Elements and Performance Criteria

untreated naturally curly hair
untreated naturally wavy hair
chemically treated hair
strong or resistant natural curls
naturally straight hair
damaged hair.

short
medium
long
solid form
layered
graduated
combinations.

changes in texture
adding curl root to point (spiral)
adding curl point to root (curl/volume)
adding waves
relaxing natural curl
increasing body/volume.

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

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.

perm rods and sticks in various shapes and sizes
medium-toothed combs with even edges
straightening boards
fingers
flat irons.

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.

federal, state and local health and hygiene legislation and regulations
occupational health and safety legislation and regulations.

client comfort and safety
operator safety
health and hygiene.

natural drying
heat lamps
heat diffuser
blow drying
roller/pin curl finishes.

shampooing hair following procedure
conditioners
intense protein treatments
anti-frizz products
hair gloss
sprays and lacquers
self-drying techniques
brushes and combs.

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.

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 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 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.

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.

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.

Guidance information for assessment