Unit of competency details

Release 

Comments 

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Editorial corrections. Competency field added.

1

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. Determine appropriate therapy.

1.1. Determine appropriate therapy based on client  assessment and available salon scalp therapies and procedures .

1.2. Propose a treatment plan  including costs according to the selected therapy.

1.3. Confirm treatment plan with the client.

2. Provide therapy.

2.1. Prepare treatment area, according to salon procedures .

2.2. Provide remedial therapy according to the treatment plan.

2.3. Apply topical treatments  according to the treatment plan.

3. Counsel client and review treatment.

3.1. Counsel client regarding beneficial home hair care treatments , routines and lifestyle adjustments. 

3.2. Use questioning and visual examination to review treatment progress and improvement outcomes.

3.3. Adjust or vary treatment where indicated as an outcome of review.

3.4. Update client treatment record regularly.

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 hair and scalp treatment services
• provide advice on:

• beneficial home hair care treatments
• lifestyle adjustments

• technical skills to:

• perform hair and scalp analysis and recognise problem conditions
• design trichological treatments
• perform scalp massage movements
• perform hair and scalp treatment services

• literacy skills to:

• interpret and follow product instructions and safety data sheets
• interpret and follow relevant salon procedures

• numeracy skills to:

• cost remedial treatments, according to salon policy
• measure and apply treatment products to minimise waste
• manage treatment times

Required knowledge 

• the transmission routes of infectious conditions
• standard infection-control precautions
• signs and symptoms of common normal and abnormal scalp conditions
• physical effects of various scalp treatments from the salon range
• applications and efficacy of scalp treatments in the salon trichological treatments and services range
• relevant health regulations
• 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:

• knowledge and application of relevant salon policies and procedures, and safe work practices in regard to the provision of trichological treatments
• recognising common treatable scalp conditions
• planning and applying scalp treatment programs as an outcome of scalp analysis
• knowledge and skill in the application of a variety of scalp treatments, using a variety of techniques and procedures involving skin care.

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
• 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:

• occupational health and safety regulations
• salon procedures
• product information

• a range of clients with different 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:

• identifying appropriate treatment regimens for a range of scalp conditions
• performing a variety of treatment processes
• completing client records relevant to scalp treatments

• written or verbal questions to assess knowledge and understanding, including:

• the transmission routes of infectious conditions
• standard infection-control precautions
• signs and symptoms of common normal and abnormal scalp conditions
• physical effects of various scalp treatments from the salon range
• applications and efficacy of scalp treatments in the salon trichological treatments and services range
• relevant health regulations
• 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:

• 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.

Clients  may include:

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

Available salon scalp therapies and procedures  may include:

• creams for scaly problems
• premixed creams
• creams mixed by a pharmacist at the request of a treating operator
• ultraviolet therapy
• medicated shampoos
• massage.

Treatment plans  may include:

• client details
• diagnosis
• single or multiple clinical treatments
• recommended self-administered therapies
• cost.

Salon policies and 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.

Topical treatments  may include:

• conditioning creams
• scalp peels
• medicated treatments
• shampoos.

Beneficial home hair care treatments  may include:

• application of shampoos and creams
• diet modification.

Lifestyle adjustments  may include:

• reduced sun exposure
• nutritional changes.