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 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.
Portfolio of creative long hair designs may include:
local and international creative long hair design trends
photographs, including hard copy and online
sketches
DVD or video.
Sources may include:
local and international sources
books
fashion magazines
fashion parades and collections
hair shows
websites.
Design plan must include:
identified design elements and principles
tools
techniques
additional materials, such as:
padding
hairpiece
ornamentation.
Natural hair type may include:
European
Afro
Asian.
Texture may include:
coarse
medium
fine.
Growth patterns may include:
crown area
hairline
neckline
cowlicks (whorls).
Length, structure and movement may include:
shoulder length
below shoulder length
one length or solid
graduated
combination of structures
straight
wavy
natural curl
chemical curl or waves.
Facial features and bone structure may include:
square
round
oval
heart
combination of shapes
unusual facial shapes.
Visual examples may include:
magazine shots
photographs
quick sketches or simple line drawings
hair design text books.
Clients may include:
women
people from a range of social, cultural or ethnic backgrounds and with a range of physical and mental abilities.
Elements and principles of design may include:
elements, such as:
straight or curved lines
shape
direction
size
texture
colour
principles, including:
balance
gradation
repetition
contrast
harmony
dominance
unity.
Long hair designs must include:
hair designs that are:
up
down
a combination up and down looks
structured and unstructured looks.
Long hair designs may include:
rolls
twists
braids
knots
curls
waves
texture
the application of padding
ornamentation
attached hairpieces.
Relevant hair preparation methods may include:
applying styling products
blow drying
blow waving
moulding
water waving
roller placement for curl or volume
applying hot tongs for curl or texture
applying crimpers
lamp drying
use of heat diffusers
smoothing and straightening hair
applying flat irons to straighten hair.
Relevant finishing techniques may include:
finishing techniques, such as:
sectioning the hair and following a sequence to dress each section
brushing
dry moulding
backcombing
smoothing over backcombing
placing
securing the hair using bands or pins that are not visible in the finished design
inserting attachments, such as:
padding of various shapes
hairpieces made from human or synthetic hair
artificial fibre
ornamentation.
Salon procedures may include:
client comfort and safety
operator safety
procedures that comply with state or territory and local government health regulations relevant to the service
environmental protection practices, such as:
waste minimisation
waste disposal
water efficiency.
Home hair care products may include:
shampoos
conditioners
styling aids, such as:
mousses
lotions
gels
waxes
hair sprays
texturising products.

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
Evidence of the following is essential:
analysing and identifying the elements of long hair designs and alternative techniques that may be applied to achieve those designs
applying tools and equipment to achieve a range of creative and current up, down and combination hair designs on long hair
completing long hair design services within designated salon timeframes.
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
an adjustable client chair
a clean client gown or wrap
a supply of clean towels
hair design equipment, including:
combs
brushes
rollers
clips
blow dryer
heat diffuser
heat lamps
hair dryer
tongs
straightening irons
a range of clients with long hair for hair design services
styling products
relevant documentation, including:
manufacturer instructions
salon procedures
safety data sheets for the safe use of electrical equipment
For further guidance on the use of an appropriate simulated environment, refer to the Assessment Guidelines in this Training Package.
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:
research leading to the development of a long hair design portfolio
direct observation of the learner consulting with clients and applying tools and equipment to complete long hair designs
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 prerequisite to another—they are related skills.
Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, salon and job role is recommended for example:
SIHHTLS403A Work as a session stylist