Unit of competency details

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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. Apply knowledge of hair and scalp science to trichological consultations.

1.1. Identify and apply the relevant principles of skin science to the performance of trichological treatments, according to relevant health regulations  and salon procedures. 

1.2. Explore the growth, development, ageing and healing  of human hair and scalp and explain their relevance to the performance of trichological consultations.

1.3. Identify hereditary physical traits and conditions  that affect the hair and scalp and relate to trichological consultations.

1.4. Recognise the role of skin chemicals, endocrine glands, hormones  and the autonomic nervous system in hair growth.

1.5. Identify the components, functions and dysfunctions of the circulatory system  and relate to trichological consultations.

1.6. Identify the components, functions and dysfunctions of the immune system  as they relate to hair growth.

2. Apply knowledge of hair and scalp disorders to trichological consultations.

2.1. Examine the development, causes and common sites of a range of skin disorders and diseases  and their typical symptoms and medical terminology and relate to trichological consultations.

2.2. Perform consultations identifying contagious disorders  and the potential for cross-infection.

2.3. Identify and discuss typical medical treatments and side effects for a range of scalp disorders and diseases with clients as required.

2.4. Recognise contraindications to treatments  and advise clients or refer to appropriate professionals  as required.

3. Promote skin health and care.

3.1. Promote trichological treatments to maximise skin health and care.

3.2. Recommend and provide beneficial treatments for a range of hair and scalp disorders and diseases.

3.3. Provide after-care service and advice .

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

Required skills 

• communication skills to:

• consult with clients
• gather information from clients
• respond to hair and scalp analysis and recommend trichological services

• technical skills to:

• perform hair and scalp analysis and recognise problem conditions
• respond to possible skin damage situations
• apply knowledge of skin science to the performance of trichological treatments
• apply infection control procedures

• literacy skills to:

• research and interpret trichological information
• interpret and follow product instructions and safety data
• interpret and follow relevant salon procedures

• numeracy skills to:

• measure and apply treatment products to minimise waste
• manage treatment times.

Required knowledge 

• relevant health regulations
• principles of skin science and skin disorders as they relate to trichological treatments
• knowledge of skin science and skin disorders in relation to trichological treatments or procedures, including:

• main functions and role of the skin
• growth, development, ageing and healing of human skin
• inheritance of physical traits
• function, formation and behaviour of the major skin chemicals
• role of endocrine glands and hormones in the body
• skin disorders
• provision of after-care service and advice

• role and limitations of trichology in the management of a range of skin disorders
• the salon treatment 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:

• knowledge of skin science and skin disorders as they apply to trichological treatments
• applying a variety of trichological treatments, using a variety of techniques and procedures involving scalp and hair care
• provision of after-care service and advice.

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
• a fully equipped workstation which includes as minimum:

• an adjustable client chair
• clean client gown or wrap
• a plentiful supply of clean towels

• relevant documentation, such as:

• relevant health regulations
• salon procedures
• product information

• a range of clients with different hair and scalp conditions
• a professional hair and scalp trichological treatments products range.

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 performing trichological consultations and treatments.
• written or verbal questions appropriate to the language and literacy level of the learner to test knowledge which may include:

• principles of skin science and skin disorders as they relate to trichological treatments
• knowledge of skin science and skin disorders in relation to trichological treatments and procedures, including:

• main functions and role of the skin, such as:growth, development, ageing and healing of human skin, inheritance of physical traits, function, formation and behaviour of the major skin chemicals, role of endocrine glands and hormones in the body, skin disorders, provision of after-care service and advice, role and limitations of trichology in the management of a range of skin disorders

• 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:

• SIHHHSC404A Perform trichological assessments.

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.

Relevant health regulations  may include:

• federal, state and local health and hygiene
• occupational health and safety.

Salon procedures  may include:

• health and hygiene
• comfort and privacy
• timeframes for the completion of the service
• quality assurance.

The growth, development, ageing and healing  of human skin may include:

• growth
• development
• differentiation
• cell division and differentiation
• growth of the epidermis
• mitosis
• changes in the skin from foetus to old age
• theories about ageing
• normal ageing and photo ageing
• wound healing, including stages in wound healing.

Hereditary physical traits and conditions  may include:

• the gene theory of inheritance
• dominant and recessive genes
• inherited skin disorders
• acne
• eczema or atopic dermatitis
• seborrheic dermatitis
• pigmentation disorders
• hair disorders.

Skin chemicals  will include:

• sweat
• sebum.

The role of the endocrine glands and hormones  may include:

• sebaceous gland secretion
• sweat secretion
• sense reception
• growth and healing
• hair growth and loss
• pigmentation
• age-related hormonal change and the skin.

Functions and dysfunctions of the circulatory system  as they relate to trichological consultations may include:

• the interrelationship between the circulatory and endocrine systems
• the relationship of the circulatory system to the health of the hair.

Functions and dysfunctions of the immune system  as they relate to trichological consultations may include:

• auto-immune disorders
• alopecia areata
• the relationship of the auto-immune system to the health of the hair.

Skin disorders and diseases  may include:

• dermatitis and eczema
• dandruff
• seborrheic dermatitis
• psoriasis
• pityriasis amiantacea
• hair shaft disorders
• traction alopecia
• alopecia areata
• androgenetic alopecia
• diffuse hair loss.

Contagious disorders  may include:

• fungal infections, such as tinea capitis
• pityriasis versicolour
• disease caused by animal parasites, such as lice.

Clients  may include:

• women
• men
• children
• new or regular patients with routine or special needs
• patients from a range of social, cultural or ethnic backgrounds and with a range of physical and mental abilities.

Contraindications to treatments  may include:

• local or general contraindications:

• skin disorders or diseases
• allergic reactions.

Appropriate professionals  may include:

• trichologist
• dermatologist
• general medical practitioner
• complementary therapist.

After-care service and advice  may include:

• lifestyle changes
• product advice
• advice on further services.