Elements and Performance Criteria

Haircut plan must include:
straight and curved soft and hard interior and exterior design lines
starting points, sectioning and parting patterns
degrees of lift for each section where lifted graduation is planned
distribution of hair for each section where graduation is planned
illustrated stationary/mobile guide lines for graduated sections of haircut
a structural graphic (profile) for the haircut plan, illustrated by drawing lines at 90 degrees to the curve of the head.

Appropriate tools may include:
combs
haircutting scissors
texturising scissors
razors
chisels
clippers.

Appropriate cutting techniques may include:
blunt cutting
notching
razor bevelling/arching
pressure graduation
angle of fingers
angle of scissors
amount of pressure.

Finishing tools may include:
lamps
blow dryer
Denman style brushes
vent style brushes
round brushes
thermal irons.

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
consistently selecting tools and graduation techniques appropriate to the planned graduated finish
consistently applying the cutting hand, and holding the cutting tools, to create graduated designs
consistently parting the hair with clean sections and partings throughout the haircut
applying hands and haircutting tools in a parallel/non-parallel manner to base partings to achieve planned graduation
positioning the head and neck and making any necessary adjustments during service to achieve the appropriate degree of graduation
consistently maintaining the hair evenly wet or dry and applying even tension
consistently achieving planned degree/s of graduation.

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:
a salon or simulated salon environment
haircutting tools and equipment
clients or hair wefts
finishing tools and equipment.

Relationship to other units
This unit requires an assessment outcome that includes evidence of the ability to analyse and plan graduated haircut structures, and to prepare, select and safely apply haircutting tools.
WRHCS201A Prepare clients for salon services.
WRHHC301A Design haircut structures.

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:
developing plans for graduated haircut structures
applying graduated haircut techniques
applying finishing techniques to graduated haircuts.

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
Developing plans for graduated haircuts involves the communication of ideas and information. (2)

Collecting analysing and organising information
Analysing graduated haircut structures to develop a haircutting approach and select appropriate tools requires information to be collected, analysed and organised. (2)

Planning and organising activities
Establishing a guide line or guide lines and working to a pre-planned sectioning pattern require the activity of applying the haircut to be planned and organised. (2)

Working with others and in teams
Providing assistance to colleagues, supporting the efficient operation of the workplace and working within workplace policies and procedures may involve teamwork. (1)

Using mathematical ideas and techniques
Maintaining appropriate lift and distribution throughout the haircut involves the application of mathematical ideas and techniques. (1)

Solving problems
Checking a finished haircut for planned graduation and rectifying where required may involve the application of problem solving skills. (2)

Using technology
Selecting and applying haircutting and finishing tools and equipment involve the application of technology. (2)