analysis
• check client comfort during the hair extension process
• confirm client satisfaction with hair extension results

• literacy skills to interpret and follow manufacturer’s hair extension system instructions
• technical skills to:

• select, mix and apply hair extensions
• remove existing hair extensions
• safely use and apply a hair extensions system, including:

• human, animal or synthetic hair
• bonding products
• application and removal tools and equipment

• apply haircutting techniques to blend hair extensions and natural hair

Required knowledge 

• hair extension system, including its components and applications
• the types of hair and synthetic fibres used in hair extensions
• maintenance requirements for hair extensions
• 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:

• selecting and mixing hair colours and textures to blend with client’s natural hair
• using a hair extension system to apply hair extension services to full and partial head
• removing and adjusting existing hair extensions
• applying haircutting and finishing techniques to blend hair extensions with natural hair for finished designs.

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 hair extension system that includes hair, bonding products and tools
• clients with a range of hair extension requirements
• haircutting tools and equipment
• finishing tools and equipment
• relevant documentation, such as:

• manufacturer hair extension system manuals that include product and equipment information
• 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:

• selecting and mixing hair colours and textures to blend with client’s natural hair
• removing and adjusting existing hair extensions
• using a hair extension system to apply hair extension services for full and partial head
• applying haircutting and finishing techniques to blend hair extensions with natural hair for finished designs

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

• the types of hair and synthetic fibres used in hair extensions
• maintenance requirements for hair extensions
• relevant 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 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

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.

Clients  may include:

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

Hair extension concepts  may include:

• adding length
• increasing volume
• adding colour
• applying to full or partial head.

Hair type  may include:

• tape extensions (double sided tape wedges between two thin wefts of hair)
• micro-links (stick shaped bonds applied by clamping to the client’s own hair)
• flexi-bonds (an extension with glue on the end that is clamped and fused to the client’s hair by the application of heat).

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.

Bonding equipment  may include:

• electrical
• mechanical.