Elements and Performance Criteria

The main structure, functions and role of the skin may include:
structure and function of the glands of the skin
relevant skin surface anatomy
major epidermal appendages and dermal structures
major cells of the epidermis
role of vascular, connective and nervous tissue in the dermis.

The structure and function of the glands of the skin may include:
structure, function, distribution and development of skin glands
production, composition and functions of sebum
production, composition and functions of eccrine and apocrine sweat fluids.

Physical effects of scalp treatments may include:
conditioning
removal of excess skin cells
removal of excess sebum.

The main functions and role of hair may include:
thermo-regulation
protecting the scalp from physical damage
controlling micro-organisms on the skin.

The glands and muscles associated with the hair and hair follicles may include:
structural and cellular features of a hair follicle
sebaceous glands
arector pili muscle.

The structural and cellular features of hair and hair follicles may include:
hair shaft
layers of the hair
hair root and follicle.

The process of hair growth and the hair growth cycle may include:

hair growth cycle

anagen (growth phase)

catagen (transitional phase)

telogen (resting phase)

influences on hair growth rate.

The characteristics of normal and damaged hair may include:
hair type: coarse, medium and fine
texture
porosity.

Hair colour and chemical reformation may include:
main factors contributing to hair colour
origin, structure and location of melanin.

Physical effects of hairdressing services may include:
effects on hair structure
effects on hair texture
degree of curl or wave in hair
hair colour.

Concepts of cosmetic chemistry may include:
bonds
molecules
chemical compounds
chemical change
neutralisation and buffering
organic chemistry
chemical reactions
acids and bases and their effect on skin and hair
pH.

Relevant legislation may include:
federal, state and local health and hygiene
occupational health and safety.

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

Range of hairdressing products may include:
colouring products
lightening products
chemical reformation products
chemical relaxation products
temporary setting aids
topical products including sprays and waxes
trichological treatments.

Contraindications may include:
allergic reactions
hair porosity.

Potential environmental damage may include:
ultraviolet (sun) light
excessive use of overheated thermal equipment.

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
knowledge and consistent application of relevant workplace policies and procedures
knowledge and consistent application of federal, state and local health and hygiene legislation and regulations
knowledge and consistent application of safe work practices and the safe use of products and equipment (including the use of preventative measures) according to manufacturer safety manuals and occupational health and safety legislation and regulations
knowledge and consistent application of the principles of skin and hair science as they apply to hairdressing services including:
main functions and roles of the skin
structural and cellular features of hair and hair follicles
process of hair growth and the hair growth cycle
physical and chemical effects of hairdressing services on the skin and hair
characteristics of normal and damaged hair
contraindications to particular services.

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 trichologist and may be in a simulated environment.
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:
relevant documentation, such as workplace policy and procedures manuals
a range of clients with different requirements
a range of equipment and products appropriate to the hairdressing/trichology workplace
product labels, charts and sources of product information
a qualified workplace assessor or assessment team.

Relationship to other units
This unit is a co-requisite to a range of hairdressing units. It requires an assessment outcome that includes the application of hairdressing science knowledge to the performance of one or more hairdressing treatments.
none.

Co-requisite units:

WRHCL302A Colour and lighten hair
WRHCL303A Design and perform full and partial highlighting techniques
WRHCL304A Perform colour correction
WRHCR302A Perform chemical curling and volumising services
WRHCR303A Perform chemical straightening and relaxing services
WRHHS302A Consult with clients and treat hair and scalp conditions.

Method of assessment
The following assessment methods are 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:
identifying the principles of hair science and developing and maintaining safe work practices
completing workplace documentation relevant to client analysis prior to hairdressing treatments
performing consultation, and hair and scalp analysis
safely performing a variety of treatment processes.
Written and/or oral questioning to assess knowledge and understanding of:
structural and cellular features of the hair and hair follicles
hair growth cycle
hair colour
effects of chemical curling, volumising and straightening products on the structure of the hair
relationship between the pre-existing condition of the hair and scalp and the provision and/or contraindication of some services.
Third-party reports from experienced hairdressers.
Completion of self-paced learning materials, including personal reflection and feedback from the trainer, coach or supervisor.

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
Evaluating hair and scalp treatments and advising on future treatments require the communication of ideas and information. (3)

Collecting analysing and organising information
Identifying client needs and characteristics requires information to be collected, analysed and organised. (2)

Planning and organising activities
Performing a range of hairdressing services and treatments, and providing after care service and advice according to client requirements, manufacturer's instructions, safety and hygiene requirements and workplace procedures require activities to be planned and organised. (3)

Working with others and in teams
Supporting the efficient operation of the workplace and working within workplace policies and procedures may involve teamwork. (2)

Using mathematical ideas and techniques
Applying an understanding of pH in the selection and use of hairdressing products requires the use of mathematical ideas and techniques. (3)

Solving problems
Recognising and responding to unsafe situations and applying preventative measures require problem solving skills. (2)

Using technology
Recording relevant outcomes and reporting problems may require the use of technology. (1)