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 consistently perform pre-service hair analysis, consult with clients regarding the desired curl/body result, and then perform the full chemical straightening/relaxing service to achieve that outcome to the satisfaction of the client. Client and operator safety must be ensured at all stages during the chemical reformation straightening/relaxing process.

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

consistently conducting accurate pre-service hair and design analysis, applying the elements and principles of design to create contemporary and classic designs and to forecast new looks enhanced by the creative application of chemical reformation

consistently selecting and successfully applying chemical reformation products, equipment and techniques to achieve predetermined designs

evidence of the application of chemical curling, volumising, straightening and relaxing techniques to enhance a variety of haircut structures

consistently consulting with clients and providing after-service care and maintenance advice.

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 which 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:

relevant documentation including occupational health and safety legislation and regulations, workplace policy and procedures manuals and manufacturer's product safety data sheets

a wide range of chemical curling and volumising, straightening and relaxing tools, products and equipment

clients presenting with a range of creative and classic hair design requirements in a salon or simulated salon area.

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.

:

WRHCR302B Perform chemical curling and volumising services

WRHCR303B Perform chemical straightening and relaxing services

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

Co-requisite unit:

WRHHC410B Design and perform creative haircuts.

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:

conducting pre-service hair and design analysis

confirming planned finished design with client

selecting and applying products and equipment

completing a full service to achieve a predetermined design, incorporating creative or classic chemical reformation techniques.

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.

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

Skills may include:

conducting pre-service hair and design analysis

communication techniques, including:

using open and closed questions

speaking clearly and concisely

using appropriate language

non-verbal communication

consistently selecting and applying chemical reformation products, equipment and techniques to achieve classic and creative designs

finishing techniques appropriate to the planned design

consistently applying safe work practices and manufacturer's instructions

research skills to access creative and classic looks that use chemical reformation to enhance the hair design

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

Knowledge may include:

the workplace chemical reformation product range

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

protein fillers

chemical reformation products

chemical straighteners and relaxers

conditioning products

anti-frizz products

styling gels and other aids

a wide range of winding, chemical texturising and straightening techniques and their effects on different haircut structures

the potential application and limitations of chemical reformation products in the workplace range

the provisions of relevant health and hygiene legislation and regulations

the provisions of relevant occupational health and safety legislation and regulations.

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.

Hair type and condition may include:

untreated naturally curly hair

untreated naturally wavy hair

chemically treated hair

strong or resistant natural curls

naturally straight hair

damaged hair.

Haircut structure may include:

short

medium

long

solid form

layered

graduated

combinations.

Enhancement may be full or partial head and may include:

changes in texture

adding curl root to point (spiral)

adding curl point to root (curl/volume)

adding waves

relaxing natural curl

increasing body/volume.

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.

Chemical reformation straightening/relaxing products may include:

pre-process shampoos and softeners

pre- and post-process fillers and conditioning products

alkaline perms

acid perms

perming products in a variety of strengths

curl relaxers for chemically treated hair

hair straighteners for normal naturally wavy or curly hair

hair straighteners for strong or resistant natural curls

neutralisers

post-process care and styling products.

Chemical reformation tools may include:

perm rods and sticks in various shapes and sizes

medium-toothed combs with even edges

straightening boards

fingers

flat irons.

Client and operator comfort and safety may include:

providing protective gowning for client

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

avoiding product contact with client and operator skin or eyes

wearing protective gloves for operator.

Relevant legislation may include:

federal, state and local health and hygiene legislation and regulations

occupational health and safety legislation and regulations.

Workplace policies and procedures may include:

client comfort and safety

operator safety

health and hygiene.

Finishing tools and techniques may include:

natural drying

heat lamps

heat diffuser

blow drying

roller/pin curl finishes.

Maintenance advice may include:

shampooing hair following procedure

conditioners

intense protein treatments

anti-frizz products

hair gloss

sprays and lacquers

self-drying techniques

brushes and combs.