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:
length of hair
product build up
untreated natural curly or wavy hair
chemically treated hair
strong or resistant natural curls
damaged hair
a variety of hair types from a range of ethnic backgrounds.
Contradictions to protein straighteners may include:
those identified in manufacturer’s product safety data, such as:
pregnancy
breastfeeding mothers.
Clients may include:
women
men
children
people from a range of social, cultural or ethnic backgrounds and with a range of physical and mental abilities.
Client history may include:
hair analysis outcomes
desired degree of relaxation
tool and product selection
straightening method
outcome of service
home hair-care products:
recommended
purchased.
Products may include:
preprocess shampoos
protein smoothing treatments
booster sprays
post-process care and styling products.
Tools may include:
thermostatically-controlled flat irons
blow dryer
tint brush and bowl
tail comb
sectioning clips
paddle or vent brush
plastic cap or wrap.
Product manufacturer’s recommended smoothing technique may include:
working to a predetermined pattern, combing hair layer by layer and pressing between index and middle fingers
laying already smoothened hair onto the straightening board and smoothing hair a second time against the board using the back of a comb.
Client and operator comfort and safety must include:
providing protective gowning for client
applying straightening product 1cm from the hair root to avoid breakage
avoiding product contact with client and operator’s skin or eyes
wearing operator protective gloves.
Salon procedures must include:
client comfort and safety
operator safety
procedures that comply with state or territory and local government health regulations relevant to the service
environmental protection practices, such as:
waste minimisation
waste disposal
water efficiency.
Maintenance advice may include recommending:
that the client uses flat irons where a very straight look is required
the timing of regular protein treatments to maintain smoothing and straightening
coordinating the timing of treatments with chemical treatments such as tints
home hair-care products such as:
shampoos
conditioners
rejuvenating treatments
intense protein treatments
anti-frizz
hair gloss.

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 preservice hair and scalp analysis
consistently selecting products, equipment and techniques appropriate to desired outcomes and predetermined designs
interpreting and following product instructions and safety data sheets
applying straightening products and techniques without hair breakage
successfully assessing the development of degree of curl or wave relaxing
performing the full rinse and neutralising service, according to product instructions or salon procedures.
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
a trolley stocked with:
medium-toothed combs with even edges
straightening boards
thermostatically controlled ceramic flat irons
barrier creams
cotton wool
plastic bowls or applicator bottles
applicator brushes
fully equipped basin services area which includes as a minimum:
back wash facilities
client shampoo chairs
adjustable water temperature and shampoo spray attachments
a plentiful supply of clean towels
clean client gown
a professional range of protein straightening products suited to match hair analysis outcomes across a range of clients
relevant documentation, including:
product instructions
product safety data sheets
salon procedures
a range of clients seeking chemical straightening and relaxing services.
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 may include:
conducting preservice analysis
predetermining with client the finished degree of straightening and relaxing
completing a number of full services to achieve a predetermined straightening result
recommending after service products and hair care routines to clients.
written or verbal questions appropriate to the language and literacy level of the learner to test knowledge which include:
the effects of products used in protein straightening or relaxing on the structure and condition of the hair
personal precautions
salon procedures to ensure:
client safety
operator safety
compliance with relevant health regulations
waste minimisation procedures
review of portfolios of evidence and third-party reports salon 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:
SIHHCCS302A Perform a full client consultation
SIHHOHS201A Apply salon safety procedures