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.
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.
Tools and equipment may include:
combs
sectioning clips
pins
rubber bands
ribbons
ornamentation.
Braiding techniques may include:
two strand
three strand
multi strand
French or invisible braid
rope braid
fishtail or herringbone
cornrow.
Salon procedures may include:
gowning clients
preparing hair for braiding
procedures that comply with state or territory and local government health regulations relevant to the service
occupational health and safety
environmental protection practices, such as waste disposal.
Holding products may include:
sprays
gels.

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:
interacting with clients
confirming the braiding technique to be applied with a supervising hairdresser
applying single, two and three strand braiding techniques
knowledge and application of salon procedures relevant to the service.
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
an adjustable client chair
clean client gown or wrap
a supply of clean towels
a range of clients for braiding services
styling products
relevant documentation, including salon procedures.
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:
direct observation of the learner consulting with supervising hairdressers to receive direction on braiding style and area to be braided
applying single, two and three strand braiding techniques review of portfolios of evidence and third-party reports of on-the-job performance by the learner.
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:
SIHHHDS201A Dry hair to shape
SIRXCOM001A Communicate in the workplace