Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
22/07/2026 10:30 PM AWST
22/07/2026 10:30 PM AWST
Whilst all efforts are made to provide accurate and timely information from the relevant source/documentation, please be aware that the information supplied may not be the most current version. The accuracy of the detail has not been confirmed by the Department and therefore should not be relied upon without first confirming the contents.
Design and apply short to medium length hair design finishes
Design and apply short to medium length hair design finishes
Unit of competency
National Code
SIHHHDS303A
SIHHHDS303A
State Code
D8700
D8700
TGA Status
Replaced
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Replaced
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
21/10/2011
Field of Education
110303 - Hairdressing
Original Release Date
21/10/2011
Nominal Hours
30
Description
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to create classic and current short to medium length hair design finishes on a range of clients.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Analyse client characteristics.
- 1.1. Establish natural hair type, texture, growth patterns, fall and movement by physical and visual examination.
- 1.2. Examine and analyse facial features and bone structure.
2. Consult with client and confirm a finished look.
- 2.1. Apply the elements and principles of design to complement client facial features and bone structure and envisage alternative hair designs.
- 2.2. Discuss and describe suitable looks and establish client expectations using visual examples as necessary.
- 2.3. Discuss and confirm a preferred hair design concept with client.
3. Apply relevant techniques to create a finished design.
- 3.1. Select and apply styling products, according to hair type and predetermined design, following product instructions.
- 3.2. Select and apply relevant styling tools and techniques to achieve the overall finished design.
- 3.3. Ensure client comfort and safety during the process, according to salon procedures.
- 3.4. Select and apply finishing tools and techniques to achieve the predetermined design.
- 3.5. Confirm client satisfaction and adjust hair design finish where required.
- 3.6. Advise on hair design maintenance and recommend relevant home hair care products.
- 3.7. Complete the hair design service within designated workplace timeframes.
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.
Natural hair type may include:
European
African
Asian.
Texture may include:
coarse
medium
fine.
Growth patterns may include:
crown area
hairline
neckline
cowlicks (whorls).
Fall and movement may include:
straight
wavy
natural curl
chemical curl or waves.
Facial features and bone structure may include:
square
round
oval
combination of shapes
unusual facial shapes.
Elements and principles of design may include:
elements, such as:
straight or curved lines
shape
direction
size
texture
colour
principles, such as:
balance
graduation
repetition
contrast
harmony
dominance
unity.
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.
Visual examples may include:
magazine shots
photographs
quick sketches or simple line drawings
hair design text books.
Styling products may include:
setting lotions
gels
glazes
mousses
waxes
sprays.
Styling tools and techniques may include:
tools, including:
combs
brushes
clips
rollers
blow dryers
heat diffusers
drying lamps
techniques, including:
blow drying
blow waving
moulding
water waving
roller placement
pin curling
lamp drying
heat diffusers.
Salon procedures may include:
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 minimisation
waste disposal.
Finishing tools and techniques may include:
tools:
combs
brushes
tongs
straightening irons
techniques:
brushing
dry moulding
placing
backcombing
smoothing.
Home hair care products may include:
shampoos
conditioners
styling aids, such as:
mousses
lotions
gels
hair sprays
texturising products.
Natural hair type may include:
European
African
Asian.
Texture may include:
coarse
medium
fine.
Growth patterns may include:
crown area
hairline
neckline
cowlicks (whorls).
Fall and movement may include:
straight
wavy
natural curl
chemical curl or waves.
Facial features and bone structure may include:
square
round
oval
combination of shapes
unusual facial shapes.
Elements and principles of design may include:
elements, such as:
straight or curved lines
shape
direction
size
texture
colour
principles, such as:
balance
graduation
repetition
contrast
harmony
dominance
unity.
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.
Visual examples may include:
magazine shots
photographs
quick sketches or simple line drawings
hair design text books.
Styling products may include:
setting lotions
gels
glazes
mousses
waxes
sprays.
Styling tools and techniques may include:
tools, including:
combs
brushes
clips
rollers
blow dryers
heat diffusers
drying lamps
techniques, including:
blow drying
blow waving
moulding
water waving
roller placement
pin curling
lamp drying
heat diffusers.
Salon procedures may include:
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 minimisation
waste disposal.
Finishing tools and techniques may include:
tools:
combs
brushes
tongs
straightening irons
techniques:
brushing
dry moulding
placing
backcombing
smoothing.
Home hair care products may include:
shampoos
conditioners
styling aids, such as:
mousses
lotions
gels
hair sprays
texturising 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:
analysing and identifying the elements of hair designs, and alternative techniques that may be applied to achieve those designs
applying a range of classic and current hair designs on short to medium length hair
ensuring client comfort and safety throughout the service
following salon procedures relevant to the service
ability to complete short to medium finished designs within designated workplace timeframes.
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
a clean client gown or wrap
a supply of clean towels
hair design equipment, including:
combs
brushes
rollers
clips
blow dryer
heat diffuser
heat lamps
hair dryer
a range of clients with short to medium length hair for hair design services
styling products
relevant documentation, including:
product and equipment instructions and safety data sheets
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:
analysing characteristics and consulting with clients to negotiate a planned design outcome
applying styling products, tools and equipment to achieve a range of designs on short to medium length hair
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:
SIHHCCS302A Perform a full client consultation
SIRXCOM001A Communicate in the workplace
SIRXSLS002A Advise on products and services
Overview of assessment
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
Evidence of the following is essential:
analysing and identifying the elements of hair designs, and alternative techniques that may be applied to achieve those designs
applying a range of classic and current hair designs on short to medium length hair
ensuring client comfort and safety throughout the service
following salon procedures relevant to the service
ability to complete short to medium finished designs within designated workplace timeframes.
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
a clean client gown or wrap
a supply of clean towels
hair design equipment, including:
combs
brushes
rollers
clips
blow dryer
heat diffuser
heat lamps
hair dryer
a range of clients with short to medium length hair for hair design services
styling products
relevant documentation, including:
product and equipment instructions and safety data sheets
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:
analysing characteristics and consulting with clients to negotiate a planned design outcome
applying styling products, tools and equipment to achieve a range of designs on short to medium length hair
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:
SIHHCCS302A Perform a full client consultation
SIRXCOM001A Communicate in the workplace
SIRXSLS002A Advise on products and services
Replaces
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| S4522 | WRHHD303A | Design and apply short to medium-length hair design finishes | Unit of competency |
Replaced By
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| AWY27 | SHBHDES003 | Create finished hair designs | Unit of competency |
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| D590 | SIH30111 | Certificate III in Hairdressing | Qualification |