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 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.

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.
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.
WRHHC306A Combine haircut structures on women
WRHHC307A 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.

Communicating ideas and information
Discussing creative haircut designs with clients involves the communication of ideas and information. (3)

Collecting analysing and organising information
Developing a portfolio of creative designs that include design analyses requires information to be collected, analysed and organised. (3)

Planning and organising activities
Developing a haircut plan requires the activity of the haircut to be planned and organised. (3)

Working with others and in teams
Working with others to research the latest creative haircut designs may involve teamwork. (1)

Using mathematical ideas and techniques
Combining haircut structures to achieve haircut designs requires the application of mathematical ideas and techniques. (2)

Solving problems
Checking the finished haircut and rectifying any errors may involve the application of problem solving skills. (2)

Using technology
Selecting and applying haircutting and finishing tools and equipment involve the application of technology. (2)