Elements and Performance Criteria

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

Workplace policies and procedures may include:
health and hygiene
comfort and privacy
timeframes for the completion of the service
quality assurance.

The growth, development, ageing and healing of human skin may include:
growth
development
differentiation
cell division and differentiation
growth of the epidermis
mitosis
changes in the skin from foetus to old age
theories about ageing
normal ageing and photo ageing
wound healing, including stages in wound healing.

Hereditary physical traits and conditions may include:
the gene theory of inheritance
dominant and recessive genes
inherited skin disorders
acne
eczema/atopic dermatitis
seborrhoeic dermatitis
pigmentation disorders
hair disorders.

Skin chemicals will include:
sweat
sebum.

The role of the endocrine glands and hormones may include:
sebaceous gland secretion
sweat secretion
sense reception
growth and healing
hair growth and loss
pigmentation
age-related hormonal change and the skin.

Functions and dysfunctions of the circulatory system as they relate to trichological consultations may include:
the interrelationship between the circulatory and endocrine systems
the relationship of the circulatory system to the health of the hair.

Functions and dysfunctions of the immune system as they relate to trichological consultations may include:
auto-immune disorders
alopecia areata
the relationship of the auto-immune system to the health of the hair.

A range of skin disorders/diseases may include:
dermatitis and eczema
dandruff
seborrhoeic dermatitis
psoriasis
pityriasis amiantacea
hair shaft disorders
traction alopecia
alopecia areata
androgenetic alopecia
diffuse hair loss.

Contagious disorders may include:

fungal infections:

tinea

pityriasis versicolor

disease caused by animal parasites:

lice.

Patients may include:
women
men
children
new or regular patients with routine or special needs
patients from a range of social, cultural or ethnic backgrounds and with a range of physical and mental abilities.

Contraindications to treatments may include:

local and/or general contraindications:

skin disorders or diseases

allergic reactions.

Appropriate professionals may include:
trichologist
dermatologist
general medical practitioner
complementary therapist.

Provision of after-care service and advice may include:
lifestyle changes
product advice
advice on further services.

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, and skin penetration legislation
knowledge and consistent application of safe work practices and the safe use of products and equipment, including the use of protective measures, according to manufacturer safety manuals and occupational health and safety legislation and regulations
knowledge and consistent application of the principles of skin science and skin disorders as they apply to trichological treatments, including:
main functions and role of the skin and hair
growth, development, ageing and healing of human skin
inheritance of physical traits
function, formation and behaviour of the major skin chemicals
role of endocrine glands and hormones in the body
skin disorders
provision of after-care service and advice
knowledge and skill in the application of a variety of trichological treatments, using a variety of techniques/procedures involving scalp and hair care
accurately and legibly recording relevant data.

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 beauty therapist and/or a skin science specialist and may be in a simulated environment.
Competency should be demonstrated in 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
occupational health and safety legislation and regulations
a range of clients with different requirements
a range of equipment and products appropriate to the trichology workplace
product labels and other sources of product information
a qualified workplace assessor or assessment team.

Relationship to other units
This unit is a co-requisite for a range of trichology units. It requires an assessment outcome that includes evidence of the application of knowledge of skin science to the performance of one or more trichological treatments.
none.
WRHHS404A Perform trichological assessments.

Method of assessment
The following assessment methods are suggested.
Observation of the learner performing a range of tasks in a simulated work environment, over sufficient time to demonstrate his/her handling of a range of contingencies. Tasks may include:
identifying the principles of skin science and disorders, and developing and maintaining safe work practices
relating the performance of a variety of treatment processes to the principles of skin science and disorders, according to client and safety requirements.
Written and/or oral questioning to assess knowledge and understanding of beauty therapy treatments using electrical equipment, including after-care advice and relevant legislation.
Completing workplace documentation relevant to trichological treatments.
Third-party reports from experienced trichologists in the workplace.
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 condition and advising on future treatments require the communication of ideas and information. (3)

Collecting analysing and organising information
Identifying client needs and characteristics to design trichology treatments requires information to be collected, analysed and organised. (3)

Planning and organising activities
Performing a range of trichological treatments according to client requirements, manufacturer's instructions, health and hygiene requirements and workplace procedures require activities to be planned and organised. (2)

Working with others and in teams
Referring to other professionals may involve teamwork inside or outside the workplace. (2)

Using mathematical ideas and techniques
Determining product concentration levels requires the use of mathematical ideas and techniques. (2)

Solving problems
Recognising scalp problems and designing scalp care programs require problem solving skills. (3)

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