Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
22/07/2026 1:50 AM AWST
22/07/2026 1:50 AM AWST
Whilst all efforts are made to provide accurate and timely information from the relevant source/documentation, please be aware that the information supplied may not be the most current version. The accuracy of the detail has not been confirmed by the Department and therefore should not be relied upon without first confirming the contents.
Apply the principles of hairdressing science
Apply the principles of hairdressing science
Unit of competency
National Code
SIHHHSC301A
SIHHHSC301A
State Code
D8711
D8711
TGA Status
Deleted
Deleted
DTWD Status
Deleted
Deleted
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
21/10/2011
Field of Education
110303 - Hairdressing
Original Release Date
21/10/2011
Nominal Hours
20
Description
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to apply the principles of hairdressing science. Hairdressers demonstrate an understanding of skin and hair biology and cosmetic chemistry as they apply to the performance of hairdressing services.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Apply knowledge of skin structure and function.
- 1.1. Identify and apply knowledge of the main structure, functions and role of the skin to the provision of hairdressing services.
- 1.2. Apply knowledge of the structure andfunction of the glands of the skin to the provision of hairdressing services.
- 1.3. Identify the physical effects of scalp treatments on the skin and relate to the performance of hairdressing treatments.
2. Apply knowledge of hair structure and function.
- 2.1. Identify the main functions and role of hair to provide hairdressing services.
- 2.2. Identify the glands and muscles associated with the hair and hair follicles.
- 2.3. Recognise the structural and cellular features of hair and hair follicles.
- 2.4. Apply knowledge of the process of hair growth and the hair growth cycle to the provision of hairdressing services.
- 2.5. Recognise the characteristics of normal and damaged hair.
- 2.6. Identify factors affecting hair colour and chemical reformation and apply this knowledge in designing and performing treatments.
- 2.7. Recognise the physical effects of hairdressing services.
3. Apply knowledge of cosmetic chemistry.
- 3.1. Identify relevant concepts of cosmetic chemistry and relate to the safe performance of hairdressing services.
- 3.2. Assess the actions of the range of chemicals used in hairdressing treatments and relate to the selection and performance of hairdressing services.
- 3.3. Base assessment of suitability of the hair for chemical services on analysis of the effect of previous chemical services or environmental factors on the condition of the hair.
4. Apply knowledge of hairdressing products.
- 4.1. Assess the formulation of a range of hairdressing products in relation to the product purpose and action on the hair.
- 4.2. Identify contraindications where they relate to client health and safety, hair condition and potential service outcomes.
- 4.3. Select appropriate product based on hair and scalp analysis and desired action on hair.
5. Promote hair and scalp care.
- 5.1. Apply knowledge of the physical and chemical actions of a range of hairdressing products during services, to maximise the promotion of hair and scalp care, and client and operator safety.
- 5.2. Apply knowledge of potential environmental damage to hair, when providing after-care service and advice.
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.
The main structure, functions and role of the skin may include:
structure and function of the glands of the skin
relevant skin surface anatomy
major epidermal appendages and dermal structures
major cells of the epidermis
role of vascular, connective and nervous tissue in the dermis.
The structure and function of the glands of the skin may include:
structure, function, distribution and development of skin glands
production, composition and functions of sebum
production, composition and functions of eccrine and apocrine sweat fluids.
Physical effects of scalp treatments may include:
conditioning
removal of excess skin cells
removal of excess sebum.
The main functions and role of hair may include:
thermo-regulation
protecting the scalp from physical damage
controlling micro-organisms on the skin.
The glands and muscles associated with the hair and hair follicles may include:
structural and cellular features of a hair follicle
sebaceous glands
arrector pili muscle.
The structural and cellular features of hair and hair follicles may include:
hair shaft
layers of the hair
hair root and follicle.
The process of hair growth and the hair growth cycle may include:
hair growth cycle:
anagen (growth phase)
catagen (transitional phase)
telogen (resting phase)
influences on hair growth rate.
The characteristics of normal and damaged hair may include:
hair type including, coarse, medium and fine
texture
porosity.
Hair colour and chemical reformation may include:
main factors contributing to hair colour
origin, structure and location of melanin.
Physical effects of hairdressing services may include:
effects on hair structure
effects on hair texture
degree of curl or wave in hair
hair colour.
Concepts of cosmetic chemistry may include:
bonds
molecules
chemical compounds
chemical change
neutralisation and buffering
organic chemistry
chemical reactions
acids and bases and their effect on skin and hair
pH.
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.
Range of hairdressing products may include:
colouring products
lightening products
chemical reformation products
chemical relaxation products
temporary setting aids
topical products including sprays and waxes
trichological treatments.
Contraindications may include:
allergic reactions
hair porosity.
Potential environmental damage may include:
ultraviolet (sun) light
excessive use of overheated thermal equipment.
The main structure, functions and role of the skin may include:
structure and function of the glands of the skin
relevant skin surface anatomy
major epidermal appendages and dermal structures
major cells of the epidermis
role of vascular, connective and nervous tissue in the dermis.
The structure and function of the glands of the skin may include:
structure, function, distribution and development of skin glands
production, composition and functions of sebum
production, composition and functions of eccrine and apocrine sweat fluids.
Physical effects of scalp treatments may include:
conditioning
removal of excess skin cells
removal of excess sebum.
The main functions and role of hair may include:
thermo-regulation
protecting the scalp from physical damage
controlling micro-organisms on the skin.
The glands and muscles associated with the hair and hair follicles may include:
structural and cellular features of a hair follicle
sebaceous glands
arrector pili muscle.
The structural and cellular features of hair and hair follicles may include:
hair shaft
layers of the hair
hair root and follicle.
The process of hair growth and the hair growth cycle may include:
hair growth cycle:
anagen (growth phase)
catagen (transitional phase)
telogen (resting phase)
influences on hair growth rate.
The characteristics of normal and damaged hair may include:
hair type including, coarse, medium and fine
texture
porosity.
Hair colour and chemical reformation may include:
main factors contributing to hair colour
origin, structure and location of melanin.
Physical effects of hairdressing services may include:
effects on hair structure
effects on hair texture
degree of curl or wave in hair
hair colour.
Concepts of cosmetic chemistry may include:
bonds
molecules
chemical compounds
chemical change
neutralisation and buffering
organic chemistry
chemical reactions
acids and bases and their effect on skin and hair
pH.
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.
Range of hairdressing products may include:
colouring products
lightening products
chemical reformation products
chemical relaxation products
temporary setting aids
topical products including sprays and waxes
trichological treatments.
Contraindications may include:
allergic reactions
hair porosity.
Potential environmental damage may include:
ultraviolet (sun) light
excessive use of overheated thermal equipment.
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
knowledge of the main ingredients in common hairdressing products and their physical and chemical effects on hair
applying safe work practices and the safe use of products and equipment (including the use of preventative measures)
knowledge and consistent application of the principles of skin and hair science as they apply to hairdressing services, including:
main functions and roles of the skin
structural and cellular features of hair and hair follicles
process of hair growth and the hair growth cycle
characteristics of normal and damaged hair
contraindications to particular services.
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
a fully equipped salon which includes as a minimum:
a fully functional client reception area with:
telephone
client booking system
retail products range
a basin services area
equipment and work stations suitable for services including:
client consultation
hair and scalp treatments
haircutting
hair design
hair colouring
hair lightening
reformation
a supply of clean towels
a supply of clean client gowns or wraps
hairdressing products and equipment
a range of clients for different services
relevant documentation, such as:
product information and safety data sheets
salon procedures.
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 consultation, and hair and scalp analysis
safely performing a variety of treatment processes with minimum negative impact on hair and skin.
written or verbal questions appropriate to the language and literacy level of the learner to test knowledge which may include:
structural and cellular features of the hair and hair follicles
hair growth cycle
hair colour
effects of chemical curling, volumising and straightening products on the structure of the hair
relationship between the pre-existing condition of the hair and scalp and the contraindication of some services
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:
SIHHOHS201A Apply salon safety procedures
SIHHHSC302A Identify and treat hair and scalp conditions
Overview of assessment
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
knowledge of the main ingredients in common hairdressing products and their physical and chemical effects on hair
applying safe work practices and the safe use of products and equipment (including the use of preventative measures)
knowledge and consistent application of the principles of skin and hair science as they apply to hairdressing services, including:
main functions and roles of the skin
structural and cellular features of hair and hair follicles
process of hair growth and the hair growth cycle
characteristics of normal and damaged hair
contraindications to particular services.
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
a fully equipped salon which includes as a minimum:
a fully functional client reception area with:
telephone
client booking system
retail products range
a basin services area
equipment and work stations suitable for services including:
client consultation
hair and scalp treatments
haircutting
hair design
hair colouring
hair lightening
reformation
a supply of clean towels
a supply of clean client gowns or wraps
hairdressing products and equipment
a range of clients for different services
relevant documentation, such as:
product information and safety data sheets
salon procedures.
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 consultation, and hair and scalp analysis
safely performing a variety of treatment processes with minimum negative impact on hair and skin.
written or verbal questions appropriate to the language and literacy level of the learner to test knowledge which may include:
structural and cellular features of the hair and hair follicles
hair growth cycle
hair colour
effects of chemical curling, volumising and straightening products on the structure of the hair
relationship between the pre-existing condition of the hair and scalp and the contraindication of some services
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:
SIHHOHS201A Apply salon safety procedures
SIHHHSC302A Identify and treat hair and scalp conditions
Replaces
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| S4528 | WRHHS301A | Apply the principles of hairdressing science | Unit of competency |
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| D590 | SIH30111 | Certificate III in Hairdressing | Qualification |