This unit involves communication, analysis, planning and then selecting and applying tools and equipment, to create graduated haircut structures and apply after-haircut finishing techniques. Demonstrated knowledge of the safe application of haircutting tools and finishing equipment, along with the application of relevant legislation and workplace practices, particularly in regard to hygiene, are required.

In the context of an assessment-only and/or a training delivery and assessment pathway, units of competency that relate to this unit are identified in the evidence guide of this unit.

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1

Plan graduated haircut structures.

1.1

Haircut plan is prepared to represent the haircut structure.

1.2

Appropriate tools are selected to achieve planned haircut finishes.

1.3

Appropriate cutting techniques are selected to achieve planned haircut finishes.

2

Apply graduation techniques.

2.1

Outline shape and line are established on the skin, lifted and distributed according to the haircut plan.

2.2

Position of head and neck is adjusted for desired degree of graduation.

2.3

Hair is evenly wet or dry and even tension is applied.

2.4

Clean sections and partings with no tangle and appropriate lift and distribution of hair are maintained throughout the service according to the haircut plan.

2.5

Hands and scissors are applied parallel to horizontal and diagonal parting lines and non-parallel to vertical parting lines.

2.6

Cutting hand is positioned with the palm toward or away, up or down as a matter of operator comfort related to the length of hair, the line being cut and the area of the head being cut.

3

Select and apply finishing techniques.

3.1

Appropriate finishing tools are selected and applied to achieve planned haircut finish.

3.2

Waste is disposed of according to relevant legislation and workplace policies and procedures.

3.3

Equipment is cleaned or disposed of according to relevant legislation and workplace policies and procedures.

This describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level, required for this unit.

Skills may include:

sectioning hair with clean partings

applying even tension

maintaining appropriate lift and distribution

manipulating cutting hand, scissors and comb

manipulating finishing tools and equipment

language, literacy and numeracy skills relevant to the role and workplace requirements.

Knowledge may include:

the natural distribution and growth patterns of hair

the relationship between the quality of hair and the graduation technique selected

degrees of lift and distribution of hair to create graduation:

natural

90 degree angle to base parting

shifted

lifting (low, medium and high)

the relationship between sectioning/parting patterns and the finished result

the relationship between head position and the finished result

soft and hard weight lines or weight areas

the relationship between angle of fingers, angle of scissors and amount of pressure when applying pressure graduation

the shape, structure and texture of graduation

horizontal and diagonal design lines

stationary, mobile and combination guide lines.

The evidence guide describes the underpinning knowledge and skills that must be demonstrated to prove competence. It is essential for assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, the range statement and the assessment guidelines of the relevant Training Package.

Overview of assessment

A person who demonstrates competency in this unit of competency must be able to select and use scissors, clippers, razors, chisels and combs effectively and where appropriate, to create graduated haircuts. They must demonstrate an ability to consistently and methodically approach and perform graduated haircuts, controlling the hair with even tension. They must also demonstrate the ability to cut various types of graduated designs, along with knowledge and skill in finishing techniques for graduated haircuts.

Specific evidence requirements

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

consistently selecting tools and graduation techniques appropriate to the planned graduated finish

consistently applying the cutting hand, and holding the cutting tools, to create graduated designs

consistently parting the hair with clean sections and partings throughout the haircut

applying hands and haircutting tools in a parallel/non-parallel manner to base partings to achieve planned graduation

positioning the head and neck and making any necessary adjustments during service to achieve the appropriate degree of graduation

consistently maintaining the hair evenly wet or dry and applying even tension

consistently achieving planned degree/s of graduation.

Context of assessment

For valid and reliable assessment of this unit, competency should be consistently demonstrated over a period of time and observed by the assessor and/or the technical expert working in partnership with the assessor. The technical expert may include the hairdresser and/or an experienced person at the workplace.

Competency should be demonstrated in the workplace or a simulated workplace environment in a range of situations that may include client interruptions and involvement in other related activities normally expected in the workplace. For further guidance on the use of an appropriate simulated environment, refer to the Assessment Guidelines in this Training Package.

Specific resources for assessment

Competency for this unit should be assessed through access to:

a salon or simulated salon environment

haircutting tools and equipment

clients or hair wefts

finishing tools and equipment.

Relationship to other units

This unit requires an assessment outcome that includes evidence of the ability to analyse and plan graduated haircut structures, and to prepare, select and safely apply haircutting tools.

Prerequisite unit:

WRHCS201A Prepare clients for salon services.

Co-requisite unit:

WRHHC301A Design haircut structures.

Method of assessment

The following assessment method is suggested.

Observation of the learner performing a range of tasks in an actual or simulated work environment, over sufficient time to demonstrate his/her handling of a range of contingencies. Tasks may include:

developing plans for graduated haircut structures

applying graduated haircut techniques

applying finishing techniques to graduated haircuts.

Evidence required for demonstration of consistent performance

For valid and reliable assessment of this unit, evidence should be gathered through a range of methods to indicate consistent performance.

It can be gathered from assessment of the unit of competency alone, through an integrated assessment activity or through a combination of both.

Evidence should be gathered as part of the learning process.

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that will affect performance.

The following variables 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. Bold italicised text from the performance criteria is detailed here.

Haircut plan must include:

straight and curved soft and hard interior and exterior design lines

starting points, sectioning and parting patterns

degrees of lift for each section where lifted graduation is planned

distribution of hair for each section where graduation is planned

illustrated stationary/mobile guide lines for graduated sections of haircut

a structural graphic (profile) for the haircut plan, illustrated by drawing lines at 90 degrees to the curve of the head.

Appropriate tools may include:

combs

haircutting scissors

texturising scissors

razors

chisels

clippers.

Appropriate cutting techniques may include:

blunt cutting

notching

razor bevelling/arching

pressure graduation

angle of fingers

angle of scissors

amount of pressure.

Finishing tools may include:

lamps

blow dryer

Denman style brushes

vent style brushes

round brushes

thermal irons.

Hairdressing

This unit contains employability skills.