Elements and Performance Criteria

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that 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) may also be included.
Hair type and condition may include:
non-coloured
chemically treated
strong or resistant
damaged
dry, oily or normal
porosity
texture.
Haircut structure may include:
short
medium
long
solid form
layered
graduated
combinations.
Enhancement may include creating:
interest to hair design textures and movement
personalised and individual looks
dramatic or soft colour effects.
Client may include:
women
men
children
people from a range of social, cultural or ethnic backgrounds and with a range of physical and mental abilities.
Colouring and lightening products must include:
colour deposit products
colour lifting products.
Creative colouring and lightening techniques may include:
multiple colour applications, such as:
tint and slices
shading
duo tones
colour graduations through lengths of hair
chequerboard application
fantasy colouring, such as:
vibrant shades
highlighting effects, such as:
slices
individual chunky colour placements
freehand techniques, using various application tools such as sponges, combs, brushes and foil to achieve effects, such as:
end lightening
marbling
high-speed service for male clients.
Client and operator comfort and safety must include:
following workplace procedures
following product safety instructions and safety data sheets regarding the preparation and application of corrective colour products
following product safety data sheets in the event of an accident and seeking medical advice
appropriate gowning of client
application of anti skin stain product
application of colour stain removal product
wearing operator protective clothing and equipment when mixing and applying products
monitoring client scalp comfort and condition at all stages of the service.
Salon procedures must include:
gowning clients for colour and lightening services
rules relating to the application of heat acceleration during processing
compliance with state or territory and local government health regulations relevant to the service
occupational health and safety procedures
environmental protection practices, such as:
waste minimisation
waste disposal
water efficiency.
Finishing tools and techniques may include:
natural drying
heat lamps
heat diffuser
blow drying
flat irons
roller finishes
pin-curl finishes.
Maintenance advice may include:
shampooing hair following procedure
conditioners
intense protein treatments
anti-frizz products
hair gloss
sprays and lacquers
self-drying techniques
brushes and combs.
Client history may include:
client reaction to skin tests
contraindications
previous pre-service analysis
previous services’ brand and colour selection
previous services’ application techniques and processing times
colour outcomes
recommended after care products.

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.
Overview of assessment

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
Evidence of the following is essential:
conducting accurate pre-service hair and design analysis
applying the elements and principles of design to create contemporary and classic designs and to forecast new looks enhanced by the creative application of creative specialist colouring and lightening techniques
selecting and applying creative specialist colouring and lightening techniques to achieve predetermined designs that enhance a variety of haircut structures on a range of clients
consulting with clients and providing after-service care and maintenance advice.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Assessment must ensure access to:
a salon or a simulated salon environment that includes a range of work situations such as client interruptions and involvement in other related activities normally expected in the salon
fully equipped workstation which includes as minimum:
an adjustable client chair
clean client gown or wrap
a plentiful supply of clean towels
trolley stocked with:
rubber gloves
stain prevention products
plastic bowls
sponges
tint brushes
applicator bottles
variety of application tools, such as sponges, foils, combs and brushes, icing syringe
cap or plastic film wrap
a professional range of colour deposit lifting products, including:
artificial colour removal products
bleaches
powder lighteners
hydrogen peroxides
product colour charts, information and safety data sheets
salon procedures relating to:
client comfort and safety
client shampoo chairs
adjustable water temperature and shampoo spray attachments
a plentiful supply of clean towels
clean client gown
a professional range of colouring and lightening products suited to match hair analysis on a range of clients
relevant documentation, including:
product instructions
product safety data sheets
salon procedures
a range of clients with different creative colouring and lightening requirements.
For further guidance on the use of an appropriate simulated environment, refer to the Assessment Guidelines in this Training Package.
Method of assessment
A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge. The following examples are appropriate for this unit:
observation of the learner performing a range of tasks in an actual or simulated work environment, over sufficient time to demonstrate their handling of a range of contingencies. Tasks include:
communicating and demonstrating creative colouring hair design enhancements to other staff
designing and applying creative specialist colouring and lightening techniques to enhance hair designs on a range of clients
advising on home hair care and recommending products.
written or verbal questions appropriate to the language and literacy level of the learner to test knowledge, such as:
relationship between porosity, texture, condition and the success of creative colour services
colour wheel and its application in colour selection to achieve warm and cool tones
the salon colour and lightening products range and colour chart system
correct and environmentally sound disposal methods for all types of product waste and in particular for hazardous substances
research that demonstrates creative and classic looks that use creative specialist colouring and lightening techniques to enhance the hair design
review of portfolios of evidence and third-party reports of on-the-job performance.
Guidance information for assessment
A unit of competency describes an individual skill but people rarely perform one skill at a time. Many skills are combined on a day-to-day basis in the workplace as part of work processes. This does not mean that each skill described by a unit of competency is pre-requisite to another— they are related skills.
Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, salon and job role is recommended, for example:
SIHHHCS410A Design and perform creative haircuts