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.

Client characteristics may include:
natural hair type, texture, porosity, density and elasticity
natural and/or artificial base colour
tone
percentage of white hair
presence of lightening agents or artificial hair colour treatments on hair
other existing chemical services
skin tone
length of hair
scalp condition.

Contraindications may include:
condition of hair
existing metallic-based colour on hair.

Clients may include:
women
men
children
people who present with virgin hair or a range of pre-existing colour treatments on the hair
people from a range of social, cultural or ethnic backgrounds and with a range of physical and mental abilities.

Client history may include:
contraindications
previous pre-service analysis
previous colour or bleach services' product selection
previous bleach services' application techniques and processing times
colour result
recommended care products.

Bleach products must include:
products from the workplace bleach range
peroxides of varying percentage volumes.

Client and operator comfort and safety must include:
following workplace procedures
wearing protective gloves when applying bleach and toner products
avoiding skin and eye contact for client and operator
following manufacturer's product safety data sheet in the event of an accident and seeking medical advice
using barrier creams on client's face and neckline
appropriate gowning of client
operator wearing protective clothing when mixing and applying products
monitoring client scalp comfort and condition at all stages of the service.

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.

Stages and methods of product application must include:
natural untreated hair
regrowth
roots and then ends
roots, mid lengths and finally ends
ends and then roots.

Product processing must include:
following manufacturer's instructions
exercising judgement based on previous timing of bleach services on the particular client
monitoring and observing product development.

Heat acceleration may include:
heat lamps
steamers.

After bleach toning products may include:
suitable products from the workplace colour range.

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 apply knowledge of the use and application of a defined workplace range of bleach and toner products for a range of colour outcomes on different clients. Knowledge and skill with regard to relevant legislation and workplace procedures that ensure client and operator comfort, health and safety must also be demonstrated.
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
knowledge and consistent application of workplace policies, procedures and safe work practices in relation to bleach services
knowledge of manufacturer's product safety data
consistently applying effective questioning and active listening techniques to consult and negotiate with clients and to ensure client comfort and safety throughout the service
recognising and managing contraindications
reading, accurately interpreting and consistently applying manufacturer's product safety data, and product use and application instructions
consistently safe selection, preparation, application, processing and removal of colour according to manufacturer's instructions and workplace procedures
consistently achieving the desired degree of lift and performing natural hair and regrowth bleach services with even colour results and minimum hair damage
consistently applying client and operator safety precautions.

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 which 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 salon or simulated salon environment
a defined bleaching and toning workplace product range along with manufacturer's colour charts and product instructions
clients with a variety of bleaching requirements.

Relationship to other units
This unit requires an assessment outcome that includes evidence of knowledge of the chemical and physical effects of bleaching products on the hair and their safe application.
WRHCL302A Colour and lighten hair
WRHHS301A Apply the principles of hairdressing science.
WRHCL303A Design and perform full and partial highlighting techniques.

Method of assessment
The following assessment methods are 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:
completion of workplace documentation relevant to analysis of client characteristics prior to bleach treatment
demonstrated client consultation and colour selection prior to service
demonstrated safe application and processing of full head and re-touch bleach services on a variety of clients with different needs.
Third-party reports from experienced hairdressers in the workplace.

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
Establishing client expectations and negotiating a planned lightening result in pre-service client consultation involve the communication of ideas and information. (3)

Collecting analysing and organising information
Accessing client history, consulting with clients and using manufacturer's colour charts in the selection of a suggested lightening and tone result involve collecting, analysing and organising information. (3)

Planning and organising activities
Timing and monitoring bleach services, and combining the conduct of bleach services with other duties and other clients, involve planning and organising activities. (3)

Working with others and in teams
Solving colour problems that evolve during a service may involve referral to other operators. (2)

Using mathematical ideas and techniques
Measuring quantities of bleach product and selecting and measuring peroxide involve the application of mathematical ideas and techniques. (2)

Solving problems
Planning and carrying out an application method to even out a previous uneven bleach result involve the application of problem solving skills. (2)

Using technology
Using heat acceleration as part of bleach processing involves the application of technology. (2)