Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
23/07/2026 4:51 AM AWST
23/07/2026 4:51 AM 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.
Work as a session stylist
Work as a session stylist
Unit of competency
National Code
WRHHD406B
WRHHD406B
State Code
S7131
S7131
TGA Status
Replaced
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Replaced
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
25/11/2010
Field of Education
110303 - Hairdressing
Original Release Date
25/11/2010
Nominal Hours
40
Description
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to create finished hair designs especially applicable to events, film sets, photographic studios or platform work. This unit will apply to hairdressers who work in fashion parades, hair shows, hairdressing technical seminars, demonstrations, training sessions and on fashion shoots.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1 Interpret the creative brief.
- 1.1 Performance outline for script or fashion session objectives are analysed to determine overall design concepts.
- 1.2 Preliminary concept meetings with relevant personnel are participated in to discuss the hair design requirements for the type of production.
- 1.3 All relevant factors that may determine and affect the finished designs are identified.
2 Conduct and evaluate research and planning.
- 2.1 Research is undertaken and findings are analysed to develop hair design concepts.
- 2.2 Research materials, findings and documentation are organised for use throughout the design development process, updating as required.
- 2.3 Initial concepts are generated against the research findings and discussed with relevant personnel.
3 Consult and discuss finished design.
- 3.1 Specific requirements are established by physical and visual examination.
- 3.2 Finished hair designs appropriate to the character, performance, production or event are established in consultation with relevant personnel.
4 Create current, creative and period hair designs.
- 4.1 Products, materials, tools and techniques appropriate to the established design results are selected and used.
- 4.2 A predetermined era is accurately reflected in finished hair designs where relevant to the production/event.
- 4.3 Comfort and safety of the model/performer are ensured during all processes.
- 4.4 Finished designs are completed within required timeframes.
- 4.5 Director/coordinator/model/performer satisfaction with finished hair design is confirmed.
- 4.6 Finished hair designs are documented for future performances/events and continuity purposes.
5 Plan hairdressing presentations.
- 5.1 Session objectives, target audience, and presentation type, scale and presentation team are identified.
- 5.2 Variables of the presentation environment are determined and appropriate adjustments are made.
- 5.3 Garments for models are sourced directly via retail outlets, fashion designers or fashion stylists.
- 5.4 Presentation team members are briefed on overall design concepts and supported in fulfilling all aspects of their roles.
- 5.5 Make-up designs are coordinated in conjunction with make-up artists.
- 5.6 Hairdressing products, equipment and props to be used in presentation are assembled where required.
6 Make hairdressing presentations.
- 6.1 Models and information are introduced and presented in a clear, logical and interesting manner, and with a strong conclusion.
- 6.2 Public speaking techniques, including visual and audio aids, are used effectively as required.
- 6.3 Chemical procedures, haircut structures and the application of finishing products and techniques are explained in a clear and logical sequence.
- 6.4 Audience participation is encouraged where possible to provide a means for audience questions and feedback.
- 6.5 Audience reactions are monitored and responded to where possible in order to ensure ongoing rapport and audience engagement in the presentation.
hair designs and/or total looks
current, creative or period designs
elements of design
principles of design
overall design concepts.
feature films
advertisements
theatre
television
fashion shoots
hair fashion shoots
hair shows
in-salon presentations
technical workshops.
fashion magazines
history books
photographs, paintings and illustrations from a particular period
film and video
the Internet
manufacturer's materials
design concept, fashion or stage.
folio including photographs and sketches
haircut structural graphics
technical notes on chemical processes
manual files
computer database.
director
event coordinator
presentation team member
costume designer
fashion designer
choreographer
photographic stylist
photographer.
colour effects
chemical curling and volumising effects
chemical straightening effects
haircut structures
temporary straight and/or curved design finishes for direction, volume, curl, waves and texture
wigs and hairpieces
hair ornaments.
historical period
current period
futuristic period
forecasting of looks.
hairdressers
hairdressing educators
magazine readers
a live audience
a film audience
members of the general public representing a specific age or socioeconomic demographic
people from a range of social, cultural or ethnic backgrounds and with a range of with a range of physical and mental abilities.
workshop
exhibition
seminar
'look and learn'.
single model demonstration with technical explanation
multiple model demonstration with technical explanation
compered presentations with technical input from session stylists
choreographed parades.
other hairdressers and session stylists
fashion designers
makeup artists
choreographers
compere
audiovisual and sound technicians
assistants and stage hands.
event venues:
stage or catwalk
indoor or outdoor film sets
salon
training facility
backstage.
whiteboards
butcher's paper
sketch pads
PowerPoint
slides
film and video
music
sound, microphones, etc.
visual collages of design ideas.
current, creative or period designs
elements of design
principles of design
overall design concepts.
feature films
advertisements
theatre
television
fashion shoots
hair fashion shoots
hair shows
in-salon presentations
technical workshops.
fashion magazines
history books
photographs, paintings and illustrations from a particular period
film and video
the Internet
manufacturer's materials
design concept, fashion or stage.
folio including photographs and sketches
haircut structural graphics
technical notes on chemical processes
manual files
computer database.
director
event coordinator
presentation team member
costume designer
fashion designer
choreographer
photographic stylist
photographer.
colour effects
chemical curling and volumising effects
chemical straightening effects
haircut structures
temporary straight and/or curved design finishes for direction, volume, curl, waves and texture
wigs and hairpieces
hair ornaments.
historical period
current period
futuristic period
forecasting of looks.
hairdressers
hairdressing educators
magazine readers
a live audience
a film audience
members of the general public representing a specific age or socioeconomic demographic
people from a range of social, cultural or ethnic backgrounds and with a range of with a range of physical and mental abilities.
workshop
exhibition
seminar
'look and learn'.
single model demonstration with technical explanation
multiple model demonstration with technical explanation
compered presentations with technical input from session stylists
choreographed parades.
other hairdressers and session stylists
fashion designers
makeup artists
choreographers
compere
audiovisual and sound technicians
assistants and stage hands.
event venues:
stage or catwalk
indoor or outdoor film sets
salon
training facility
backstage.
whiteboards
butcher's paper
sketch pads
PowerPoint
slides
film and video
music
sound, microphones, etc.
visual collages of design ideas.
Overview of assessment
A person who demonstrates competency in this unit of competency is able to communicate, analyse, research, plan, design and then combine and apply products, tools and equipment to create finished hair designs in quick turnaround times. These applied designs may be creative, classic, current and historical; or in character for events, photographic assignments, film sets, catwalks or platform work.
The person will consistently apply advanced communication and team skills when working with other professionals such as fashion designers, photographers, photographic stylists, models and session stylists and/or hair show teams.
Relevant health regulations and occupational health and safety legislation must be consistently implemented.
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
ability to consistently use effective questioning and active listening techniques to negotiate appropriately with other production team members, to take into account any cultural or physical requirements, and to ensure client/model comfort and safety throughout the service
ability to source and organise equipment and props, including garments for a platform presentation
ability to present well-planned sessions to live audiences, communicate technical explanations and clearly answer audience questions regarding hairdressing techniques and designs
ability to apply the elements and principles of design and a broad range of technical hairdressing skills to create contemporary and period hair designs
ability to apply a range of classic and current hair designs on short, medium and long hair in short turnaround times
knowledge and consistent application of federal, state and local health and hygiene legislation and regulations applicable to the workplace
knowledge and consistent application of occupational health and safety requirements and workplace procedures relevant to hair design services.
Context of and specific resources for 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 and in a platform presentation or simulated platform presentation environment, including 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.
Competency for this unit should be assessed through access to:
a salon or simulated salon environment
a platform production venue or event, such as a hairdressing show or competition
models for platform demonstrations
library, Internet and film media research sources
a range of hairdressing products, equipment, hair accessories, props and audiovisual resources
relevant health regulations and workplace procedures.
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 or her handling of a range of contingencies. Tasks may include:
researching and planning for a hair show or presentation and sourcing models, garments, props and equipment and conducting rehearsals where required
designing and applying finished looks, incorporating chemical reformation and haircutting and/or design services according to an agreed plan
interacting with an audience to give technical explanations of work in progress or completed, and responding to their questions
implementing relevant health and hygiene and occupational health and safety regulations and workplace procedures relevant to hair design services.
Guidance information for assessment
A person who demonstrates competency in this unit of competency is able to communicate, analyse, research, plan, design and then combine and apply products, tools and equipment to create finished hair designs in quick turnaround times. These applied designs may be creative, classic, current and historical; or in character for events, photographic assignments, film sets, catwalks or platform work.
The person will consistently apply advanced communication and team skills when working with other professionals such as fashion designers, photographers, photographic stylists, models and session stylists and/or hair show teams.
Relevant health regulations and occupational health and safety legislation must be consistently implemented.
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
ability to consistently use effective questioning and active listening techniques to negotiate appropriately with other production team members, to take into account any cultural or physical requirements, and to ensure client/model comfort and safety throughout the service
ability to source and organise equipment and props, including garments for a platform presentation
ability to present well-planned sessions to live audiences, communicate technical explanations and clearly answer audience questions regarding hairdressing techniques and designs
ability to apply the elements and principles of design and a broad range of technical hairdressing skills to create contemporary and period hair designs
ability to apply a range of classic and current hair designs on short, medium and long hair in short turnaround times
knowledge and consistent application of federal, state and local health and hygiene legislation and regulations applicable to the workplace
knowledge and consistent application of occupational health and safety requirements and workplace procedures relevant to hair design services.
Context of and specific resources for 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 and in a platform presentation or simulated platform presentation environment, including 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.
Competency for this unit should be assessed through access to:
a salon or simulated salon environment
a platform production venue or event, such as a hairdressing show or competition
models for platform demonstrations
library, Internet and film media research sources
a range of hairdressing products, equipment, hair accessories, props and audiovisual resources
relevant health regulations and workplace procedures.
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 or her handling of a range of contingencies. Tasks may include:
researching and planning for a hair show or presentation and sourcing models, garments, props and equipment and conducting rehearsals where required
designing and applying finished looks, incorporating chemical reformation and haircutting and/or design services according to an agreed plan
interacting with an audience to give technical explanations of work in progress or completed, and responding to their questions
implementing relevant health and hygiene and occupational health and safety regulations and workplace procedures relevant to hair design services.
Guidance information for assessment
Replaces
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| S4525 | WRHHD406A | Work as a session stylist | Unit of competency |
Replaced By
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| D8726 | SIHHTLS403A | Work as a session stylist | Unit of competency |
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| S656 | WRH40109 | Certificate IV in Hairdressing | Qualification |