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.

1.1. Physically and visually examine hair and scalp and question client regarding recent treatments and services.

1.2. Recognise normal hair and scalp conditions and propose treatments from the salon range.

1.3. Discuss cost and confirm treatment actions compatible with the analysis and suitable products from the salon range.

1.4. Record outcomes of analysis on client record.

2. Recognise abnormal hair and scalp conditions.

2.1. Recognise abnormal hair and scalp conditions and counsel client regarding remedial action.

2.2. Apply relevant health regulations relating to contagious disorders of the hair and scalp.

3. Treat hair and scalp.

3.1. Select appropriate remedial treatment from the workplace range to match hair and scalp analysis.

3.2. Perform remedial treatments according to manufacturer instructions and salon procedures.

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

3.4. Recommend beneficial home hair care products and remedial action where indicated by the condition.

3.5. Record products and treatments on client record.

4. Test skin for possible allergic reactions.

4.1. Perform skin tests for allergic reactions prior to hair colouring and lightening services, according to manufacturer instructions.

4.2. Observe outcomes of skin tests for symptoms of allergic reaction and inform clients.

4.3. Note contraindications to colouring and lightening treatments on client records and take appropriate action.

Required skills

communication skills to:

consult with clients

gather information from clients

respond to hair and scalp analysis and recommend hair and scalp treatment services

technical skills to:

perform hair and scalp analysis and recognise problem conditions

perform scalp massage

perform scalp treatment services, including:

conditioning treatments

medicated treatments

scalp peels

perform and evaluate skin tests

literacy skills to:

interpret and follow product instructions and safety data sheets

interpret and follow relevant salon procedures

numeracy skills to:

measure and apply treatment products to minimise waste

manage treatment times.

Required knowledge

the transmission routes of infectious conditions

standard infection-control precautions

signs and symptoms of common normal and abnormal hair and scalp conditions

physical effects on the hair and scalp of salon treatments

applications and efficacy of hair and scalp treatments in the workplace treatments and services range

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:

knowledge of the transmission routes of infectious conditions and skill in the application of standard infection-control precautions

recognising the appearance of normal and abnormal scalp conditions

consulting with clients and recommending hair and scalp treatments suitable to identified conditions

applying and evaluating skin tests prior to providing hair colouring services.

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 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

relevant documentation, such as:

relevant health regulations

workplace policy and procedures manuals

photographs of common disorders

a range of clients with different hair and scalp conditions

a professional hair and scalp treatments products range.

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:

conducting preservice hair and scalp analysis

selecting and applying hair and scalp treatments

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

the transmission routes of infectious conditions

standard infection-control precautions

signs and symptoms of common normal and abnormal hair and scalp conditions

physical effects on the hair and scalp of salon treatments

applications and efficacy of hair and scalp treatments in the workplace treatments and services range

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:

SIHHHSC301A Apply the principles of hairdressing science.

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 be:

women

men

children

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

Normal hair and scalp conditions may include:

normal

oily

dry

physically damaged

chemically damaged.

Treatment actions may include:

hair conditioning treatments from the salon range

scalp conditioning treatments from the salon range.

Abnormal hair and scalp conditions may include:

head lice

scabies

ringworm

dry or oily dandruff

seborrhoea

psoriasis.

Remedial action may include:

salon treatments

home treatments

referral to a pharmacist

referral to a medical practitioner

referral to a trichologist.

Relevant health regulations may include:

federal, state and local health and hygiene

occupational health and safety.

Contagious disorders of the hair and scalp may include:

head lice

scabies

ringworm.

Remedial treatments may include:

medicated treatments from the salon range.

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.

Symptoms of allergic reaction may include:

redness

itching

swelling.

Appropriate actions may include:

proceeding with planned colour service

not proceeding with planned colour service.