SIHHHDS408A
Make wigs and hairpieces

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to hand make wigs and hairpieces.

Application

This unit applies to senior hairdressers who may work in hairdressing salons or wig-making environments. Clients may require wigs or hairpieces for theatrical or film character roles, to simulate or replace their own hair in response to hair loss; or for fashion effects. The operator may be required to fit and hand make full wigs or to make hairpieces to incorporate into finished hair designs.

A person undertaking this role applies discretion and judgement, accepts responsibility for outcomes of own work and provides technical leadership in the salon team.


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. Discuss client needs and expectations.

1.2. Identify cost, application, maintenance requirements, features, benefits and applications of different wigs and hairpieces and clearly explain to clients.

1.3. Confirm finished wig or hairpiece designs that meet client requirements.

2. Analyse and select hair type.

2.1. Discuss human hair types, synthetic hair and their suitability to meet client needs.

2.2. Match hair type is to the client’s own hair to achieve colour match and wave or curl match, where possible and according to client requirements.

3. Prepare hair for use in wig or hairpiece.

3.1. Ensure safe use of hack according to salon procedures.

3.2. Apply root-turning procedure root to root and end to end, according to natural hair growth pattern.

3.3. Select and mix various hair types, according to required texture, colour and curl, and predetermined client requirements.

4. Make wigs and hairpieces.

4.1. Take key measurements for base of wig and transfer measurements accurately from head to block.

4.2. Select suitable materials for wig or hairpiece base and other parts of the wig to suit agreed end product.

4.3. Determine procedure for placing hair on base, according to client requirements.

4.4. Select, apply and maintain wig-making tools, according to salon procedures.

4.5. Select and apply ventilating techniques where required.

4.6. Knot and make wig or hairpiece, according to client requirements.

4.7. Ensure the safe disposal of waste hair and other materials, according to salon procedures.

5. Fit wigs and hairpieces.

5.1. Fit finished wig or hairpiece on client to ensure a firm but comfortable fit.

5.2. Make adjustments where necessary and confirm client comfort and satisfaction.

5.3. Offer home hair care and in-salon maintenance advice.

Required Skills

Required skills

communication skills to:

interact with clients

consult with clients to establish their end product requirements

check client comfort during the fitting process

confirm client satisfaction with finished wigs and hairpieces

technical skills to:

perform client measurement and fitting

select and prepare hair for a variety of wigmaking procedures, including:

hackling

root turning

hair colouring and curling

matching client’s hair type

hair blending

select appropriate bases

perform knotting and other wig making techniques

literacy skills to interpret and apply salon procedures

numeracy skills to take key measurements and transfer them to a wig-making block

Required knowledge

factors affecting the design of wig and hairpieces:

selection of hair type

preparation of materials

design and structure of wigs, hairpieces and postiche

different hair fibres, hair types and bases

head blocks and tools

facial shapes and features, bone structure and body shape

client characteristics and limitations

client preferences and expressed requirements

occasion

balancing hair length and volume

the elements and principles of design as applied to hair design

a range of head blocks and their suitability for attaching wigs and hairpieces

a range of block attachments and tools for making wigs and hairpieces

a range of measuring and fitting requirements and procedures for wigs and hairpieces

relevant salon procedures

human hair types used in wigs and hairpieces and their characteristics

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:

analysing client characteristics and requirements and recommending appropriate hair fibre

knowledge and safe application of technical tools

procedures and techniques used in wig making

integrating a range of wig-making techniques to produce wigs and hairpieces suitable for photographic, theatre, film, television, special effects and prosthesis application

evaluating completed wigs or hairpieces and confirming client satisfaction with the finished result.

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

a client consultation area

wig blocks and appropriate attachment tools

a full range of wig making products

a supply of hair fibres of different type

sample wigs and hairpieces

clients requiring a range of wig or hairpiece applications

haircutting tools and equipment

relevant documentation such as salon procedures.

For further guidance on the use of an appropriate simulated environment, refer to the Assessment Guidelines.

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 clients

measuring clients for full head wigs and hairpieces

selecting, preparing and blending hair

selecting base materials

applying ventilating and wefting techniques

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

the types of human hair types used in wigs and hair pieces

tools, procedures and techniques used in wig making

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 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:

SIHHHDS407A Apply and maintain wigs and hairpieces.


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.

Client needs and expectations may include:

for theatrical or film character roles

to simulate or replace their own hair in response to hair loss

for fashion effects.

Wigs and hairpieces may include:

full head wigs

toupees

artificial beards and moustaches

long or short frangia

one, two or three stem switch

button

postiche, including:

square

round

heart

fantasy shape

wiglets in a variety of base shapes

hair, such as:

long

short

straight

wavy

curly

natural or artificial colours.

Human hair types may include:

European

Asian

Euro-Asian

African.

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.

Key measurements may include:

circumference from head to nape

ear to ear over top of head

front hairline to centre of forehead

ear to ear over the occipital area.

Materials may include:

galloon

tulle

net (caul)

springs

weft.

Procedure for placing hair on base may include:

ventilating

wefting.

Wig-making tools may include:

wefting frame

crochet hook.

Ventilating techniques may include:

single

double

triple

English.


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.