ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

Elements describe the essential outcomes of a unit of competency.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised text is used, further information is detailed in the required skills and knowledge section and the range statement. Assessment of performance is to be consistent with the evidence guide.

1. Plan graduated haircut structures.

1.1. Produce the haircut plan to represent the haircut structure.

1.2. Select appropriate tools and graduation techniques to achieve planned haircut finish.

2. Apply graduation techniques.

2.1. Lift and distribute hair to establish form and design line on the skin, according to the haircut plan.

2.2. Adjust position of client’s head and neck for desired degree of graduation.

2.3. Maintain evenly wet or dry hair and apply even tension.

2.4. Maintain clean sections and partings, with appropriate lift and distribution throughout the service, according to the haircut plan.

2.5. Apply hands and cutting tool parallel to horizontal and diagonal parting lines and non-parallel to vertical parting lines.

2.6. Position cutting hand with the palm toward and away, according to operator comfort, length of hair, line being cut and the area of the head.

3. Select and apply finishing techniques.

3.1. Select the appropriate finishing tools and equipment.

3.2. Apply appropriate finishing techniques for graduated haircut structures.

3.3. Dispose of waste according to salon procedures.

3.4. Clean or dispose of equipment according to health regulations and salon procedures.

Required skills

technical skills to:

develop a haircut plan

section hair

apply even tension when manipulating haircutting tools and combs

maintain appropriate lift and distribution

manipulate cutting hand, scissors and comb

manipulate finishing tools and equipment

numeracy skills to:

calculate exterior and interior lengths in the haircut structure

interpret angles and lines in the haircut structure

literacy skills to interpret and follow salon procedures

Required knowledge

natural distribution and growth patterns of hair

relationship between the quality of hair and the graduation technique selected

degrees of lift and distribution of hair to create graduation:

natural

90 degree angle to base parting

shifted

lifting (low, medium and high)

relationship between sectioning and parting patterns and the finished result

relationship between head position and the finished result

soft and hard weight lines or weight areas

relationship between angle of fingers, angle of scissors and amount of pressure when applying pressure graduation

shape, structure and texture of graduation

horizontal and diagonal design lines

stationary, mobile and combination guidelines

salon procedures, including:

compliance with state or territory and local government health regulations relevant to the service

environmental protection practices, such as waste minimisation, waste disposal and water efficiency

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:

selecting tools and graduation techniques appropriate to the planned graduated finish

applying the cutting hand, and holding the cutting tools, to create graduated designs

parting the hair with clean sections and partings throughout the haircut

applying hands and haircutting tools parallel and nonparallel to base partings to achieve planned graduation

positioning the head and neck and making any necessary adjustments during service to achieve the appropriate degree of graduation

maintaining the hair evenly wet or dry and applying even tension

achieving planned degree or degrees of graduation

applying finishing techniques for graduated haircuts.

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

an adjustable client chair

clean client gown or wrap

haircutting tools and equipment

a range of clients for haircuts with graduated structures

finishing tools and equipment

relevant documentation including:

cutting plans

salon procedures.

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 include:

developing plans for graduated haircut structures

applying graduated haircut techniques

applying finishing techniques to graduated haircuts

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

elements and principles of design

geometric principles related to angles and shapes

review of portfolios of evidence and third-party reports of on-the-job performance by the learner.

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 day-to-day basis in the workplace as part of work processes. This does not mean that each skill described by a unit of competency is pre-requisite to another— they are related skills.

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

SIHHIND201A Maintain and organise tools equipment and work areas

SIHHOHS201A Apply salon safety procedures

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.

Haircut plan must include:

straight and curved, soft and hard interior and exterior design lines

starting points, sectioning and parting patterns

degrees of lift for each section where lifted graduation is planned

distribution of hair for each section where graduation is planned

illustrated stationary or mobile guide lines for graduated sections of haircut

a structural graphic (profile) for the haircut plan illustrated by drawing lines at 90 degrees to the curve of the head

a simple line drawing representing the finished haircut design.

Appropriate tools may include:

combs

haircutting scissors

texturising scissors

razors

chisels

clippers.

Graduation techniques may include:

blunt cutting

notching

razor bevelling or arching

pressure graduation.

Client may include:

women

men

children

people from a range of social, cultural or ethnic backgrounds and with a range of physical and mental abilities.

Finishing toolsand equipment may include:

blow dryer

Denman style brushes

vent style brushes

round brushes

thermal irons.

Finishing techniques may include:

blow drying with brushes

setting and comb up

thermal setting and straightening.

Salon procedures must include:

procedures that comply with state or territory and local government health regulations relevant to the service

occupational health and safety

environmental protection practices, such as waste disposal.