Unit of competency details

Unit Descriptor 

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to select and apply hairpieces to complement a hair design, and to carry out the cleaning and maintenance of wigs and hairpieces. This unit of competency will apply to hairdressers who work as session stylists, use hairpieces to enhance hair designs, and provide a service to clients who regularly wear wigs or hairpieces.

Application of the Unit 

This unit involves communicating; designing, and then selecting hair type; preparing materials; and making wigs and hairpieces to fit and/or be incorporated into finished hair designs. It requires knowledge of human and synthetic hair types and the techniques for hair sorting, mixing hair, hackling, base materials, stitching and knotting; and cleaning, cutting and styling hairpieces. Knowledge of the safe application of hairpieces, along with the application of relevant legislation and workplace practices, particularly in regard to workplace safety and hygiene, are also 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

Select and use cleaning products and techniques.

1.1

Stitching , knotting and fibre type  are identified by visual and physical examination of wigs and hairpieces .

1.2

Cleaning and conditioning products are selected from the workplace range to match stitching, knotting and fibre type and are applied according to workplace procedures and manufacturer's instructions.

2.

Cut wigs and hairpieces.

2.1

Hairpieces are applied to scalp area and trimmed to blend with existing natural hair.

2.2

Wigs are applied to clients and adjusted to ensure a comfortable fit.

2.3

Finished look is discussed with client  and haircutting techniques are applied to achieve the predetermined result.

2.4

Switches and postiche are cut as required to blend with a planned finished look.

3

Apply design finishes to wigs and hairpieces.

3.1

Alternative finished hair designs are reviewed and discussed to confirm client expectations.

3.2

Style concepts to complement facial features, bone structure and client expectations are predetermined with clients.

3.3

Wigs or hairpieces are attached to a working block, and styling products  are selected and applied according to fibre type, base materials, planned design and manufacturer's instructions.

3.4

Relevant tools and techniques  are selected according to fibre type, and base materials are applied to achieve the overall finished design.

3.5

Wigs or hairpieces are applied to clients and secured to ensure a secure and comfortable fit.

3.6

Client comfort and safety are ensured during the process according to relevant legislation  and workplace policies and procedures .

3.7

Client satisfaction is confirmed and hair design finish is adjusted where required.

3.8

Styling products are applied for finished texture or hold, as required.

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 client, while demonstrating a knowledge of communication techniques, including:

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

• conducting client consultation and analysis, and consistently responding appropriately to each client's service requirements

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

• consistent prevention of fibre stitching and base damage

• consistent safe application of cleaning procedures to human and synthetic hair fibres with a variety of knotting, stitching and base materials

• consistent safe application of a range of cutting, styling and finishing techniques to achieve predetermined looks on wigs and hairpieces.

Knowledge may include :

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

• the elements and principles of design

• a range of head blocks and their suitability for attaching wigs and hairpieces

• a range of attachment tools

• knowledge of a range of wigs and hairpieces and their applications

• different hair fibres used in wigs and hairpieces including:

• human hair: European, Euro-Asian and Asian
• synthetic fibre
• animal hair.

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 consult with clients, recommend fibres and produce made-to-measure full head wigs and hairpieces to meet client requirements for a range of applications.

Knowledge and skill in the application of relevant legislation and workplace policies and procedures must also be demonstrated.

Specific evidence requirements 

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

• knowledge and consistent application of relevant workplace policies and procedures

• knowledge and consistent application of federal, state and local health and hygiene legislation and regulations

• knowledge and consistent application of safe work practices and the safe use of wig servicing, hair cutting and styling equipment, including the use of protective measures, according to occupational health and safety legislation, regulations and requirements

• ability to consistently use effective questioning and active listening techniques to sympathetically consult and negotiate with clients, identify client requirements, maintain confidentiality and ensure client comfort and safety throughout the service

• ability to analyse and identify the elements of hair designs and alternative techniques that may be applied to achieve those designs

• ability to complete finished designs on wigs and hairpieces within designated workplace timeframes

• ability to evaluate completed wig and hairpiece designs and confirm client satisfaction with the finished result.

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 wig maker 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 range of wigs and hairpieces
• haircutting and hair design products, tools and equipment
• clients requiring a range of wig or hairpiece applications.

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 :

• WRHHC306B Combine haircut structures on women

or 

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

and 

• WRHHD303A Design and apply short to medium-length hair design finishes
• WRHHD304A Design and apply long hair design finishes.

Co-requisite units :

• none.

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
• cleaning wigs and hairpieces
• cutting switches and postiche to blend with natural hair
• cutting wigs and hairpieces
• styling and finishing wigs and hairpieces
• applying relevant health regulations
• applying relevant workplace procedures that ensure client and operator comfort and safety.

• Written or oral questions.
• Third-party reports from experienced hairdressers and/or wig makers.
• Completion of self-paced learning materials, including personal reflection and feedback from the trainer, coach or supervisor.

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.

Stitching , knotting and fibre type  may include:

• machine stitching
• hand knotting
• human hair:

• European
• Asian
• Euro-Asian

• synthetic fibre
• animal hair.

Wigs and hairpieces  may include:

• full head wigs
• toupees
• artificial beards and moustaches
• frangia: long or short
• switch: one, two or three stem
• button
• postiche: square, round, heart or fantasy shape
• wiglet: variety of base shapes
• hair: long, short, straight, wavy or curly
• natural or artificial colours.

Clients  may include:

• men
• women
• children
• people from a range of social, cultural or ethnic backgrounds and with a range of physical and mental abilities.

Styling products  may include:

• setting lotions
• gels
• glazes
• mousses
• waxes
• sprays.

Relevant tools and techniques  may include:

• tools:

• combs
• wire brushes
• styling brushes
• clips
• rollers
• blow dryers
• tongs

• techniques:

• blow drying
• blow waving
• moulding
• water waving
• roller placement
• pin curling
• lamp drying
• using heat diffusers.

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