SIHHTLS402A
Research and utilise hairdressing trends to advance creative work

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to research and make use of creative and commercial opportunities as they arise from emerging trends in the hairdressing industry. The knowledge and skills required for this unit goes further than seeking professional development opportunities to maintain currency as a professional hairdresser.

Application

This unit applies to senior hairdressers in salon and session styling environments, which take on a leadership role.

The hairdressing industry is constantly changing due to consumer demands based on fashion, technological and societal changes. To remain competitive, senior hairdressers need to constantly identify emerging trends that will impact on their skills development needs and the required products, materials, tools, equipment or technology that will be required to support the services that their clients will demand.

This unit requires the self-directed application of skills and knowledge in order to research, evaluate, plan, co-ordinate, manage and exploit emerging trends that arise in the hairdressing industry. This work is usually undertaken independently with guidance where required.


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. Research trends and emerging technologies in the hairdressing industry.

1.1. Identify trends and emerging technologies using appropriate sources of information.

1.2. Research and adapt relevant ideas and approaches from other hairdressing practitioners considering intellectual property and copyright requirements.

1.3. Evaluate currency and credibility of information gathered.

1.4. Examine and clarify the implications and consequences of trends and emerging technologies.

1.5. Assess specific resource requirements and costs which arise from the use of new techniques and experimental approaches.

1.6. Critique and review trends and emerging technologies with relevant team members.

2. Experiment with new hair techniques and technology.

2.1. Conduct trials of new research techniques and technologies.

2.2. Assess results of experimentation, balancing the need for creative effectiveness and cost practicality.

2.3. Select, adapt or introduce new products, materials, tools, equipment or technology for the achievement of different effects.

2.4. Liaise with team members to provide information on the results of experimentation and make appropriate decisions on new techniques and technology.

2.5. Co-ordinate specific resource requirements which arise from the experimentation of new techniques and technologies according to workplace requirements.

Required Skills

Required skills

research skills to source information on emerging trends in the hairdressing industry

communication skills to:

interact with team members when experimenting

document research material and ideas

critique and review research with relevant team members

technical skills to:

using the internet and other information technology to source information on emerging trends

conduct experimentation of new techniques in a safe manner

predict and manage the risks associated with experimentation

recognise contraindications

use and safely apply a wide range of haircutting and finishing tools and techniques

numeracy skills to calculate exterior and interior lengths in the haircut structure

literacy skills to:

interpret research information

interpret product information, instructions and safety data sheets

interpret relevant salon procedures

Required knowledge

salon policies and procedures regarding:

operator safety

waste minimisation

waste disposal

water efficiency

correct and environmentally sound disposal methods for all types of waste and in particular for hazardous substances

relevant occupational health and safety legislation and regulations

intellectual property, moral rights and copyright requirements regarding using and adapting the work of other hairdressing practitioners

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:

researching and experimenting with a wide range of techniques and technologies that may be used and adapted for hairdressing work

creating innovative hair design work through appropriate research and experimentation

applying appropriate communication and teamwork skills in collaborating with team members in the process to experiment with new techniques and technologies to achieve creative hair designs

developing strategies for sharing new and advanced knowledge with other team members.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment must ensure access to:

a fully stocked and operational salon or 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

session styling settings, such as events, film sets, photographic studios or platform work

library, internet and film media research sources

a range of hairdressing products, equipment, hair accessories, props and audiovisual resources

relevant occupational health and safety regulations.

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 performing a range of tasks in session styling environments, over sufficient time to demonstrate his or her handling of a range of contingencies. Tasks may include:

researching and experimenting with new techniques to produce innovative and creative hair designs.

reviewing and evaluating information gathered and determining training and resources requirements

presenting and sharing new techniques and advanced technical knowledge with other staff

case studies that involve planning and creating new innovative work and services resulting from industry research

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:

SIHHTLS401A Provide technical leadership within the hairdressing context

SIHHCLS406A Solve complex colour problems

SIHHCLS407A Apply creative colouring and lightening techniques to enhance hair designs

SIHHHCS410A Design and perform creative haircuts

SIHHHRS405A Apply chemical reformation techniques to enhance hair designs


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.

Sources of information may include:

industry journals and magazines

industry seminars

information sessions

national and global professional associations

product companies brochures and advertising

internet

fashion magazines

individuals with relevant expertise.

Intellectual property and copyright requirements may include:

extent to which the work can be used

procedures for seeking permission to use the work of others, including systems for the administration of copyright

protocols for the adaption of work by others

relevant legislation, such as fair trading.

Implications and consequences may include:

required costs

required training

advertising and promotional activities

capable staff with expertise.

Specific resource requirements may include :

salon space

storage space

reoccurring costs

training.


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.