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 will affect performance.
The following variables 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. Bold italicised text from the performance criteria is detailed here.

Hair and scalp condition may include:
normal
abnormal
dry
oily
damaged.

Hair texture may include:
coarse
medium
fine.

Hair density may include:
sparse
normal
dense.

Hair porosity may include:
resistant
normal
porous
highly porous.

Previous chemical services may include:
chemical reformation
presence of lightening agents or artificial colourants on hair.

Contraindications to chemical reformation may include:
damaged hair
abnormal scalp conditions, including broken or weeping areas of skin
previous chemical services
resistant hair
highly porous hair.

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.

Products may include:
pre-perm porosity treatments
alkaline perms
acid perms
products in different strengths, according to hair assessment.

Client and operator comfort and safety must include:
applying gown and towels to protect client clothes
applying protective or barrier creams to client face or neckline areas
avoiding contact with client or operator's eyes
avoiding inhalation of fumes whilst applying product
wearing operator protective gloves when winding hair and applying solution
wearing operator protective gloves when applying neutraliser
wearing operator protective moisturiser on hands and lower arms.

Relevant legislation may include:
federal, state and local health and hygiene
occupational health and safety.

Workplace policies and procedures may include:
client comfort and safety
operator safety
health and hygiene.

Neutralising products may include:
liquids and creams for nozzle application
foaming neutralisers.

Home care products may include:
shampoos
conditioners
styling aids.

The evidence guide describes the underpinning knowledge and skills that must be demonstrated to prove competence. It is essential for assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, the range statement and the assessment guidelines of the relevant Training Package.
Overview of assessment
A person who demonstrates competency in this unit of competency must be able to consistently perform pre-service hair analysis, consult with clients regarding the desired curl/body result, and then perform the full chemical reformation service to achieve that outcome to the satisfaction of the client. Client and operator safety must be ensured at all stages during the chemical reformation process.
Knowledge and skill in the application of relevant legislation and workplace policies and procedures must also be demonstrated.
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
consistently conducting accurate pre-service hair and scalp analysis
consistently selecting products, equipment and techniques appropriate to desired outcomes and predetermined designs
winding to a pre-planned pattern with even tension and without hooked ends, breakage or rubber marks
consistently and successfully assessing the development of degree of curl for desired curl and/or volume
consistently performing the full rinse and neutralising service
consistently applying safe work practices and manufacturer's instructions.

Context of 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 that 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.

Specific resources for assessment
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 range of workplace chemical curling and volumising products and equipment
a range of presenting clients seeking chemical curling and/or volumising services
a hairdressing salon or simulated salon area.

Relationship to other units
This unit requires an assessment outcome that includes evidence of well-developed client communication skills, knowledge of the chemical and physical effects of chemical curling and volumising products on the hair, and the ability to apply safe working practices during chemical services.
WRHCS201A Prepare clients for salon services
WRHCS205A Follow personal health and safety routines at work
WRRLP1B Apply safe working practices.
WRHHS301A Apply the principles of hairdressing science
WRHWP302A Operate effectively as a hairdresser in a salon work team.

Method of assessment
The following assessment method is 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:
conducting pre-service analysis
predetermining finished looks with clients
selecting products and equipment
completing a range of complete chemical and volumising services to achieve a predetermined curl/body result.

Evidence required for demonstration of consistent performance
For valid and reliable assessment of this unit, evidence should be gathered through a range of methods to indicate consistent performance.
It can be gathered from assessment of the unit of competency alone, through an integrated assessment activity or through a combination of both.
Evidence should be gathered as part of the learning process.

Communicating ideas and information
Conveying the results of pre-service assessment to clients requires the communication of ideas and information. (2)

Collecting analysing and organising information
Assessing the hair and consulting with clients prior to chemical curling or volumising services require information to be collected, analysed and organised. (2)

Planning and organising activities
Selecting a winding pattern and method to achieve the desired result requires activities to be planned and organised. (2)

Working with others and in teams
Integrating chemical curling or volumising services concurrent with a range of other salon tasks requires teamwork. (2)

Using mathematical ideas and techniques
Timing processing and neutralising requires the use of mathematical ideas and techniques. (2)

Solving problems
Chemically curling or volumising resistant hair requires problem solving skills. (2)

Using technology
Applying heat to assist processing may require the use of technology. (1)