Unit of competency details

Unit Descriptor 

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to design and apply a range of beard and moustache styles and also to maintain existing beards and/or moustaches.

Application of the Unit 

This unit involves communication, analysis, planning and then selecting and applying tools and equipment, to create beard and moustache designs. 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

Design beards and moustaches.

1.1

Beard characteristics  are established by physical and visual examination.

1.2

Facial features and bone structure are observed by visual examination.

1.3

Based on analysis, moustache and beard designs that provide balance and emphasis to facial characteristics are recommended and agreed with clients.

2

Select and apply tools and equipment.

2.1

Over -comb techniques  are applied in a logical sequence to remove bulk and to shape beard and moustache.

2.2

Beard and moustache lines are defined according to agreed design using scissors and/or clippers.

2.3

Client comfort, safety and hygiene are maintained throughout the service according to relevant legislation  and workplace practices .

3

Perform an outline shave.

3.1

Wet lather of shaving cream is applied to the area to be shaved.

3.2

Shaving strokes are applied with razor  at the appropriate angle and to a predetermined pattern with the skin stretched taut.

3.3

Face area is shaved to a predetermined pattern and against the grain for a smooth shave.

3.4

Neck area is shaved to a predetermined pattern and in the direction of hair growth to avoid tearing skin.

3.5

Blood spots are treated according to relevant legislation and workplace practice.

4

Finalise service.

4.1

Client satisfaction is confirmed in accordance with his expressed beard design requirements.

4.2

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

REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE 

Required skills and knowledge to achieve the performance criteria.

Skills may include :

• pre-service analysis

• client consultation that takes into account the culture, background and physical abilities of the client while demonstrating knowledge of the following communication techniques:

• using open and closed questions
• speaking clearly and concisely
• using appropriate language
• non-verbal communication

• beard design skills

• over-comb techniques

• outline shaving

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

Knowledge may include :

• the natural distribution and growth patterns of hair

• the relationship between beard characteristics and the finished result

• the provisions of relevant health and hygiene legislation and regulations

• the provisions of relevant occupational health and safety legislation and regulations.

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 requirements 

A person who demonstrates competency in this unit of competency must be able to select and use scissors, clippers, razors and combs effectively to design and maintain beards and moustaches. They must consistently demonstrate the ability to cut beards and moustaches and perform outline shaves where required to complete the service. Relevant local health regulations and skin penetration legislation must be consistently implemented.

Specific evidence requirements 

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

• pre-service analysis of a variety of clients

• applying scissors and clippers to complete a variety of beard and moustache styles

• outlining beard areas with shaving techniques

• safely applying tools and techniques

• consistently implementing relevant health and skin penetration legislation and regulations

• completing beard and moustache services within designated workplace timeframes.

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:

• relevant documentation, such as occupational health and safety legislation and regulations and workplace policy and procedures manuals
• a salon or simulated salon environment
• beard and moustache cutting tools and equipment
• clients with a variety of beard and moustache design and maintenance requirements
• finishing tools and equipment.

Relationship to other units 

In the context of an assessment-only and/or a training delivery and assessment pathway, all units that relate to a job function can be integrated for assessment purposes.

Prerequisite unit :

• WRHCS201A Prepare clients for salon services.

Co-requisite unit :

• WRHHC305A Apply over-comb techniques.

Method of assessment 

The following assessment methods are 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:

• consulting with clients
• designing and applying a variety of beard and moustache designs.

• Written questions on relevant health and skin penetration legislation and regulations.

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.

Beard characteristics  may include:

• hair texture
• hair density
• growth patterns
• contagious disorders of the face or beard
• blemishes or other facial conditions requiring special consideration.

Over -comb techniques  must include:

• scissor over comb
• clipper over comb
• clippers with comb guards.

Relevant legislation  may include:

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

Workplace practices  may include:

• procedures for safe work practices.

Razors  may include:

• disposable-blade straight razors
• straight blade razors.

Competency Field 

Hairdressing