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. Assess hair and consult with client.

1.1. Analyse hair based on hair type and condition.

1.2. Identify any existing contradictions to protein straighteners and recommend alternative treatments.

1.3. Confirm desired finished design and degree of relaxation of curl or wave with client.

1.4. Discuss what degree of smoothing and straightening can be achieved and for what period, based on the hair type and condition and product advice.

1.5. Create a client history for new clients.

2. Select and apply protein straightening and relaxing products and equipment.

2.1. Select products to match hair analysis and the predetermined relaxation result.

2.2. Select tools, according to product instructions and salon procedures.

2.3. Section the hair and commence apply product in a sequence and evenly from roots to ends according to manufacturer’s recommended smoothing technique.

2.4. Ensure client and operator comfort and safety at all stages of the straightening or relaxing service, according to product instructions, safety data sheets and salon procedures.

2.5. Follow salon procedures to minimise water and product waste throughout the service.

3. Process and set the straightening product.

3.1. Process according to product instructions.

3.2. Thoroughly dry the hair and flat iron, according to product instructions.

4. Review the service and provide home care advice.

4.1. Review outcomes of service against expressed client expectations and confirm client satisfaction.

4.2. Offer after-service maintenance advice to clients.

4.3. Update client history to include product selection, technique, outcome and purchased home hair-care products.

Required skills

communication skills to:

discuss and confirm client expectations

advise clients on degree of relaxation of curl or wave, finished hair designs and home care

check client comfort during each stage of the service

review the outcomes of the service and check client satisfaction

technical skills to:

conduct accurate preservice hair analysis

select products, equipment and techniques appropriate to achieve desired outcomes

apply protein straightening product evenly to a predetermined pattern and gently comb hair without stretch

apply salon safety procedures throughout protein straightening and relaxation services

prevent possible skin damage to client and operator

literacy skills to:

interpret and follow product instructions and safety data sheets

interpret and follow relevant salon procedures

numeracy skills to:

accurately measure and apply products to minimise waste

manage processing times

Required knowledge

salon protein straightening treatment products range

physical actions of the following products and methods on the structure of the hair:

protein straighteners and relaxers

booster sprays

the application of heat

factors that influence achieving the planned degree of relaxing

manufacturer requirements for the safe use of protein treatments for straightening and relaxing hair

salon procedures regarding the application of protein straightening and relaxing services

relevant health regulations

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:

conducting accurate preservice hair and scalp analysis

consistently selecting products, equipment and techniques appropriate to desired outcomes and predetermined designs

interpreting and following product instructions and safety data sheets

applying straightening products and techniques without hair breakage

successfully assessing the development of degree of curl or wave relaxing

performing the full rinse and neutralising service, according to product instructions or salon procedures.

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

fully equipped workstation which includes as minimum:

an adjustable client chair

clean client gown or wrap

a plentiful supply of clean towels

a trolley stocked with:

medium-toothed combs with even edges

straightening boards

thermostatically controlled ceramic flat irons

barrier creams

cotton wool

plastic bowls or applicator bottles

applicator brushes

fully equipped basin services area which includes as a minimum:

back wash facilities

client shampoo chairs

adjustable water temperature and shampoo spray attachments

a plentiful supply of clean towels

clean client gown

a professional range of protein straightening products suited to match hair analysis outcomes across a range of clients

relevant documentation, including:

product instructions

product safety data sheets

salon procedures

a range of clients seeking chemical straightening and relaxing services.

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 may include:

conducting preservice analysis

predetermining with client the finished degree of straightening and relaxing

completing a number of full services to achieve a predetermined straightening result

recommending after service products and hair care routines to clients.

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

the effects of products used in protein straightening or relaxing on the structure and condition of the hair

personal precautions

salon procedures to ensure:

client safety

operator safety

compliance with relevant health regulations

waste minimisation procedures

review of portfolios of evidence and third-party reports salon 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:

SIHHCCS302A Perform a full client consultation

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.

Hair type and condition may include:

length of hair

product build up

untreated natural curly or wavy hair

chemically treated hair

strong or resistant natural curls

damaged hair

a variety of hair types from a range of ethnic backgrounds.

Contradictions to protein straighteners may include:

those identified in manufacturer’s product safety data, such as:

pregnancy

breastfeeding mothers.

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.

Client history may include:

hair analysis outcomes

desired degree of relaxation

tool and product selection

straightening method

outcome of service

home hair-care products:

recommended

purchased.

Products may include:

preprocess shampoos

protein smoothing treatments

booster sprays

post-process care and styling products.

Tools may include:

thermostatically-controlled flat irons

blow dryer

tint brush and bowl

tail comb

sectioning clips

paddle or vent brush

plastic cap or wrap.

Product manufacturer’s recommended smoothing technique may include:

working to a predetermined pattern, combing hair layer by layer and pressing between index and middle fingers

laying already smoothened hair onto the straightening board and smoothing hair a second time against the board using the back of a comb.

Client and operator comfort and safety must include:

providing protective gowning for client

applying straightening product 1cm from the hair root to avoid breakage

avoiding product contact with client and operator’s skin or eyes

wearing operator protective gloves.

Salon procedures must 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.

Maintenance advice may include recommending:

that the client uses flat irons where a very straight look is required

the timing of regular protein treatments to maintain smoothing and straightening

coordinating the timing of treatments with chemical treatments such as tints

home hair-care products such as:

shampoos

conditioners

rejuvenating treatments

intense protein treatments

anti-frizz

hair gloss.