Required skills

communication skills to

discuss and confirm client expectations

advise clients on degree of relaxation of curl or wave finished hair designs and home care

check client comfort during each stage of the service

review the outcomes of the service and check client satisfaction

technical skills to

conduct accurate preservice hair analysis

select products equipment and techniques appropriate to achieve desired outcomes

apply protein straightening product evenly to a predetermined pattern and gently comb hair without stretch

apply salon safety procedures throughout protein straightening and relaxation services

prevent possible skin damage to client and operator

literacy skills to

interpret and follow product instructions and safety data sheets

interpret and follow relevant salon procedures

numeracy skills to

accurately measure and apply products to minimise waste

manage processing times

Required knowledge

salon protein straightening treatment products range

physical actions of the following products and methods on the structure of the hair

protein straighteners and relaxers

booster sprays

the application of heat

factors that influence achieving the planned degree of relaxing

manufacturer requirements for the safe use of protein treatments for straightening and relaxing hair

salon procedures regarding the application of protein straightening and relaxing services

relevant health regulations

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria required skills and knowledge range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package

Overview of assessment

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

Evidence of the following is essential

conducting accurate preservice hair and scalp analysis

consistently selecting products equipment and techniques appropriate to desired outcomes and predetermined designs

interpreting and following product instructions and safety data sheets

applying straightening products and techniques without hair breakage

successfully assessing the development of degree of curl or wave relaxing

performing the full rinse and neutralising service according to product instructions or salon procedures

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment must ensure access to

a salon or a simulated salon environment that includes a range of work situations such as client interruptions and involvement in other related activities normally expected in the salon

fully equipped workstation which includes as minimum

an adjustable client chair

clean client gown or wrap

a plentiful supply of clean towels

a trolley stocked with

mediumtoothed combs with even edges

straightening boards

thermostatically controlled ceramic flat irons

barrier creams

cotton wool

plastic bowls or applicator bottles

applicator brushes

fully equipped basin services area which includes as a minimum

back wash facilities

client shampoo chairs

adjustable water temperature and shampoo spray attachments

a plentiful supply of clean towels

clean client gown

a professional range of protein straightening products suited to match hair analysis outcomes across a range of clients

relevant documentation including

product instructions

product safety data sheets

salon procedures

a range of clients seeking chemical straightening and relaxing services

For further guidance on the use of an appropriate simulated environment refer to the Assessment Guidelines in this Training Package

Method of assessment

A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge The following examples are appropriate for this unit

observation of the learner performing a range of tasks in an actual or simulated work environment over sufficient time to demonstrate their handling of a range of contingencies Tasks may include

conducting preservice analysis

predetermining with client the finished degree of straightening and relaxing

completing a number of full services to achieve a predetermined straightening result

recommending after service products and hair care routines to clients

written or verbal questions appropriate to the language and literacy level of the learner to test knowledge which include

the effects of products used in protein straightening or relaxing on the structure and condition of the hair

personal precautions

salon procedures to ensure

client safety

operator safety

compliance with relevant health regulations

waste minimisation procedures

review of portfolios of evidence and thirdparty reports salon reports of onthejob performance

Guidance information for assessment

A unit of competency describes an individual skill but people rarely perform one skill at a time Many skills are combined on a daytoday basis in the workplace as part of work processes This does not mean that each skill described by a unit of competency is prerequisite to another they are related skills

Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector salon and job role is recommended for example

SIHHCCSA Perform a full client consultation

SIHHCCS302A Perform a full client consultation

SIHHOHSA Apply salon safety procedures

SIHHOHS201A Apply salon safety procedures

Hair type and condition may include:

Contradictions to protein straighteners may include:

Clients may include:

Client history may include:

Products may include:

Tools may include:

Product manufacturer’s recommended smoothing technique may include:

Client and operator comfort and safety must include:

Salon procedures must include:

Maintenance advice may include recommending: