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.

Hair type and condition may include:
untreated naturally curly hair
untreated naturally 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 be full or partial head and may include:
changes in texture
adding curl root to point (spiral)
adding curl point to root (curl/volume)
adding waves
relaxing natural curl
increasing body/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/relaxing products may include:
pre-process 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 normal naturally wavy or curly hair
hair straighteners for 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 may 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.

Workplace policies and procedures may include:
client comfort and safety
operator safety
health and hygiene.

Finishing tools and techniques may include:
natural drying
heat lamps
heat diffuser
blow drying
roller/pin curl finishes.

Maintenance advice may include:
shampooing hair following procedure
conditioners
intense protein treatments
anti-frizz products
hair gloss
sprays and lacquers
self-drying techniques

brushes and combs.

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 consistently perform pre-service hair analysis, consult with clients regarding the desired curl/body result, and then perform the full chemical straightening/relaxing service to achieve that outcome to the satisfaction of the client. Client and operator safety must be ensured at all stages during the chemical reformation straightening/relaxing process.
Knowledge and skill in the application of relevant legislation and workplace policies and procedures must also be demonstrated.
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
consistently conducting accurate pre-service 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
consistently selecting and successfully applying chemical reformation products, equipment and techniques to achieve predetermined designs
evidence of the application of chemical curling, volumising, straightening and relaxing techniques to enhance a variety of haircut structures
consistently consulting with clients and providing after-service care and maintenance advice.

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 wide range of chemical curling and volumising, straightening and relaxing tools, products and equipment
clients presenting with a range of creative and classic hair design requirements in a salon or simulated salon area.

Relationship to other units
In the context of an assessment-only and/or a training delivery and assessment pathway, all units that relate to a job function can be integrated for assessment purposes.
WRHCR302A Perform chemical curling and volumising services
WRHCR303A Perform chemical straightening and relaxing services
WRHHD303A Design and apply short to medium-length hair design finishes.
WRHHC410A Design and perform creative haircuts.

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:
conducting pre-service hair and design analysis
confirming planned finished design with client
selecting and applying products and equipment
completing a full service to achieve a predetermined design, incorporating creative or classic chemical reformation techniques.

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
Conveying the results of pre-service assessment to clients requires the communication of ideas and information. (2)

Collecting analysing and organising information
Assessing hair and consulting with clients prior to chemical reformation services require information to be collected, analysed and organised. (2)

Planning and organising activities
Selecting a method to achieve the desired result requires activities to be planned and organised. (2)

Working with others and in teams
Integrating chemical reformation services concurrent with a range of other salon tasks requires teamwork. (2)

Using mathematical ideas and techniques
Timing processing and neutralising requires the use of mathematical ideas and techniques. (2)

Solving problems
Straightening resistant hair requires the application of problem solving skills. (2)

Using technology
Using flat irons as an aid in the neutralising process requires the use of technology. (1)