Elements and Performance Criteria

natural hair type, texture, porosity, density and elasticity
natural and/or artificial base colour
tone
percentage of white hair
presence of lightening agents or artificial hair colour treatments on hair
other existing chemical services
skin tone
length of hair
scalp condition.

condition of hair
existing metallic-based colour on hair.

women
men
children
people who present with virgin hair or a range of pre-existing colour treatments on the hair
people from a range of social, cultural or ethnic backgrounds and with a range of physical and mental abilities.

contraindications
previous pre-service analysis
previous colour or bleach services' product selection
previous bleach services' application techniques and processing times
colour result
recommended care products.

products from the workplace bleach range
peroxides of varying percentage volumes

following workplace procedures
wearing protective gloves when applying bleach and toner products
avoiding skin and eye contact for client and operator
following manufacturer's product safety data sheet in the event of an accident and seeking medical advice
using barrier creams on client's face and neckline
appropriate gowning of client
operator wearing protective clothing when mixing and applying products
monitoring client scalp comfort and condition at all stages of the service.

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

client comfort and safety
operator safety
health and hygiene.

natural untreated hair
regrowth
roots and then ends
roots, mid lengths and finally ends
ends and then roots.

following manufacturer's instructions
exercising judgement based on previous timing of bleach services on the particular client
monitoring and observing product development.

heat lamps
steamers.

suitable products from the workplace colour range

Overview of assessment
A person who demonstrates competency in this unit of competency must be able to apply knowledge of the use and application of a defined workplace range of bleach and toner products for a range of colour outcomes on different clients. Knowledge and skill with regard to relevant legislation and workplace procedures that ensure client and operator comfort, health and safety must also be demonstrated.

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
knowledge and consistent application of workplace policies, procedures and safe work practices in relation to bleach services
knowledge of manufacturer's product safety data
consistently applying effective questioning and active listening techniques to consult and negotiate with clients and to ensure client comfort and safety throughout the service
recognising and managing contraindications
reading, accurately interpreting and consistently applying manufacturer's product safety data, and product use and application instructions
consistently safe selection, preparation, application, processing and removal of colour according to manufacturer's instructions and workplace procedures
consistently achieving the desired degree of lift and performing natural hair and regrowth bleach services with even colour results and minimum hair damage
consistently applying client and operator safety precautions.

Context of and specific resources for 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 which 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.

Competency for this unit should be assessed through access to:

relevant documentation, including occupational health and safety legislation and regulations, workplace policy and procedures manuals and manufacturer's product safety data sheets
a salon or simulated salon environment
a defined bleaching and toning workplace product range along with manufacturer's colour charts and product instructions
clients with a variety of bleaching requirements.

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:

completion of workplace documentation relevant to analysis of client characteristics prior to bleach treatment
demonstrated client consultation and colour selection prior to service
demonstrated safe application and processing of full head and re-touch bleach services on a variety of clients with different needs.
Third-party reports from experienced hairdressers in the workplace.

Guidance information for assessment