SIHHHDS305A
Select and apply hair extensions

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to select and apply hair extensions.

Application

This unit applies to hairdressers in salon environments, who apply hair extensions to increase the length and volume of hair and to introduce additional colours. The operator selects from human, animal or synthetic hair and mixes hair prior application to achieve desired colour and texture. Hair extensions may be applied to a full or partial head.

A person undertaking this role applies discretion and judgement and accepts responsibility for outcomes of own work.


Prerequisites

Nil


Elements and Performance Criteria

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 clients.

1.1. Determine client needs and expectations through questioning and discussions.

1.2. Design hair extension concepts to match facial features, bone structure, natural hair and client requirements.

1.3. Discuss finished design with client to confirm that design meets client characteristics and requirements.

1.4. Identify cost, application technique, maintenance requirements and features and benefits of the service and clearly explain to clients.

2. Analyse and select hair type and colour.

2.1. Identify extension hair type.

2.2. Identify and select colour and texture of hair extensions, according to confirmed design.

2.3. Select number of strands in hair extension and mix fibres according to product instructions and confirmed design.

3. Prepare client’s natural hair.

3.1. Prepare client’s natural hair so that it is clean, dry and free of styling aids.

3.2. Remove existing hair extensions where required, according to salon procedures and product instructions.

3.3. Section client’s natural hair according to confirmed design.

3.4. Ensure the safe disposal of waste, according to salon procedures.

4. Apply hair extensions.

4.1. Select strand sizes to match the confirmed design.

4.2. Select section sizes that are appropriate for the strand size chosen.

4.3. Apply strands and securely seal using bonding equipment, according to product instructions, salon procedures, and to match confirmed design.

5. Complete hair design.

5.1. Apply cutting and finishing techniques where required to blend extensions and natural hair, and to achieve the planned finished design.

5.2. Confirm client satisfaction and make adjustments if required.

5.3. Explain hair extension maintenance procedures clearly to client.

Required Skills

Required skills

interpersonal skills to interact with clients

communication skills to:

interact with clients

consult with clients during preservice analysis

check client comfort during the hair extension process

confirm client satisfaction with hair extension results

literacy skills to interpret and follow manufacturer’s hair extension system instructions

technical skills to:

select, mix and apply hair extensions

remove existing hair extensions

safely use and apply a hair extensions system, including:

human, animal or synthetic hair

bonding products

application and removal tools and equipment

apply haircutting techniques to blend hair extensions and natural hair

Required knowledge

hair extension system, including its components and applications

the types of hair and synthetic fibres used in hair extensions

maintenance requirements for hair extensions

relevant salon procedures

Evidence Required

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 and mixing hair colours and textures to blend with client’s natural hair

using a hair extension system to apply hair extension services to full and partial head

removing and adjusting existing hair extensions

applying haircutting and finishing techniques to blend hair extensions with natural hair for finished designs.

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 hair extension system that includes hair, bonding products and tools

clients with a range of hair extension requirements

haircutting tools and equipment

finishing tools and equipment

relevant documentation, such as:

manufacturer hair extension system manuals that include product and equipment information

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:

selecting and mixing hair colours and textures to blend with client’s natural hair

removing and adjusting existing hair extensions

using a hair extension system to apply hair extension services for full and partial head

applying haircutting and finishing techniques to blend hair extensions with natural hair for finished designs

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

the types of hair and synthetic fibres used in hair extensions

maintenance requirements for hair extensions

relevant salon procedures

review of portfolios of evidence and third-party reports of on-the-job 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 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 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:

SIHHCCS302A Perform a full client consultation


Range Statement

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.

Clients may include:

women

men

children

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

Hair extension concepts may include:

adding length

increasing volume

adding colour

applying to full or partial head.

Hair type may include:

tape extensions (double sided tape wedges between two thin wefts of hair)

micro-links (stick shaped bonds applied by clamping to the client’s own hair)

flexi-bonds (an extension with glue on the end that is clamped and fused to the client’s hair by the application of heat).

Salon procedures may include:

client comfort and safety

operator safety

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

environmental protection practices, such as:

waste minimisation

waste disposal

water efficiency.

Bonding equipment may include:

electrical

mechanical.


Sectors

Hairdressing


Employability Skills

This unit contains employability skills.


Licensing Information

No licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of endorsement.