Unit of competency details

Unit Descriptor 

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to select hair type and apply appropriate hair extensions. This unit of competency will apply to a range of hairdressing services and roles in the workplace.

Application of the Unit 

This unit involves communication, analysis, planning and then selecting hair type, preparing materials and applying hair extensions to create finished hair designs. It requires knowledge of human and synthetic hair types, hair mixing and application techniques. Demonstrated knowledge of the safe application of hair extensions, 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

Consult with clients.

1.1

Client's needs and expectations are determined through questioning and discussions.

1.2

Hair extension concepts  are designed to match facial features, bone structure, natural hair and client requirements.

1.3

Finished design is discussed with client to confirm that design meets client characteristics and requirements.

1.4

Cost, application technique, maintenance requirements and features and benefits of the service are identified and clearly explained to clients.

2

Analyse and select hair type.

2.1

Client hair type  is correctly identified.

2.2

Hair colour and texture of hair extension are accurately identified and selected according to confirmed design.

2.3

Number of strands in hair extension is selected and fibres are mixed according to manufacturer's instructions and confirmed design.

3

Prepare client's natural hair.

3.1

Client's natural hair is prepared so that it is clean, dry and free of all styling aids.

3.2

Existing hair extensions are removed where required, using workplace system.

3.3

Client's natural hair is sectioned according to confirmed design.

4

Apply hair extensions.

4.1

Strand sizes are selected to match the confirmed design.

4.2

Section sizes are selected that are appropriate for the strand size chosen.

4.3

Strands are applied and securely sealed using bonding equipment  according to manufacturer's instructions, relevant legislation  and workplace policies and procedures , and to match confirmed design.

5

Complete hair design.

5.1

Cutting and finishing techniques are applied where required to blend extensions and natural hair, and to achieve the planned finished design.

5.2

Client satisfaction is confirmed and adjustments are made if required.

5.3

Maintenance procedures are clearly explained to client.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE 

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

Skills may include :

• communication techniques, including:

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

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

• selecting, mixing and applying hair extensions

• removing existing hair extensions

• safely using and applying a hair extensions system including hair, bonding products, application and removal tools, and equipment

• haircutting techniques to blend hair extensions and natural hair.

Knowledge may include :

• the provisions of relevant health and hygiene legislation and regulations
• the provisions of relevant skin penetration legislation and regulations

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

• relevant workplace policies and procedures to ensure the comfort and safety of client and operator during hair extension services

• a hair extension system, including its components and applications.

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 is able to consistently communicate, analyse, plan and then select hair type; prepare materials; and safely apply hair extensions to create finished hair designs. They must demonstrate knowledge of human and synthetic hair types, hair mixing and application techniques. They must also demonstrate knowledge and application of relevant legislation and workplace practices, particularly in regard to workplace safety and hygiene.

Specific evidence requirements 

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

• ability to consistently use effective questioning and active listening techniques to confirm services with clients

• ability to consistently use effective questioning and active listening techniques to negotiate appropriately with clients, take into account any cultural or physical requirements, and ensure client comfort and safety throughout the service

• ability to select and mix hair colours and textures to blend with client's natural hair

• ability to use a hair extension system to apply hair extension services to full and partial head

• ability to remove and adjust existing hair extensions

• ability to apply haircutting and finishing techniques to blend hair extensions with natural hair for finished designs

• knowledge and consistent application of federal, state and local health and hygiene regulations applicable to the workplace

• knowledge and consistent application of safe work practices and the safe use of hair extension products and equipment according to manufacturer's safety manuals, occupational health and safety requirements, and workplace procedures relevant to hair extension services

• ability to complete hair extension 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 hair extension system manuals that include product and equipment information
• workplace policy and procedures manuals
• occupational health and safety legislation and regulations
• a working hairdressing salon or simulated salon
• clients with a range of hair extension requirements
• a hair extension system that includes hair, bonding products and tools
• relevant health regulations and workplace procedures.

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 units :

• WRHHD303A Design and apply short to medium-length hair design finishes

and 

• WRHHC306B Combine haircut structures on women

or 

• WRHHC307B Combine haircut structures for traditional and classic designs on men.

Co-requisite unit :

• none.

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:

• analysing characteristics and consulting with clients to negotiate a planned hair extensions outcome
• organising the work area, tools and equipment
• 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
• ensuring client and operator comfort and safety throughout the service
• implementing relevant health and hygiene and occupational health and safety regulations and workplace procedures relevant to hair extension services.

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.

Assessing employability skills 

Employability skills are integral to effective performance in the workplace and are broadly consistent across industry sectors. How these skills are applied varies between occupations and qualifications due to the different work functions and contexts.

Employability skills embedded in this unit should be assessed holistically in the context of the job role and with other relevant units that make up the skill set or qualification.

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.

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:

• human hair
• animal hair
• synthetic hair.

Bonding equipment  may be :

• electrical
• mechanical

Relevant legislation  may include:

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

Workplace policies and procedures  may include:

• client comfort and safety
• operator safety
• health and hygiene.

Competency Field 

Hairdressing