Unit of competency details

Unit Descriptor 

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to create finished hair designs especially applicable to events, film sets, photographic studios or platform work. This unit will apply to hairdressers who work in fashion parades, hair shows, hairdressing technical seminars, demonstrations, training sessions and on fashion shoots.

Application of the Unit 

This unit involves research, communication, analysis, planning and then selecting, combining and applying products, tools and equipment to create finished hair designs. These designs may be creative, classic, current and historical; or in character for events, photographic assignments, film sets, catwalks or platform work. The unit requires in-depth knowledge and experience in the application of design, haircutting, hair colouring, hair lightening, chemical reformation and relaxation techniques. Advanced communication and team skills are required when working with other professionals such as fashion designers, photographers, photographic stylists, models and session stylist teams.

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

Interpret the creative brief.

1.1

Performance outline for script or fashion session objectives are analysed to determine overall design concepts .

1.2

Preliminary concept meetings with relevant personnel are participated in to discuss the hair design requirements for the type of production .

1.3

All relevant factors that may determine and affect the finished designs are identified.

2

Conduct and evaluate research and planning.

2.1

Research is undertaken and findings are analysed to develop hair design concepts.

2.2

Research materials , findings and documentation  are organised for use throughout the design development process, updating as required.

2.3

Initial concepts are generated against the research findings and discussed with relevant personnel .

3

Consult and discuss finished design.

3.1

Specific requirements are established by physical and visual examination.

3.2

Finished hair designs  appropriate to the character, performance, production or event are established in consultation with relevant personnel.

4

Create current, creative and period hair designs.

4.1

Products, materials, tools and techniques appropriate to the established design results are selected and used.

4.2

A predetermined era  is accurately reflected in finished hair designs where relevant to the production/event.

4.3

Comfort and safety of the model/performer are ensured during all processes.

4.4

Finished designs are completed within required timeframes.

4.5

Director/coordinator/model/performer satisfaction with finished hair design is confirmed.

4.6

Finished hair designs are documented for future performances/events and continuity purposes.

5

Plan hairdressing presentations.

5.1

Session objectives, target audience , and presentation type , scale  and presentation team  are identified.

5.2

Variables of the presentation environment  are determined and appropriate adjustments are made.

5.3

Garments for models are sourced directly via retail outlets, fashion designers or fashion stylists.

5.4

Presentation team members are briefed on overall design concepts and supported in fulfilling all aspects of their roles.

5.5

Make-up designs are coordinated in conjunction with make-up artists.

5.6

Hairdressing products, equipment and props to be used in presentation are assembled where required.

6

Make hairdressing presentations.

6.1

Models and information are introduced and presented in a clear, logical and interesting manner, and with a strong conclusion.

6.2

Public speaking techniques, including visual and audio aids , are used effectively as required.

6.3

Chemical procedures, haircut structures and the application of finishing products and techniques are explained in a clear and logical sequence.

6.4

Audience participation is encouraged where possible to provide a means for audience questions and feedback.

6.5

Audience reactions are monitored and responded to where possible in order to ensure ongoing rapport and audience engagement in the presentation.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE 

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

Skills may include :

• communication skills that take into account the culture, background and abilities of the production/presentation team and the target audience, while demonstrating a knowledge of communication techniques, including:

• listening and questioning techniques
• verbal and non-verbal communication

• negotiation techniques

• planning skills

• presentation skills

• team skills

• research skills that involve using the Internet, and print and film media sources to identify contemporary and period hair designs that were popular in specific eras

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

• highly developed short, medium and long hair design skills using a broad range of products and equipment

• the ability to attach and incorporate postiche and ornaments in hair designs

• highly developed hair colouring and lightening skills using a broad range of products and techniques

• highly developed haircutting skills using a variety of tools to achieve haircut structures

• demonstrated skills in the safe use and application of a broad range of hairdressing tools and equipment.

Knowledge may include :

• the elements and principles of design and their combination and application for a wide variety of finished hair designs

• the history of contemporary and period hair design, including eras and their popular designs and colours

• a broad range of technical knowledge in the selection, safe application and effects of colour and lightening products

• a broad range of technical knowledge in the selection, safe application and effects of chemical reformation products on the hair

• the care and maintenance of, and techniques for attaching, human and synthetic postiche

• the product range available for the session

• 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

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

A person who demonstrates competency in this unit of competency is able to communicate, analyse, research, plan, design and then combine and apply products, tools and equipment to create finished hair designs in quick turnaround times. These applied designs may be creative, classic, current and historical; or in character for events, photographic assignments, film sets, catwalks or platform work.

The person will consistently apply advanced communication and team skills when working with other professionals such as fashion designers, photographers, photographic stylists, models and session stylists and/or hair show teams.

Relevant health regulations and occupational health and safety legislation must be consistently implemented.

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 negotiate appropriately with other production team members, to take into account any cultural or physical requirements, and to ensure client/model comfort and safety throughout the service

• ability to source and organise equipment and props, including garments for a platform presentation

• ability to present well-planned sessions to live audiences, communicate technical explanations and clearly answer audience questions regarding hairdressing techniques and designs

• ability to apply the elements and principles of design and a broad range of technical hairdressing skills to create contemporary and period hair designs

• ability to apply a range of classic and current hair designs on short, medium and long hair in short turnaround times

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

• knowledge and consistent application of occupational health and safety requirements and workplace procedures relevant to hair design services.

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 and in a platform presentation or simulated platform presentation environment, including 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
• a platform production venue or event, such as a hairdressing show or competition
• models for platform demonstrations
• library, Internet and film media research sources
• a range of hairdressing products, equipment, hair accessories, props and audiovisual resources
• relevant health regulations and workplace procedures.

Relationship to other units 

This unit requires an assessment outcome that includes evidence of the ability to design and apply combined structures for haircut designs, apply a broad range of chemical reformation techniques and hairdressing chemical services, and communicate effectively with production team members and audiences.

Prerequisite units :

• WRHHC306B Combine haircut structures on women

or 

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

and 

• WRHCL302B Colour and lighten hair
• WRHCL303B Design and perform full and partial highlighting techniques
• WRHCL304A Perform colour correction
• WRHCR302B Perform chemical curling and volumising services
• WRHCR303B Perform chemical straightening and relaxing services
• WRHHD303A Design and apply short to medium-length hair design finishes.

Co-requisite units :

• WRHCL305B Perform on scalp full head and re-touch bleach services
• WRHCL406B Solve complex colour problems
• WRHHC410B Design and perform creative haircuts
• WRHHD304A Design and apply long hair design finishes.

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 or her handling of a range of contingencies. Tasks may include:

• researching and planning for a hair show or presentation and sourcing models, garments, props and equipment and conducting rehearsals where required
• designing and applying finished looks, incorporating chemical reformation and haircutting and/or design services according to an agreed plan
• interacting with an audience to give technical explanations of work in progress or completed, and responding to their questions
• implementing relevant health and hygiene and occupational health and safety regulations and workplace procedures relevant to hair design 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.

Overall design concepts  may include:

• hair designs and/or total looks
• current, creative or period designs
• elements of design
• principles of design
• overall design concepts.

Types of productions  may include:

• feature films
• advertisements
• theatre
• television
• fashion shoots
• hair fashion shoots
• hair shows
• in-salon presentations
• technical workshops.

Research materials  may include:

• fashion magazines
• history books
• photographs, paintings and illustrations from a particular period
• film and video
• the Internet
• manufacturer's materials
• design concept, fashion or stage.

Documentation  may include:

• folio including photographs and sketches
• haircut structural graphics
• technical notes on chemical processes
• manual files
• computer database.

Relevant personnel  may include:

• director
• event coordinator
• presentation team member
• costume designer
• fashion designer
• choreographer
• photographic stylist
• photographer.

Finished hair designs  may include:

• colour effects
• chemical curling and volumising effects
• chemical straightening effects
• haircut structures
• temporary straight and/or curved design finishes for direction, volume, curl, waves and texture
• wigs and hairpieces
• hair ornaments.

A predetermined era  may include:

• historical period
• current period
• futuristic period
• forecasting of looks.

Target audience  may include:

• hairdressers
• hairdressing educators
• magazine readers
• a live audience
• a film audience
• members of the general public representing a specific age or socioeconomic demographic
• people from a range of social, cultural or ethnic backgrounds and with a range of with a range of physical and mental abilities.

Presentation type  may include:

• workshop
• exhibition
• seminar
• 'look and learn'.

Presentation scale  may include:

• single model demonstration with technical explanation
• multiple model demonstration with technical explanation
• compered presentations with technical input from session stylists
• choreographed parades.

Presentation team  may include:

• other hairdressers and session stylists
• fashion designers
• makeup artists
• choreographers
• compere
• audiovisual and sound technicians
• assistants and stage hands.

Variables of the presentation environment  may include:

• event venues:

• stage or catwalk
• indoor or outdoor film sets
• salon
• training facility

• backstage.

Visual and audio aids  may include:

• whiteboards
• butcher's paper
• sketch pads
• PowerPoint
• slides
• film and video
• music
• sound, microphones, etc.
• visual collages of design ideas.

Competency Field 

Hairdressing