Elements and Performance Criteria

Hair type and condition may include:
untreated curly hair
untreated wavy hair
chemically treated hair
strong or resistant curls
damaged hair
a variety of hair types from a range of ethnic backgrounds.

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.

Contraindications to chemical straightening and relaxing may include:
damaged hair
highly porous hair.

Chemical straightening and relaxing products may include:
pre-process shampoos
pre-process softeners
pre- and post-process fillers and conditioning products
curl relaxers for chemically treated hair
hair straighteners for normal wavy or curly hair
hair straighteners for strong or resistant curls
neutralisers
post-process care and styling products.

Chemical straightening tools and methods may include:
medium-toothed combs with even edges
straightening boards
fingers
thermostatically-controlled ceramic flat irons.

Product manufacturer's recommended smoothing technique and/or workplace procedure may include:
smoothing to a predetermined pattern, combing hair layer by layer and pressing between index and middle fingers
smoothing to a predetermined pattern, combing hair layer by layer and pressing between index and middle fingers, then laying smoothened hair onto the straightening board and smoothing hair once again against the board using the back of a comb.

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/operator skin or eyes
wearing protective gloves for operator.

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.

Product manufacturer and/or workplace preferred method of re-bonding may include:
applying re-bonding product to towel dried hair
applying re-bonding product to cooled hair that has been blow dried and/or flat ironed.

Maintenance advice may include:
delaying shampooing hair for 2-4 days after procedure
shampoos
conditioners
intense protein treatments
anti-frizz products
hair gloss.

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

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
consistently conducting accurate pre-service hair and scalp analysis
consistently selecting products, equipment and techniques appropriate to desired outcomes and predetermined designs
consistently applying straightening products and techniques without hair breakage
consistently and successfully assessing the development of degree of curl/wave relaxing
consistently performing the full rinse and neutralising service according to manufacturer's instructions and/or workplace procedures
consistently applying safe work practices and manufacturer's instructions.

Context of and specific resources for 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.

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 range of hair straightening products and equipment
a variety of clients presenting with a range of hair types and chemical hair straightening or relaxing requirements
a hairdressing salon or simulated salon area.

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:

conducting pre-service analysis
predetermining with client the finished degree of straightening and relaxing
selecting products and equipment
completing a number of full services to achieve a predetermined straightening result
recommending after service products and hair care routines to clients.
Written questions on the physical and chemical effects of chemical straightening and relaxing products on the hair's structure.

Guidance information for assessment