Elements and Performance Criteria

Haircut plan must include:
directions of design lines
sectioning patterns
parting patterns.

Appropriate tools and cutting techniques must include:
scissors
appropriate combs
clippers
blunt cutting
notching
razors.

Finishing tools and equipment may include:
lamps
blow dryer
Denman style brushes
round brush
thermal irons.

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
consistently holding and applying scissors and/or clippers or razors to create solid lines
consistently parting the hair with clean sections and partings throughout the haircut
consistently establishing one length/solid haircut lines on the skin or free fall to match the plan
consistently applying hands, scissors and/or clippers to base partings in a parallel manner
consistently adjusting the position of the client's head and neck during the haircut service for minimum lift and natural fall of hair in order to achieve solid form
consistently maintaining the hair evenly wet or dry and applying minimum tension in order to achieve solid form.

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 or hair wefts
finishing tools and equipment.

Relationship to other units
This unit requires an assessment outcome that includes evidence of the ability to analyse and plan one length/solid haircut structures, and to prepare, select and safely apply haircutting tools.
WRHCS201A Prepare clients for salon services.
WRHHC301A Design haircut structures.

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:
developing plans for one length/solid haircut structures
applying one length/solid haircut techniques
applying finishing techniques to one length/solid haircuts.

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
Developing plans for solid form haircuts involves the communication of ideas and information. (2)

Collecting analysing and organising information
Analysing one length/solid haircut structures to develop a haircutting approach and select appropriate tools requires information to be collected, analysed and organised. (2)

Planning and organising activities
Establishing a guide line and working to a preplanned sectioning pattern require the activity of applying the haircut to be planned and organised. (2)

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
Positioning hands and scissors parallel to parting lines involves the application of mathematical ideas and techniques. (1)

Solving problems
Checking a finished haircut for solid line and rectifying where required 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)