Elements and Performance Criteria

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that 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) may also be included.
Client may include:
women
men
children
people who present with virgin hair or a range of pre-existing colour treatments on the hair
people from a range of social, cultural or ethnic backgrounds and with a range of physical and mental abilities.
Client history must include:
client contact details
date of service
operator
previous client reaction to any skin tests
contraindications
pre-service analysis
brand and colour selection
application techniques and processing times
service outcome
recommended home care products
products purchased.
Client characteristics must include:
natural hair type, texture, porosity, density and elasticity
natural base colour
artificial base colour
hair colour tone
percentage of white hair
presence of lightening agents or artificial hair colour treatments on hair
other existing chemical services
skin tone
length of hair
scalp condition.
Contraindications may include:
an allergic reaction to a skin test
hair damage
scalp damage
existing metallic-based colours on the hair.
Salon procedures must include:
gowning clients for colour and lightening services
compliance with state or territory and local government health regulations relevant to the service
occupational health and safety procedures
environmental protection practices, such as:
waste minimisation
waste disposal
water efficiency.
Colour products must include:
temporary hair colour products from the salon colour range
tint products from the salon colour range
high lift tint products from the salon product range
peroxides of varying percentage volumes.
Stages and methods of product application may include:
natural untreated hair
application methods suitable for temporary colour products
regrowth
roots and then ends
roots, mid lengths and finally ends
ends and then roots.
Client and operator comfort and safety must include:
application of gown and towels to protect client clothes
application of anti skin stain products to face or neckline areas
application of colour stain removal product where required
avoiding product contact with client or operator’s eyes
avoiding inhalation of fumes whilst mixing product
wearing operator protective gloves and apron during product application.

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.
Overview of assessment

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
Evidence of the following is essential:
pre-service client consultation that includes accurate hair analysis and establishes client expectations regarding the colour result
recognising and managing contraindications to colour services according to salon procedures
accurately interpreting and consistently applying product colour charts, instructions and safety data sheets
safe selection, preparation, application, processing and removal of colour without residual scalp stain
observing client and operator safety precautions
achieving target colour results that satisfy clients in designated salon timeframes
providing colour care advice and promoting home care products from the salon range.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Assessment must ensure access to:
a salon or a simulated salon environment that includes a range of work situations such as client interruptions and involvement in other related activities normally expected in the salon
fully equipped workstation which includes as minimum:
an adjustable client chair
clean client gown or wrap
a plentiful supply of clean towels
a trolley stocked with:
rubber gloves
stain prevention products
plastic bowls
sponges
tint brushes
applicator bottles
cap or plastic film wrap
relevant salon procedures, such as:
health regulations
occupational health and safety
waste minimisation
waste disposal
water efficiency
a professional range of temporary, tint and high lift tint colour products
colour charts and product safety data sheets
a range of temporary or tint hair colour service
clients with different colour expectations.
For further guidance on the use of an appropriate simulated environment, refer to the Assessment Guidelines in this Training Package.
Method of assessment
A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge. The following examples are appropriate for this unit:
observation of the learner performing a range of tasks in an actual or simulated work environment, over sufficient time to demonstrate their handling of a range of contingencies. Tasks include:
analysis of client characteristics prior to temporary, tint or high lift colour treatments
consulting clients to advise on and confirm colour selection
selection, application and processing of tint and high lift colour services on a variety of clients with different needs
following salon procedures to ensure client and operator safety
advising on colour care and recommending home care products
completing colour services within designated salon timeframes
written or verbal questions appropriate to the language and literacy level of the learner to test knowledge which includes:
the main ingredients of colour and high lift tints
the chemical and physical effects of tint and high lift tint colour products on hair structure
the effects of hydrogen peroxide on the hair and hair colour
the colour wheel and its application in colour selection
the manufacturer’s colour chart system for a defined salon range of tint and high lift tint products
manufacturer instructions for the use and application of colour products in the salon range
processing and development times for the product range
salon procedures
review of portfolios of evidence and third-party reports of on-the-job performance.
Guidance information for assessment
A unit of competency describes an individual skill but people rarely perform one skill at a time. Many skills are combined on a day-to-day basis in the workplace as part of work processes. This does not mean that each skill described by a unit of competency is pre-requisite to another— they are related skills.
Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, salon and job role is recommended, for example:
SIHHCLS304A Neutralise unwanted hair colour tones
SIHHOHS201A Apply salon safety procedures