Elements and Performance Criteria

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

Normal hair and scalp conditions may include:
normal
oily
dry
physically damaged
chemically damaged.

Treatment actions may include:
hair conditioning treatments from the salon range
scalp conditioning treatments from the salon range.

Abnormal hair and scalp conditions may include:
head lice
scabies
ringworm
dry or oily dandruff
seborrhoea
psoriasis.

Remedial action may include:
salon treatments
home treatments
referral to a pharmacist
referral to a medical practitioner
referral to a trichologist.

Relevant health regulations may include:
federal, state and local health and hygiene
occupational health and safety.

Contagious disorders of the hair and scalp may include:
head lice
scabies
ringworm.

Remedial treatments may include:
medicated treatments from the salon range.

Symptoms of allergic reaction may include:
redness
itching
swelling.

Appropriate actions may include:
proceeding with planned colour service
not proceeding with planned colour service.

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
knowledge and consistent application of federal, state and local health and hygiene legislation and regulations
knowledge of the transmission routes of infectious conditions and skill in the application of standard infection-control precautions
consistently using effective questioning and active listening techniques to communicate with clients and other operators
recognising the appearance of common normal and abnormal scalp conditions
consulting with the client, developing and recording a client analysis, and recommending a course of action consistent with the analysis and client requirements
consistently applying and evaluating skin tests prior to providing hair colouring services in accordance with manufacturer's instructions, and taking appropriate action based on test results as required.

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/trichologist 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:
local health regulations
workplace policy and procedures manuals
photographs of common disorders
a range of clients with different hair and scalp conditions
a range of equipment and products appropriate to the hairdressing/trichology workplace
product labels, charts and other sources of product information
a qualified workplace assessor or assessment team.

Relationship to other units
In the context of an assessment-only and/or a training delivery and assessment pathway, this unit requires an assessment outcome that includes evidence of the application of communication skills, and knowledge of skin and hair biology as they are specifically identified in the required skills and knowledge for this unit.
none.
WRHHS301A Apply the principles of hairdressing science
WRHWP302A Operate effectively as a hairdresser in a salon work team.

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:
consulting with clients as part of the conduct of hair and scalp analysis
observing, recognising and diagnosing hair and scalp conditions
providing advice on a course of action as an outcome of the diagnosis
conducting and evaluating skin tests pre-hair colouring/lightening services
following health regulations and workplace procedures with regard to infectious disorders of the hair and scalp.
Written and/or oral questioning to assess knowledge and understanding of the symptoms and treatment options for a range of normal and abnormal hair and scalp conditions. Questions will be asked in a manner appropriate to the language and literacy level of the learner.
Third-party reports from experienced hairdressers/trichologists in the workplace.
Completion of self-paced learning materials, including personal reflection and feedback from the trainer, coach or supervisor.

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.

Communicating ideas and information
Conveying hair and/or scalp assessments to clients and negotiating agreement on future action require the communication of ideas and information. (2)

Collecting analysing and organising information
Researching appropriate products and manufacturer's instructions from the salon range requires information to be collected, analysed and organised. (2)

Planning and organising activities
Arranging a skin test prior to a proposed colour service appointment requires activities to be planned and organised. (1)

Working with others and in teams
Providing hair and scalp diagnosis as part of a sequence of services involving other workplace operators requires teamwork. (2)

Using mathematical ideas and techniques
Timing and costing a course of future treatments and services involve the use of mathematical ideas and techniques. (1)

Solving problems
Dealing with a poor skin test reaction and suggesting alternative colour services require the application of problem solving skills. (2)

Using technology
Recording hair and scalp diagnosis may require the use of technology. (1)