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.

Natural hair type may include:
European
Asian
Afro.

Texture may include:
coarse
medium
fine.

Growth patterns may include:
crown area
hairline
neckline
cowlicks (whorls).

Movement may include:
straight
wavy
natural curl
chemical curl or waves.

Finished haircut designs must include:
short back and sides
short, medium and long tapered
short, medium and long style cuts with square necklines
flat top (crew)
medium fashion cut spiked on top.

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

Haircutting tools may include:
scissors
serrated scissors
razors
clippers
combs.

Techniques may include:
scissors 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.

Relevant legislation may include:
local health
skin penetration.

Workplace policies and procedures may include:
workplace health and safety.

Finishing tools may include:
lamps
blow dryer
Denman style brushes
vent style brushes
round brushes
combs
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 must be able to select and use scissors, clippers, razors and combs effectively to create men's haircuts. They must demonstrate the ability to consistently and methodically approach and perform men's haircuts. They must also demonstrate the consistent ability to cut short, medium and long tapered designs, square neckline shapes, flat and spiked tops, along with knowledge and skills in finishing techniques for men's haircuts.
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
pre-haircutting service analysis on a variety of clients
demonstrated ability to use haircutting tools to combine haircut structures for a variety of haircut looks including:
short back and sides
short, medium and long tapered haircuts
medium fashion cut spiked on top
medium style cut with square back
flat top (crew)
outlining haircuts using:
clippers
scissors
neck shaving techniques
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:
a salon or simulated salon environment
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.
WRHCS201A Prepare clients for salon services.
WRHHC301A Design haircut structures
WRHHC302A Apply one length/solid haircut structures
WRHHC303A Apply graduated haircut structures
WRHHC304A Apply layered haircut structures
WRHHC305A Apply over-comb techniques
WRHWP302A Operate effectively as a hairdresser in a salon work team.

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 haircut analysis
planning and safely applying:
short back and sides haircuts
medium fashion cuts spiked on top
medium style cuts with square backs
flat top (crew) haircuts
other haircut combinations
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 potential finished haircut designs with clients involves the communication of ideas and information. (3)

Collecting analysing and organising information
Conducting haircut pre-service analysis and selecting techniques to achieve haircuts for particular clients require information to be collected, analysed and organised. (3)

Planning and organising activities
Performing a haircut requires that the activity of the haircut is planned and performed to a logical sequence. (2)

Working with others and in teams
Providing assistance to colleagues, supporting the efficient operation of the workplace and working within workplace policies and procedures 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)