Design and perform creative haircuts

Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 4:39 PM 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.

Unit of competency

National Code
SHBHCUT008

State Code
AWY36

TGA Status
Current

DTWD Status
Approved

Current Release Number
1.00

Current Release Date
31/03/2016

View on TGA

State Implementation and Classification

Approved Date

12/10/2016

Field of Education

110303 - Hairdressing

Original Release Date

12/10/2016

Nominal Hours

Description

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to research local and international current and emerging hair fashion trends, develop creative hair designs and cut hair creatively into combined structures.This unit applies to senior hairdressers and barbers who work in salons or as session stylists or technical advisors to product companies. They work independently, have considerable specialist skills and knowledge and provide technical leadership, training and support to team members.No occupational licensing, certification or specific legislative requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.

Notes

Elements and Performance Criteria

1. Research and analyse haircut trends.

1.1.Research current and emerging trends for creative haircuts and develop a portfolio of creative haircut designs.
1.2.Analyse creative haircut designs, identify structures and techniques and develop a range of haircut plans within portfolio.
1.3.Develop own designs and techniques for cutting hair creatively.

2. Consult with client and assess hair.

2.1.Determine, through discussion and questioning, client satisfaction or dissatisfaction with current haircut structure.
2.2.Discuss client preferences, and expectations of desired finished result using visual aids to assist.
2.3.Engage client in discussion about lifestyle and self-care factors that may impact on success of haircut design.
2.4.Visually and physically examine and analyse client hair characteristics and existing haircut structure.
2.5.Evaluate client facial features and bone structure for suitable complementary haircut designs.
2.6.Consider portfolio designs and all client factors to visualise, communicate and recommend creative haircut designs appropriate for the client.
2.7.Determine the best creative design and obtain client agreement to proceed with recommended haircut design.

3. Select equipment and prepare for service.

3.1.Select appropriate cutting techniques to achieve planned haircut design.
3.2.Select and prepare equipment according to planned design and cutting techniques to be used.
3.3.Apply wraps to ensure client protection and safety.

4. Combine haircut structures and textures for creative effect.

4.1.Maintain client and operator comfort, safety and hygiene throughout haircutting service according to organisational procedures.
4.2.Position and adjust client head and neck during service to enable access and achieve required angles of lift.
4.3.Section and secure hair to divide into manageable and controllable areas.
4.4.Establish external design guidelines, direction of design lines and internal design lines according to desired hair length and component haircut structure and cross-check throughout service
4.5.Take clean sections, using appropriate angles of lift and distribution suited to the component haircut structure.
4.6.Apply even lift tension, use cutting tool at appropriate angle to parting lines and cut hair using techniques suited to the component haircut structure.
4.7.Position cutting hand with palm toward or away, up or down according to operator comfort, length of hair, and line and area of head being cut.
4.8.Maintain evenly wet or dry hair and follow a logical sectioning and parting pattern to combine or blend haircut structures, according to the planned design.
4.9.Clean or dispose of equipment and dispose of haircut waste according to health regulations and organisational procedures.

5. Finish hair to shape and review service.

5.1.Select finishing tools, products and techniques and use to finish planned haircut designs to client satisfaction.
5.2.Review service outcomes against client design expectations and confirm client satisfaction with result.
5.3.Advise on after service maintenance and recommend home care products.
5.4.Update design portfolio to include full details of haircutting service.

No information

Replaces

State Code	National Code	Title	Type
D8697	SIHHHCS410A	Design and perform creative haircuts	Unit of competency

State Code	National Code	Title	Type
BAA4	SHB40216	Certificate IV in Hairdressing	Qualification