Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
22/07/2026 5:35 AM AWST
22/07/2026 5:35 AM AWST
Whilst all efforts are made to provide accurate and timely information from the relevant source/documentation, please be aware that the information supplied may not be the most current version. The accuracy of the detail has not been confirmed by the Department and therefore should not be relied upon without first confirming the contents.
Colour and lighten hair
Colour and lighten hair
Unit of competency
National Code
WRHCL302B
WRHCL302B
State Code
S7118
S7118
TGA Status
Replaced
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Replaced
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
30/09/2009
Field of Education
110303 - Hairdressing
Original Release Date
30/09/2009
Nominal Hours
40
Description
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to select products and perform hair colour and lightening services.This unit of competency will apply to a range of hairdressing services and roles in the workplace.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1 Consult with client and prepare for service.
- 1.1 Client reaction to pre-service skin test is evaluated through observation or access to client history.
- 1.2 Client characteristics are analysed through physical and visual examination and any identified contraindications to proceeding with colour service are identified and explained to client.
- 1.3 Client history is referred to and previous colour is discussed with client where applicable.
- 1.4 Client history is established for new colour clients.
- 1.5 Client satisfaction or dissatisfaction with current hair colour and client expectations are established through questioning and active listening.
- 1.6 Desired base colour or degree of lift and tone is confirmed with client through discussion and reference to manufacturer's colour charts.
- 1.7 Strand tests are performed where indicated by the analysis.
- 1.8 Wraps and towels are applied to ensure client protection and safety according to workplace procedures.
2 Select and use colour products.
- 2.1 Colour products are selected and prepared according to manufacturer's instructions and workplace procedures.
- 2.2 Stages andmethods of product application are performed according to manufacturer's instructions, within designated workplace timeframes and crosschecked for agreed coverage.
- 2.3 Processing of colour product is monitored through observation and according to manufacturer's instructions.
- 2.4 Residual product is removed at the end of processing time according to manufacturer's instructions.
- 2.5 Client and operator comfort and safety are ensured at all stages of the service according to relevant legislation, manufacturer's product safety data sheets and workplace policies and procedures.
3 Select and use high lift tint colour products.
- 3.1 High lift tint colour products are selected and prepared according to manufacturer's instructions and workplace procedures and within designated workplace timeframes.
- 3.2 Stages and methods of product application are performed quickly and evenly according to manufacturer's instructions and crosschecked for agreed coverage.
- 3.3 Product processing is timed through observation to achieve desired lift and tone and according to manufacturer's instructions.
- 3.4 Residual product is removed at the end of processing time according to manufacturer's instructions.
- 3.5 Client and operator comfort and safety are ensured at all stages of the service according to relevant legislation, manufacturer's product safety data sheets and workplace policies and procedures.
4 Provide after care service and advice.
- 4.1 Clients are advised on colour care shampoos and conditioners.
- 4.2 Sun protection strategies are suggested to clients.
- 4.3 After care products are recommended and purchases are recorded on client history.
- 4.4 Outcomes of service are reviewed against established client expectations and client satisfaction is confirmed .
- 4.5 Client history is updated to include colour or lightening product selection, technique, outcome of service and aftercare products recommended and purchased.
Clients may include:
women
men
children
people who present with virgin hair or a range of pre-existing colour treatments on the hair
people from a range of social, cultural or ethnic backgrounds and with a range of physical and mental abilities.
Client history must include:
client reaction to skin tests
contraindications
previous pre-service analysis
previous services' brand and colour selection
previous services' application techniques and processing times
recommended care products.
Client characteristics must include:
natural hair type, texture, porosity, density and elasticity
natural and/or artificial base colour
hair colour tone
percentage of white hair
presence of lightening agents or artificial hair colour treatments on hair
other existing chemical services
skin tone
length of hair
scalp condition.
Contraindications may include:
an allergic reaction to a skin test
hair damage
existing metallic-based colours on the hair.
Colour products must include:
temporary hair colour products from the workplace colour range
tint products from the workplace colour range
peroxides of varying percentage volumes.
Stages and methods of product application may include:
natural untreated hair
application methods suitable for temporary colour products
regrowth
roots and then ends
roots, mid lengths and finally ends
ends and then roots.
Client and operator comfort and safety must include:
application of gown and towels to protect client clothes
application of barrier creams to face or neckline areas
application of anti skin stain product
application of colour stain removal product
avoiding contact with client or operator's eyes
avoiding inhalation of fumes whilst mixing product
wearing operator protective gloves during product application.
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.
High lift tint colour products must
include:
high lift tint products from the workplace colour range
peroxides of varying percentage volumes.
Product processing must include:
following manufacturer's instructions
exercising judgement based on observation of product development.
women
men
children
people who present with virgin hair or a range of pre-existing colour treatments on the hair
people from a range of social, cultural or ethnic backgrounds and with a range of physical and mental abilities.
Client history must include:
client reaction to skin tests
contraindications
previous pre-service analysis
previous services' brand and colour selection
previous services' application techniques and processing times
recommended care products.
Client characteristics must include:
natural hair type, texture, porosity, density and elasticity
natural and/or artificial base colour
hair colour tone
percentage of white hair
presence of lightening agents or artificial hair colour treatments on hair
other existing chemical services
skin tone
length of hair
scalp condition.
Contraindications may include:
an allergic reaction to a skin test
hair damage
existing metallic-based colours on the hair.
Colour products must include:
temporary hair colour products from the workplace colour range
tint products from the workplace colour range
peroxides of varying percentage volumes.
Stages and methods of product application may include:
natural untreated hair
application methods suitable for temporary colour products
regrowth
roots and then ends
roots, mid lengths and finally ends
ends and then roots.
Client and operator comfort and safety must include:
application of gown and towels to protect client clothes
application of barrier creams to face or neckline areas
application of anti skin stain product
application of colour stain removal product
avoiding contact with client or operator's eyes
avoiding inhalation of fumes whilst mixing product
wearing operator protective gloves during product application.
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.
High lift tint colour products must
include:
high lift tint products from the workplace colour range
peroxides of varying percentage volumes.
Product processing must include:
following manufacturer's instructions
exercising judgement based on observation of product development.
Overview of assessment
A person who demonstrates competency in this unit of competency must be able to apply knowledge of the use and application of a defined workplace range of tint and high lift tint colour products for a range of colour outcomes on different clients. Knowledge and skill with regard to relevant legislation and workplace procedures that ensure client and operator comfort, health and safety must also be demonstrated.
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
knowledge and consistent application of workplace policies, procedures and safe work practices in relation to colour services
consistently applying effective questioning and active listening techniques to consult and negotiate with clients and to ensure client comfort and safety throughout the service
recognising and managing contraindications
reading, accurately interpreting and consistently applying manufacturer's colour charts and product instructions
consistently safe selection, preparation, application, processing and removal of colour without residual scalp stain, according to manufacturer's instructions and workplace procedures
consistently observing client and operator safety precautions.
Context of and specific resources for 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.
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:
completing workplace documentation relevant to analysis of client characteristics prior to tint or high lift colour treatments
demonstrated client consultation and colour selection prior to service
demonstrated safe application and processing of tint and high lift colour services on a variety of clients with different needs
thorough removal of residual colour products from scalp and hairline after processing.
Third-party reports from experienced hairdressers.
Guidance information for assessment
A person who demonstrates competency in this unit of competency must be able to apply knowledge of the use and application of a defined workplace range of tint and high lift tint colour products for a range of colour outcomes on different clients. Knowledge and skill with regard to relevant legislation and workplace procedures that ensure client and operator comfort, health and safety must also be demonstrated.
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
knowledge and consistent application of workplace policies, procedures and safe work practices in relation to colour services
consistently applying effective questioning and active listening techniques to consult and negotiate with clients and to ensure client comfort and safety throughout the service
recognising and managing contraindications
reading, accurately interpreting and consistently applying manufacturer's colour charts and product instructions
consistently safe selection, preparation, application, processing and removal of colour without residual scalp stain, according to manufacturer's instructions and workplace procedures
consistently observing client and operator safety precautions.
Context of and specific resources for 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.
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:
completing workplace documentation relevant to analysis of client characteristics prior to tint or high lift colour treatments
demonstrated client consultation and colour selection prior to service
demonstrated safe application and processing of tint and high lift colour services on a variety of clients with different needs
thorough removal of residual colour products from scalp and hairline after processing.
Third-party reports from experienced hairdressers.
Guidance information for assessment
Replaces
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| S4493 | WRHCL302A | Colour and lighten hair | Unit of competency |
Replaced By
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| D8682 | SIHHCLS302A | Colour and lighten hair | Unit of competency |
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| S655 | WRH30109 | Certificate III in Hairdressing | Qualification |