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 analyses client requirements, and selects and applies tools and equipment to design and apply creative haircut structures and finishing techniques on a range of clients. Demonstrated ability to research and develop knowledge of local and international current and coming hair fashion trends is also required.

Specific evidence requirements

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

the development of a comprehensive portfolio of creative haircuts

demonstrated design analysis for a range of looks

demonstrated ability to plan for and combine haircut structures for a variety of haircut looks

safe application of a variety of haircutting tools and techniques

demonstrated ability to consistently apply finishing techniques to enhance haircuts

ability to complete haircut services within designated workplace timeframes.

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:

relevant documentation such as occupational health and safety legislation and regulations, and workplace policy and procedures manuals

a salon or simulated salon environment

available sources of information on creative haircuts

haircutting tools and equipment

clients with a variety of haircut requirements

finishing tools and equipment.

Relationship to other units

This unit requires an assessment outcome that includes evidence of the ability to design and combine haircut structures and apply a wide variety of haircutting techniques to achieve different haircut designs.

Prerequisite unit:

WRHHC306B Combine haircut structures on women

or

WRHHC307B Combine haircut structures for traditional and classic designs on men.

:

none.

Method of assessment

The following assessment methods are suggested.

The development of a portfolio of at least six creative haircuts, including design analyses.

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 analysis

planning a number of creative haircuts involving a variety of structural combinations

safely applying a number of haircuts involving a variety of haircutting techniques to combine haircut structures

applying after-haircut finishing 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.

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.

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

Skills may include:

research skills

design analysis

client consultation that takes into account the culture, background and physical abilities of the client while demonstrating knowledge of the following communication techniques:

using open and closed questions

speaking clearly and concisely

using appropriate language

non-verbal communication

haircut planning skills

cutting hair for one length/solid effects

applying a variety of graduation techniques

applying a variety of layering techniques

tapering hair

texturising hair

using and safely applying a wide range of haircutting tools

combining haircut structures

manipulating finishing tools and equipment

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

Knowledge may include:

the components of haircut design:

shape

structure

proportion

texture

form

the natural distribution and growth patterns of hair

the relationship between the quality of the hair and the finished result

degrees of lift and distribution to achieve solid, graduated and layered structures

techniques that create texture

techniques for solid finishes

techniques for tapered finishes

weight lines

weight areas

proportional relationships between structures

the provisions of relevant health and hygiene legislation and regulations

the provisions of relevant skin penetration 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.

A portfolio of creative haircut designs may include:

magazine shots

photographs

sketches

material sourced on the Internet.

A range of available sources may include:

fashion magazines

hair magazines

product manufacturer's materials

the Internet

hair fashion videos

hair shows and competitions

product manufacturer's promotions

platform artist's demonstrations

fashion parades

pop culture, such as video clips.

Haircut plans may include:

outline shapes

lines and angles

structural graphic for the haircut plan.

Natural hair type may include:

European

Asian

Afro.

Texture may include:

coarse

medium

fine.

Growth patterns may include:

crown area

hairline

neckline

cowlicks (whorls).

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.

Haircutting tools may include:

scissors

razors

clippers

combs.

Techniques may include:

scissor over-comb tapering

clippers over-comb tapering

serrated scissors over-comb thinning

layering

clubbing

graduation

texturising

cutting straight and/or curved lines

cutting square shapes

cutting soft and/or hard lines.

Exterior design lines, direction of design lines and/or interior design/guide lines may include:

hard and soft interior or exterior lines

straight, curved and diagonal lines.

Relevant legislation may include:

federal, state and local health and hygiene

occupational health and safety.

Workplace policies and procedures may include:

workplace health and safety.

Finishing tools may include:

fingers

lamps

blow dryer

a wide variety of brushes

straightening irons

thermal irons.