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.

Natural hair type may include:
European
Asian
Afro.

Texture may include:
coarse
medium
fine.

Growth patterns may include:
crown area
hairline
neckline
cowlicks (whorls).

Movement may include:
straight
wavy
natural curl
chemical curl or waves.

Finished haircut designs must include combinations of two or more of the following:
solid structures
graduated structures
layered structures
over-comb techniques
tapered areas
textured areas
straight and/or curved lines
soft and/or hard lines.

Clients may include:
women
children
people from a range of social, cultural or ethnic backgrounds and with a range of physical and mental abilities.

Haircutting tools may include:
scissors
razors
clippers
combs
texturising scissors.

External design lines and direction of design lines may include:
hard and soft interior or exterior lines
straight, curved and diagonal lines.

Relevant legislation may include:
local health
skin penetration.

Workplace policies and procedures may include:
workplace health and safety.

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

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 will be able to analyse, plan and then select and apply tools and equipment to create current commercial haircut structures and after-haircut finishing techniques on women. They will demonstrate knowledge of the safe application of haircutting tools and finishing equipment, along with the application of relevant legislation and workplace practices particularly in regard to workplace safety and hygiene.
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
pre-haircutting service analysis on a variety of clients
demonstrated ability to plan and combine haircut structures for a variety of haircut looks
safe application of a variety of haircutting tools and techniques
demonstrated ability to consistently apply finishing techniques to enhance haircuts
the ability to complete haircut services within designated workplace timeframes.

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 with a variety of haircut requirements
finishing tools and equipment.

Relationship to other units
This unit requires an assessment outcome that includes evidence of the ability to design and combine haircut structures and apply a wide variety of haircutting techniques to achieve different haircut designs.
WRHCS201A Prepare clients for salon services.
WRHHC301A Design haircut structures
WRHHC302A Apply one length/solid haircut structures
WRHHC303A Apply graduated haircut structures
WRHHC304A Apply layered haircut structures
WRHHC305A Apply over-comb techniques
WRHWP302A Operate effectively as a hairdresser in a salon work team.

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 analysis
planning a number of haircuts involving a variety of structural combinations
safely applying a number of haircuts involving a variety of haircutting techniques to combine haircut structures
applying after-haircut finishing 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
Discussing potential finished haircut designs with clients involves the communication of ideas and information. (3)

Collecting analysing and organising information
Conducting haircut pre-service analysis and selecting possible finished haircut designs for particular clients require information to be collected, analysed and organised. (3)

Planning and organising activities
Developing a haircut plan requires the haircut to be planned and organised. (3)

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
Combining haircut structures to achieve haircut designs requires the application of mathematical ideas and techniques. (2)

Solving problems
Checking the finished haircut and rectifying any errors 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)