Elements and Performance Criteria

Haircut plan must include:
soft and hard interior and exterior design lines
taper width for each section where tapering is planned.

Appropriate tools may include:
tapering combs
scissors
serrated scissors
thinning scissors
straight razors
electric clippers
clipper attachments
flat top tools.

Tapered cutting techniques may include:
high, medium and low graduation
gradation
scissor over comb
clipper over comb.

The exterior of the haircut may include:
varying width of area up to the occipital bone.

Taper effects may include:
long
medium
short.

Variety of neckline shapes and lengths may include:
short, medium and long tapered
short, medium, long square and curved necklines.

Finishing products and equipment may include:
blow dryers
brushes
combs
dressings
waxes.

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
consistently selecting tools and tapering techniques appropriate to the planned finish
maintaining hands and cutting tools parallel to the exterior design line when applying over-comb techniques
positioning the head and neck and making any necessary adjustments during service to achieve planned layering effects
consistently using over-comb techniques to blend in tapered area and other areas of haircut
consistently outlining tapered haircuts using clippers and or shaving techniques as required.

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 tapered 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 tapered haircut structures
applying over-comb techniques
applying finishing techniques to tapered 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 tapered haircuts involves the communication of ideas and information. (2)

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

Planning and organising activities
Working to a pre-planned pattern requires 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
Applying tapering techniques to create a predetermined taper width or to blend areas of the haircut involves the application of mathematical ideas and techniques. (1)

Solving problems
Checking a finished haircut for planned taper effect 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)