Unit of competency details

Unit Descriptor 

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to select hair type and hand make wigs and hairpieces. 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 and planning to establish client requirements; selecting hair type; preparing materials; and making wigs and hairpieces to fit and/or incorporate into finished hair designs. It requires knowledge of human and synthetic hair types; techniques associated with hair sorting, mixing, hackling, selection of base materials, stitching and knotting; along with an ability to clean, cut and style 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

Consult with clients.

1.1

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

1.2

Cost, application, maintenance requirements, features benefits and applications of different wigs and hairpieces  are identified and clearly explained to clients.

1.3

Finished wig/hairpiece designs that meet client  requirements are confirmed.

2

Analyse and select hair type.

2.1

Human hair types  are correctly identified.

2.2

Synthetic hair is correctly identified.

2.3

Contraindications for hair types are correctly identified.

2.4

Hair type is matched to the client's hair to achieve colour match and wave/curl match, according to client requirements.

3

Prepare hair for use in wig or hairpiece.

3.1

Safe use of hack is demonstrated according to relevant legislation , and workplace policies and procedures.

3.2

Root-turning procedure is applied root to root and end to end, according to natural hair growth pattern.

3.3

Various hair types and textures are selected according to appropriate texture, colour, and curl and in line with predetermined client requirements.

4

Make wigs and hairpieces.

4.1

Appropriate measurements  for base of wig are selected that match client requirements.

4.2

Measurements are accurately transferred from head to block.

4.3

Materials  are selected for wig or hairpiece base and other parts of the wig to meet predetermined client requirements.

4.4

Procedure for placing hair on base  is determined according to client requirements.

4.5

Wig -making tools  are selected, used, applied and maintained according to safe workplace procedures.

4.6

Ventilating  procedures are selected and applied where required according to workplace practice to achieve predetermined results.

4.7

Wig or hairpiece is made according to client requirements.

5

Fit wigs and hairpieces.

5.1

Client is fitted according to workplace practice to ensure a firm but comfortable fit.

5.2

Client satisfaction is established through questioning and active listening, and necessary adjustments are made.

5.3

Home-care advice is offered according to workplace practice.

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

• ability to select and prepare hair for a variety of wig-making procedures, including:

• hackling
• root turning
• hair colouring and curling
• matching client's hair type
• hair blending

• client measurement and fitting

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

Knowledge may include :

• the provisions of relevant occupational health and safety legislation and regulations
• ability to determine the effects on the design of the wig or hairpiece of factors including:

• selection of hair type
• preparation of materials
• design and structure of wigs, hairpieces and postiche
• different hair fibres, hair types and bases
• head blocks and tools
• facial shapes and features, bone structure and body shape
• client characteristics and limitations
• client preferences and expressed requirements
• occasion
• balancing hair length and volume
• the elements and principles of design

• a range of head blocks and their suitability for attaching wigs and hairpieces
• a range of attachment tools and tools of trade for making wigs and hairpieces
• a range of measuring and fitting requirements and procedures for wigs and hairpieces
• different hair fibres used in wigs and hairpieces, including:

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

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-making equipment, including the use of protective measures, according to occupational health and safety 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 integrate a range of wig-making techniques suitable for photographic, theatre, film, television, special effects and prosthesis application

• ability to evaluate completed wigs or hairpieces and confirm client satisfaction with the finished result

• ability to consistently demonstrate procedures for making wigs and hairpieces, analyse client characteristics and requirements, and take into account factors including:

• design and structure of wigs, hairpieces and postiche
• hair fibres, hair types and bases
• head blocks and tools
• preparation of hair
• hair blending
• hair colouring and curling
• client measurements and fitting
• ventilating procedures.

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 wig-making materials, 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 training delivery and assessment pathway, all units that relate to a job function can be integrated for assessment purposes.

Prerequisite units :

• none.

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
• measuring clients for full head wigs and hairpieces
• selecting, preparing and blending hair/fibre
• selecting base materials
• applying ventilating and wefting techniques
• completing workplace documentation relating to client analysis prior to wig-making treatments
• consultation
• hair and scalp analysis
• safely performing a variety of treatment processes.

• 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.

Client's needs and expectations  may include:

• for theatrical or film character roles
• to simulate or replace their own hair in response to hair loss
• for fashion effects.

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.

Client  may include:

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

Human hair types  may include:

• European
• Asian
• Euro-Asian.

Relevant legislation  may include:

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

Appropriate measurements  may include:

• circumference from head to nape
• ear to ear over top of head
• front hairline to centre of forehead
• ear to ear over the occipital area.

Materials  may include:

• galloon
• tulle
• net (caul)
• springs
• weft.

Procedure for placing hair on base  may include:

• ventilating
• wefting.

Wig -making tools  may include:

• wefting frame
• crochet hook.

Ventilating  may include:

• single
• double
• triple
• English.

Competency Field 

Hairdressing