This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to source or create designs for tracks and creative carvings and to incorporate those into haircuts using clippers, scissors, razors or precision trimming tools.

This unit applies to hairdressers and barbers with well-developed skills who work in hairdressing salons or barber shops. They use discretion and judgement to manage the client service and take responsibility for the outcomes of their work.

In some Australian states and territories, the use of straight razors is prohibited. No occupational licensing, certification or other specific legislative requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.

Evidence of the ability to complete tasks outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit in the context of the job role, and:

source at least six different designs for hair tracks and carvings from at least three different sources and compile a portfolio for future use

consult with at least four clients to determine design preferences and incorporate tracks and creative carvings into haircut structure to their satisfaction

across the above four clients, cumulatively cover:

two different track designs

two different creative carving designs.

Demonstrated knowledge required to complete the tasks outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit:

sources of creative track and carving designs

methods used to visually share designs with clients

characteristics of the following hair features and how these will impact on finished hair tracks and carvings:

natural hair types:

European

Asian

Euro-Asian

African

hair texture:

coarse

medium

fine

hair movement:

straight

wavy

natural curl

chemical curl or waves

natural distribution and growth patterns of hair:

crown area

hairline

neckline

cowlicks (whorls)

key features of different types of tools used to create hair tracks and carvings and techniques for using each:

clippers

scissors

razors

precision trimming tools

relationship between size of the clipper or trimmer attachment and effects on hair tracks and carvings

starting point and sequencing of carving patterns and the impact on the finished result of the design

maintenance requirements for clippers; when and how to clean, oil and adjust blades

cleaning techniques and uses of cleaning and disinfection products for haircutting equipment

basic aspects of local government, state or territory health regulations for:

hygiene and infection control

skin penetration

use of razor types, with emphasis on the prohibition of straight razor use

industry practices and organisational procedures for:

client comfort, safety and hygiene with particular emphasis on:

using gowns to protect client clothes

monitoring client comfort

preventing cross-transmission of infection between customers

work health, safety and hygiene for haircutting, with particular emphasis on:

using correct posture and adjusting height of client chair to avoid fatigue and injury

using correct techniques to hold, grip and manipulate clippers and razors to avoid fatigue and injury

preventing cross-transmission of infection during customer contact

minimising product wastage

waste disposal with particular emphasis on environmentally sound disposal methods for hair waste.

Skills must be demonstrated in a hairdressing or barbering environment; this can be:

a hairdressing or barbering industry workplace or

a simulated hairdressing or barbering workplace, set up for the purpose of skills assessment that provides services to paying members of the public.

Assessment must ensure use of:

paying clients with different haircutting requirements; these can be:

clients in a hairdressing or barbering industry workplace, or

clients in a simulated hairdressing or barbering workplace within a training organisation who have the expectation that the services provided reflect those of a commercial business

sufficient client traffic to allow for prioritisation of tasks so that clients are serviced effectively in a logical sequence

activities that require the individual to work with commercial speed, timing and productivity to complete client services within designated timeframes that reflect accepted industry practice

a hairdressing or barbering services workstation with:

one mirror per workstation

one adjustable client services chair per workstation

clean client gowns or wraps

hairdressing scissors

electric clippers and different sized attachments

battery operated or cordless rechargeable precision trimmers ("pencil/tattoo" trimmers)

disposable blade safety razors

disposable razor blades

disinfectant products for hairdressing tools

lubricants and coolants for electric clippers

current plain English health and hygiene regulatory documents distributed by government regulators

organisational procedures for:

client comfort, safety and hygiene

work health, safety and hygiene for haircutting

waste minimisation

disposal of hair waste.

Assessors must satisfy the Standards for Registered Training Organisation’s requirements for assessors; and:

hold a Certificate III in Hairdressing, or a Certificate III in Barbering, or a Certificate IV in Hairdressing, or be able to demonstrate equivalence of competencies; and

have at least three years full time employment experience as a hairdresser in a salon environment where they have applied the skills and knowledge covered in this unit of competency to assess this unit as part of a hairdressing qualification; this cannot include any indentured traineeship or apprenticeship period; or

have at least three years full time employment experience as a barber in a shop or salon environment where they have applied the skills and knowledge covered in this unit of competency to assess this unit as part of a barbering qualification; this cannot include any indentured traineeship or apprenticeship period.

Hairdressing

Haircutting