This unit involves communicating; designing, and then selecting hair type; preparing materials; and making wigs and hairpieces to fit and/or be incorporated into finished hair designs. It requires knowledge of human and synthetic hair types and the techniques for hair sorting, mixing hair, hackling, base materials, stitching and knotting; and cleaning, cutting and styling hairpieces. Knowledge of the safe application of hairpieces, along with the application of relevant legislation and workplace practices, particularly in regard to workplace safety and hygiene, are also 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

Select and use cleaning products and techniques.

1.1

Stitching, knotting and fibre type are identified by visual and physical examination of wigs and hairpieces.

1.2

Cleaning and conditioning products are selected from the workplace range to match stitching, knotting and fibre type and are applied according to workplace procedures and manufacturer's instructions.

2.

Cut wigs and hairpieces.

2.1

Hairpieces are applied to scalp area and trimmed to blend with existing natural hair.

2.2

Wigs are applied to clients and adjusted to ensure a comfortable fit.

2.3

Finished look is discussed with client and haircutting techniques are applied to achieve the predetermined result.

2.4

Switches and postiche are cut as required to blend with a planned finished look.

3

Apply design finishes to wigs and hairpieces.

3.1

Alternative finished hair designs are reviewed and discussed to confirm client expectations.

3.2

Style concepts to complement facial features, bone structure and client expectations are predetermined with clients.

3.3

Wigs or hairpieces are attached to a working block, and styling products are selected and applied according to fibre type, base materials, planned design and manufacturer's instructions.

3.4

Relevant tools and techniques are selected according to fibre type, and base materials are applied to achieve the overall finished design.

3.5

Wigs or hairpieces are applied to clients and secured to ensure a secure and comfortable fit.

3.6

Client comfort and safety are ensured during the process according to relevant legislation and workplace policiesand procedures.

3.7

Client satisfaction is confirmed and hair design finish is adjusted where required.

3.8

Styling products are applied for finished texture or hold, as required.

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

Skills may include:

communication skills that take into account the culture, background and abilities of the client, while demonstrating a knowledge of communication techniques, including:

listening and questioning techniques

verbal and non-verbal communication

negotiation techniques

conducting client consultation and analysis, and consistently responding appropriately to each client's service requirements

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

consistent prevention of fibre stitching and base damage

consistent safe application of cleaning procedures to human and synthetic hair fibres with a variety of knotting, stitching and base materials

consistent safe application of a range of cutting, styling and finishing techniques to achieve predetermined looks on wigs and hairpieces.

Knowledge may include:

the provisions of relevant occupational health and safety legislation and regulations

the elements and principles of design

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

a range of attachment tools

knowledge of a range of wigs and hairpieces and their applications

different hair fibres used in wigs and hairpieces including:

human hair: European, Euro-Asian and Asian

synthetic fibre

animal hair.

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 consult with clients, recommend fibres and produce made-to-measure full head wigs and hairpieces to meet client requirements for a range of applications.

Knowledge and skill in the application of relevant legislation and workplace policies and procedures must also be demonstrated.

Specific evidence requirements

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

knowledge and consistent application of relevant workplace policies and procedures

knowledge and consistent application of federal, state and local health and hygiene legislation and regulations

knowledge and consistent application of safe work practices and the safe use of wig servicing, hair cutting and styling equipment, including the use of protective measures, according to occupational health and safety legislation, regulations and requirements

ability to consistently use effective questioning and active listening techniques to sympathetically consult and negotiate with clients, identify client requirements, maintain confidentiality and ensure client comfort and safety throughout the service

ability to analyse and identify the elements of hair designs and alternative techniques that may be applied to achieve those designs

ability to complete finished designs on wigs and hairpieces within designated workplace timeframes

ability to evaluate completed wig and hairpiece designs and confirm client satisfaction with the finished result.

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 wig maker 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 range of wigs and hairpieces

haircutting and hair design products, tools and equipment

clients requiring a range of wig or hairpiece applications.

Relationship to other units

In the context of an assessment-only and/or a training delivery and assessment pathway, all units that relate to a job function can be integrated for assessment purposes.

:

WRHHC306B Combine haircut structures on women

or

WRHHC307B Combine haircut structures for traditional and classic designs on men

and

WRHHD303A Design and apply short to medium-length hair design finishes

WRHHD304A Design and apply long hair design finishes.

:

none.

Method of assessment

The following assessment methods are 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:

consulting with clients

cleaning wigs and hairpieces

cutting switches and postiche to blend with natural hair

cutting wigs and hairpieces

styling and finishing wigs and hairpieces

applying relevant health regulations

applying relevant workplace procedures that ensure client and operator comfort and safety.

Written or oral questions.

Third-party reports from experienced hairdressers and/or wig makers.

Completion of self-paced learning materials, including personal reflection and feedback from the trainer, coach or supervisor.

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.

Assessing employability skills

Employability skills are integral to effective performance in the workplace and are broadly consistent across industry sectors. How these skills are applied varies between occupations and qualifications due to the different work functions and contexts.

Employability skills embedded in this unit should be assessed holistically in the context of the job role and with other relevant units that make up the skill set or qualification.

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.

Stitching, knotting and fibre type may include:

machine stitching

hand knotting

human hair:

European

Asian

Euro-Asian

synthetic fibre

animal hair.

Wigs and hairpieces may include:

full head wigs

toupees

artificial beards and moustaches

frangia: long or short

switch: one, two or three stem

button

postiche: square, round, heart or fantasy shape

wiglet: variety of base shapes

hair: long, short, straight, wavy or curly

natural or artificial colours.

Clients may include:

men

women

children

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

Styling products may include:

setting lotions

gels

glazes

mousses

waxes

sprays.

Relevant tools and techniques may include:

tools:

combs

wire brushes

styling brushes

clips

rollers

blow dryers

tongs

techniques:

blow drying

blow waving

moulding

water waving

roller placement

pin curling

lamp drying

using heat diffusers.

Relevant legislation may include:

federal, state and local health and hygiene

occupational health and safety.

Workplace policies and procedures may include:

client comfort and safety

operator safety

health and hygiene.

Hairdressing

This unit contains employability skills.