Unit of competency details

Unit Descriptor 

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to apply over-comb techniques.

Application of the Unit 

This unit involves analysis and planning, and selecting and applying scissor over comb and clipper over-comb techniques, to remove bulk, to blend different structures within haircuts and to outline or blend perimeters on specific haircut finishes. Demonstrated knowledge of the safe application of haircutting tools and finishing equipment, along with the application of relevant legislation and workplace practices particularly in regard to workplace safety and hygiene, are required.

In the context of an assessment-only and/or a training delivery and assessment pathway, units of competency that relate to this unit are identified in the evidence guide of this unit.

Employability skills 

This unit contains employability skills.

Elements describe the essential outcomes of a unit of competency.

Performance criteria describe the level of performance required to demonstrate achievement of the element. The variables for the bold italicised  text are outlined in the range statement. Assessment of performance is to be consistent with the evidence guide.

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

1

Plan tapered haircut structures.

1.1

Haircut plan  is prepared to represent the haircut structure.

1.2

Appropriate tools  are selected to achieve planned haircut finishes.

1.3

Tapered cutting techniques  are selected to achieve planned haircut finishes.

2

Apply scissor over-comb techniques.

2.1

Scissor over-comb techniques are applied in a logical sequence and pattern and with a continuous comb and scissoring action to the exterior of the haircut .

2.2

Position of head and neck is adjusted during service for desired access and application of technique.

2.3

Taper effect  is varied by application of scissors over the fine or coarse end of the comb for a variety of neckline shapes and lengths .

2.4

Scissors and comb are applied at various angles to blend structures in the interior and exterior of the haircut.

3

Apply clipper over-comb techniques.

3.1

Clipper over-comb techniques are applied behind ears and to neckline to blend haircuts according to predetermined designs.

3.2

Clipper over-comb techniques are applied to create a variety of neckline shapes and lengths.

3.3

Clippers with attachments are used to create a variety of haircut effects.

4

Outline haircuts.

4.1

Haircut outlines are marked over and behind ears using clippers where indicated by the planned finish.

4.2

Clippers are used to outline sideburns where indicated by the planned finish.

4.3

Necklines are lathered and skin is stretched and shaved in the direction of hair growth to ensure a smooth result without discomfort to the skin.

4.4

Client comfort and safety are ensured during each stage.

5

Select and apply finishing techniques.

5.1

Appropriate finishing products , equipment  and techniques are selected and applied to achieve planned haircut finish.

5.2

Waste is disposed of according to relevant legislation and workplace policies and procedures.

5.3

Equipment is cleaned or disposed of according to relevant legislation and workplace policies and procedures.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE 

This describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level , required for this unit .

Skills may include :

• scissor over-comb techniques

• clipper over-comb techniques

• applying serrated scissors to remove bulk

• cutting outline shapes

• language, literacy and numeracy skills relevant to the role and workplace requirements.

Knowledge may include :

• the relationship between the size of the comb and tapering effects

• soft and hard lines

• different tapered shapes.

EVIDENCE GUIDE 

The evidence guide describes the underpinning knowledge and skills that must be demonstrated to prove competence. It is essential for assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, the range statement and the assessment guidelines of the relevant Training Package.

Overview of assessment 

A person who demonstrates competency in this unit of competency must be able to select and use scissors, clippers and combs effectively to create tapered effects. They must demonstrate an ability to consistently and methodically approach and perform tapered haircuts. They must also demonstrate the ability to cut short, medium and long tapered designs, along with knowledge and skill in finishing techniques for layered haircuts.

Specific evidence requirements 

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit 

• consistently selecting tools and tapering techniques appropriate to the planned finish

• maintaining hands and cutting tools parallel to the exterior design line when applying over-comb techniques

• positioning the head and neck and making any necessary adjustments during service to achieve planned layering effects

• consistently using over-comb techniques to blend in tapered area and other areas of haircut

• consistently outlining tapered haircuts using clippers and or shaving techniques as required.

Context of assessment 

For valid and reliable assessment of this unit, competency should be consistently demonstrated over a period of time and observed by the assessor and/or the technical expert working in partnership with the assessor. The technical expert may include the hairdresser and/or an experienced person at the workplace.

Competency should be demonstrated in the workplace or a simulated workplace environment in a range of situations that may include client interruptions and involvement in other related activities normally expected in the workplace. For further guidance on the use of an appropriate simulated environment, refer to the Assessment Guidelines in this Training Package.

Specific resources for assessment 

Competency for this unit should be assessed through access to:

• a salon or simulated salon environment
• haircutting tools and equipment
• clients or hair wefts
• finishing tools and equipment.

Relationship to other units 

This unit requires an assessment outcome that includes evidence of the ability to analyse and plan tapered haircut structures and to prepare, select and safely apply haircutting tools.

Prerequisite unit :

• WRHCS201A Prepare clients for salon services.

Co-requisite unit :

• WRHHC301A Design haircut structures.

Method of assessment 

The following assessment method is suggested.

• Observation of the learner performing a range of tasks in an actual or simulated work environment, over sufficient time to demonstrate his/her handling of a range of contingencies. Tasks may include:

• developing plans for tapered haircut structures
• applying over-comb techniques
• applying finishing techniques to tapered haircuts.

Evidence required for demonstration of consistent performance 

For valid and reliable assessment of this unit, evidence should be gathered through a range of methods to indicate consistent performance.

It can be gathered from assessment of the unit of competency alone, through an integrated assessment activity or through a combination of both.

Evidence should be gathered as part of the learning process.

RANGE STATEMENT 

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that will affect performance.

The following variables 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. Bold italicised  text from the performance criteria is detailed here.

Haircut plan  must include:

• soft and hard interior and exterior design lines
• taper width for each section where tapering is planned.

Appropriate tools  may include:

• tapering combs
• scissors
• serrated scissors
• thinning scissors
• straight razors
• electric clippers
• clipper attachments
• flat top tools.

Tapered cutting techniques  may include:

• high, medium and low graduation
• gradation
• scissor over comb
• clipper over comb.

The exterior of the haircut  may include:

• varying width of area up to the occipital bone.

Taper effects  may include:

• long
• medium
• short.

Variety of neckline shapes and lengths  may include:

• short, medium and long tapered
• short, medium, long square and curved necklines.

Finishing products and equipment  may include:

• blow dryers
• brushes
• combs
• dressings
• waxes.

Competency Field 

Hairdressing