Select, fit and maintain added hair pieces
Overview
This standard is about your ability to select, fit and maintain various types of added hair pieces to provide a range of solutions to alter hair density or provide hair and scalp coverage due to hair loss. This will involve carrying out a concise and comprehensive consultation with the individual to determine the individual's requirements and suitability for the service. You will be required to understand the benefits and limitations of the types of added hair pieces, the different attachment and application techniques and maintenance methods.
Performance criteria
You must be able to:
1. follow legal requirements and other relevant standards, insurance guidelines and, organisational protocols
2. maintain your responsibilities for health, safety, hygiene and welfare of the individual and yourself before, during and after the service
3. carry out a concise and comprehensive consultation with the individual to determine their requirements and suitability, taking into account
3.1desired objectives, style, length and colour
3.2 skin and scalp condition
3.3 head size and face shape
3.4 skin tone and existing hair colour
3.5 the individuals hair type, texture and density
3.6 hair growth patterns
3.7 recognition of existing hair loss condition and their prognosis
3.8 consideration of environment and lifestyle
3.9 budgetary constraints
3.10 use of natural or artificial hair
3.11 types of wig base and hair extensions available
3.12 types of attachments to be used
3.13 contraindications to the service
3.14 health and wellbeing of the individual
4. discuss and provide advice on suitability based on the consultation outcomes
5. inform the individual of the procedures and fee structure to fit and maintain added hair pieces *
6. allow time for the individual to select and choose from a range of *added hair pieces to meet their requirements and desired style
7. confirm and agree the chosen added hair piece *
8. prepare, secure and section the individuals’ hair and scalp to meet the needs of the service
9. test the individuals’ skin for potential adverse reactions to adhesives, removers and added hair and record the outcome
10. prepare *added hair pieces to ensure ease of fitting or application during the service
11. place the individual in a comfortable position for application of the added hair piece to minimise discomfort to the individual
12. select and use appropriate tools and equipment to meet the service needs
13. fit and attach the added hair piece using the appropriate techniques
14. ensure the appropriate direction and position of the added hair pieces *
15. ensure the *added hair piece fits securely without causing excessive tension to the hair and scalp, and discomfort to the individual during and after the service
16. adjust or remove any added hair pieces as necessary to ensure comfort and without causing damage to the hair or scalp
17. confirm the individuals’ satisfaction with the finished look
18. provide aftercare advice to maintain the added hair piece to ensure longevity and minimise damage to the individuals hair and scalp, to include:
18.1 frequency and methods of cleansing and conditioning
18.2 use and limitations of products for cleansing, conditioning, styling and finishing
18.3 use and limitations of heated styling and finishing
18.4 how to remove and store added hair pieces
18.5 when to return for further maintenance, adjustment or removal of added hair pieces
18.6 suitability to cut, style and colour the added hair piece and who can carry this out
19. complete the individuals’ records and store in accordance with data legislation
20. refer the individual to other professionals as required if further services are needed beyond the scope of your practice
Knowledge and Understanding
You need to know and understand:
1. the legal requirements and other relevant standards, insurance guidelines and, organisational protocols when carrying out added hair piece services
2. how to maintain your responsibilities for the health, safety and welfare of the individual and yourself before, during and after the added hair piece services
3. how to source and liaise with suppliers
4. the importance of recording and evaluating the factors arising from the consultation, for the added hair piece chosen, to include:
4.1 desired objectives, style, length and colour
4.2 scalp condition and sensitivity
4.3 head size and face shape
4.4 skin tone and existing hair colour
4.5 the individuals hair type, texture and density
4.6 hair growth patterns
4.7 recognition of existing hair loss condition and their prognosis
4.8 consideration of environment and lifestyle
4.9 budgetary constraints
4.10 use of natural or artificial hair
4.11 types of wig base and hair extensions available
4.12 types of attachments to be used
4.13 contraindications to the service
4.14 health and wellbeing of the individual
5. why it is important to document and record existing areas of hair loss prior to fitting the added hair piece and confirming whether the area of hair loss may continue to progress naturally whilst the added hair piece is worn
6. the communication techniques and how to adapt these based on the individuals needs
7. the need to provide information regarding the fitting and maintenance procedures, fee structure and the potential adverse effects on the added hair piece and the individuals existing hair and scalp
8. the importance of allowing time for the individual to select and choose from a range of added hair pieces *
9. the individual rights and legislation covering sale and supply of goods and services
10. the need to confirm and agree the chosen *added hair piece before proceeding with any personalisation and alteration of the added hair piece
11. how to prepare, secure and section the individuals’ hair and scalp to meet the needs of the service
12. the importance or carrying tests and recording the findings
13. how added hair pieces should be prepared to ensure ease of fitting or application and to aid accurate positioning and avoid tangling
14. the importance of placing the individual in a comfortable position for application of the added hair piece *
15. the types and uses of appropriate tools and equipment to meet the service needs
16. the techniques used to section and handle the individuals hair, and to fit and attach the *added hair piece
17. why the direction and position of the added hair piece must be considered in relation to the individuals own direction of hair growth to avoid discomfort and for an effective finish
18. how to ensure the added hair piece fits securely without causing excessive tension to the hair and scalp, and discomfort to the individual during and after the service
19. the risks and signs of traction hair loss
20. how to adjust or remove added hair pieces without causing damage to the hair or scalp
21. the importance of confirming the individuals’ satisfaction with the finished look
22. the types and importance of providing appropriate aftercare advice to maintain the added hair piece to ensure longevity and minimise damage to the individuals hair and scalp including:
22.1 frequency and methods of cleansing and conditioning
22.2 use and limitations of products for cleansing, conditioning, styling and finishing
22.3 use and limitations of heated styling and finishing
22.4 the fragility and impact of heat and weathering on the added hair piece
22.5 how to remove and store added hair pieces
22.6 when to return for further maintenance, adjustment or removal of added hair pieces
22.7 suitability to cut, style and colour the added hair piece and who is able to carry this out
23. the type of information required to complete the individuals’ records and store in accordance with data legislation
24. how, when and why to refer the individual to other professionals when further services are required beyond the scope of your practice
Scope/range
Added hair pieces
Wigs
Toppers and partial hair pieces
Integrated hair systems
Hair extensions
Facial hair piece
Professionals
Trichologist
General practitioner
Dermatologist
Hair stylist or barber
Psychologist/counsellor
Hair transplant surgeon
Aesthetic practitioner