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:
untreated naturally curly hair or wavy hair
chemically treated hair
strong or resistant natural curls
naturally straight hair
damaged hair.
Haircut structure may include:
short
medium
long
solid form
layered
graduated
combinations.
Enhancement may include:
full or partial head
changes in texture
adding curl root to point (spiral)
adding curl or volume point to root
adding waves
relaxing natural curl
increasing body
increasing volume.
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.
Chemical reformation straightening and relaxing products may include:
preprocess shampoos and softeners
pre and post-process fillers and conditioning products
alkaline perms
acid perms
perming products in a variety of strengths
curl relaxers for chemically treated hair
hair straighteners for:
naturally wavy or curly hair
strong or resistant natural curls
neutralisers
post-process care and styling products.
Chemical reformation tools may include:
perm rods and sticks in various shapes and sizes
medium-toothed combs with even edges
straightening boards
fingers
flat irons.
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 skin or eyes
wearing protective gloves for operator.
Relevant legislation may include:
federal, state and local health and hygiene legislation and regulations
occupational health and safety legislation and regulations.
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.
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:
product manufacturer after-service care and maintenance instructions
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:
hair analysis outcomes
desired degree of:
curl
volume
relaxation
tool and product selection
winding or relaxation technique
outcome of service
home hair care products:
recommended
purchased.

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 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 chemical reformation
selecting and applying chemical curling, volumising, straightening and relaxing equipment and 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
thermostatically-controlled ceramic flat irons
trolley stocked with:
a variety of sized perm rods and sticks of different sizes
perm papers
medium-toothed combs with even edges
straightening boards
barrier creams
cotton wool
plastic bowls or applicator bottles
applicator brushes
finishing tools, including:
heat lamps
heat diffuser
blow dryer flat irons
hair rollers of different sizes
pin curl clips
a fully equipped basin services area which includes as a minimum:
shampoo basins
client shampoo chairs
adjustable water temperature and shampoo spray attachments
a plentiful supply of clean towels
clean client gown
a professional range of chemical and protein relaxation and straightening 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 seeking chemical straightening or 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 his or her handling of a range of contingencies. Tasks include:
communicating and demonstrating chemical reformation hair design enhancements to other staff
designing and applying chemical reformation to enhance hair designs on a range of clients
advising on home care and recommending products.
written or verbal questions appropriate to the language and literacy level of the learner to test knowledge such as:
the salon chemical reformation product range
the physical and chemical actions of the following products on the structure of the hair:
protein fillers
chemical reformation products
chemical straighteners and relaxers
conditioning products
anti-frizz products
styling gels and other aids
a wide range of winding, chemical texturising and straightening techniques and their effects on different haircut structures
potential application and limitations of chemical reformation products in the salon range
research that demonstrates creative and classic looks that use chemical reformation to enhance the hair design
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:
SIHHHCS410A Design and perform creative haircuts