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. Consult with client or supervising hairdresser and prepare for service.

1.1. Confirm desired finish with client or supervising hairdresser.

1.2. Select tools and equipment and braiding techniques to achieve desired finish.

1.3. Gown client and prepare hair, according to salon procedures.

2. Apply braiding technique.

2.1. Pick up clean, even sections throughout the service.

2.2. Pick up and braid hair systematically and with even tension.

2.3. Secure end of braid.

2.4. Ensure client and operator comfort and safety throughout the service, according to salon procedures.

3. Finish hair.

3.1. Confirm client or supervising hairdresser satisfaction and make adjustments to braiding as required.

3.2. Apply holding products where directed by supervising hairdresser or requested by client.

3.3. Explain braiding home hair care and maintenance procedures to client.

3.4. Complete the service within the salon service timeframe.

Required skills

communication skills to:

interact with clients

seek direction and advice from supervising hairdressers

check client comfort during the service

technical skills to:

section hair

apply single, two and three strand braiding techniques

literacy skills to interpret salon procedures

numeracy skills to manage service times

Required knowledge

relevant salon procedures

simple braided effects

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:

interacting with clients

confirming the braiding technique to be applied with a supervising hairdresser

applying single, two and three strand braiding techniques

knowledge and application of salon procedures relevant to the service.

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

a supply of clean towels

a range of clients for braiding services

styling products

relevant documentation, including 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:

direct observation of the learner consulting with supervising hairdressers to receive direction on braiding style and area to be braided

applying single, two and three strand braiding techniques 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:

SIHHHDS201A Dry hair to shape

SIRXCOM001A Communicate in the workplace

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.

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.

Tools and equipment may include:

combs

sectioning clips

pins

rubber bands

ribbons

ornamentation.

Braiding techniques may include:

two strand

three strand

multi strand

French or invisible braid

rope braid

fishtail or herringbone

cornrow.

Salon procedures may include:

gowning clients

preparing hair for braiding

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.

Holding products may include:

sprays

gels.