Provide shaving services using a straight razor with single use blades

URN: SKABR4
Business Sectors (Suites): Barbering
Developed by: SkillsActive
Approved on: 30 Mar 2021

Overview

This standard coexists alongside, SKAHDBRBNST1 Implement and maintain safe, hygienic and effective working practices and SKAHDBRBNS1 Consult, assess, plan and prepare for Hair, Barbering, Beauty, Nails, Wellbeing and Holistic services. This standard is about a hair professional providing shaving services on the face, head and neck hair using a straight razor with single use blades. You will also be required to do a post procedure evaluation and reflection for continuous improvement. Users of this standard will need to ensure that their practices reflect up-to-date information, policies, procedures and best practice guidance. It is advisable users of this standard are aware of, and comply with first aid requirements in accordance with legislation and organisational policies and procedures.

The main outcomes are:

  1. Carry out a facial and neck razor shave with a hot towel, facial  massage and cold towel
  2. Carry out a razor shave of the head

Performance criteria

You must be able to:

​1.     carry out a concise and comprehensive consultation with the individual

2.     maintain your responsibilities for health and safety in accordance with legislation, regulations, directives and guidelines

3.     discuss and establish the individual's objectives and desired outcomes to inform the shaving service plan, to include: 

3.1 considering the anatomical head and face structures

3.2 alternative service options

4.     carry out a hair and skin analysis to determine the service plan, to include:

4.1 hair curl classification

4.2 hair characteristics

4.3 facial hair growth patterns

4.4 skin classification

4.5 skin type

4.6 skin condition

4.7 in-growing hair

4.8 facial piercings

5.     confirm and agree with the individual, they have understood the proposed shaving service, to include:

5.1 contra-actions

5.2 adverse reactions

6.     obtain the individual's informed consent for the shaving service

7.     prepare the individual's treatment area in accordance with the shaving the service plan, to include:

7.1 trimming long hair

7.2 pre-treatment product

Hot towel service

8.     prepare the hot towel in accordance with the shaving service protocol, to include:

8.1 carrying out a temperature check before applying on the individual's treatment area

9.     place the towel on the individual's treatment area in accordance with the individual's service plan, to include:

9.1 avoiding blocking the nostril area

10.   remove the hot towel

Shaving service

11.   apply a lathering product using lathering techniques on the individual's treatment area in accordance with the shaving service protocol

12.   select, prepare the straight razor in accordance to the shaving service protocol, to include:

12.1 loading the blade aseptically within the straight razor in accordance with legislative requirements

13.   use razor techniques in accordance with the shaving service protocol to include:

13.1 manually supporting the skin

13.2 the safe handling and use of the razor to avoid damage to the skin

13.3 rotating your position around the individual and carrying out razoring techniques suitable for the individual's treatment area

14.   dispose of waste in accordance to legislative requirements

15.   remove any residue on the skin in accordance with the shaving service protocol

Massage service

16.   apply a massage medium on the individual's treatment area in accordance with the shaving service protocol

17.   carry out a massage treatment using massage techniques in accordance with the shaving service protocol 

18.   remove any residue on the skin in accordance with the shaving service protocol Cold towel service

19.   prepare the towel in accordance with the shaving service protocol, to include:

19.1 carry out a temperature check before applying on the individual's treatment area

20.   place the towel on the individual's treatment area in accordance with the individual's service plan, to include:

20.1 avoiding blocking the nostril area

21.   remove the cold towel

22.   conclude the shaving service with a post-treatment product in accordance with the shaving service protocol 

23.   monitor the individual's health and wellbeing throughout the shaving service

24.   implement the correct course of action in the event of an adverse reaction

25.   complete the individual's service records and store in accordance with data legislation

26.   use reflective practice to evaluate the shaving service and take appropriate action

27.   provide instructions and advice to the individual, pre and post the service

28.   record the outcome and evaluation of the shaving service


Knowledge and Understanding

You need to know and understand:

1.     your role and responsibilities in performing shaving services and the importance of working within your competence

2.     why you must comply with ethical practice and work within the legislative requirements, to include:

2.1 the responsibilities under local authority licensing regulations for yourself and your premises

3.     the importance to engage in, and document continuous professional development to include, up-to-date information policies, procedures and best practice guidance

4.     the anatomy and physiology relevant to this standard, to include

5.     the relative and absolute contraindications relevant to the hair service, to include:

5.1 the legislative and insurance requirements for obtaining medical diagnosis and referral 

6.     the importance of recognising suspicious skin irregularities and scalp lesions, and referring to a relevant healthcare professional 

7.     the tools and equipment used in shaving services 

8.     the limitations of shaving techniques and the adaptations required, in relation to:

8.1 skin and hair curl classification

8.2 skin and hair condition 

8.3 facial hair growth patterns

8.4 the anatomical head and face structures, including raised or depressed areas of skin

8.5 facial piercings 

9.     the anatomical head and facial structures and how they impact the shaving service

10.   the types of skin and hair pre-treatment products used prior to a shaving service

11.   the types of hygiene products for the skin and the importance of following manufacturer instructions 

12.   why you should clipper or cut long hair prior to the shaving service

13.   the importance of considering natural growth patterns to effectively shave the hair

14.   how to carry out a straight razor service

15.   the service times in accordance with your organisational policies and procedures

16.   the associated risks from hair shavings in close proximity of exposed skin

17.   why it's important to identify associated risks when using a razor on the skin, to include:

17.1 potential injuries

18.   the importance of stretching the skin taut to ensure tension is achieved throughout the straight razor service

19.   how to adapt the shaving service for lax skin 

20.   the risk of ingrowing hairs resulting from continual close cutting

21.   how to prepare tools and equipment in line with the shaving service protocol, to include:

21.1 how to load the blade aseptically

21.2 why and how to angle the blade and manually support the skin to achieve effective results

21.3 the reasons for working systematically to cover the individual's treatment area in accordance with the shaving service protocol

22.   how to use, level and test clippers

23.   the types and size of clippers, clipper blades and attachments available and the effects that these achieve 

24.   when, why and how to use brush and massage techniques when applying lathering products 

25.   the types, benefits and use of post-treatment products 

26.   the importance of consulting with individual throughout the shaving process 

27.   the adverse reactions associated with an shaving service and how to respond

28.   the health and safety responsibilities in line with legislation before, during and after the service

29.   why it is important to discuss and establish the individual's objectives, concerns, expectations, desired outcomes and agree the shaving service plan

30.   the fee structures and service options

31.   the legislative and indemnity requirements of gaining signed, informed consent for the service

32.   the importance of adhering to the shaving service protocol

33.   the importance of monitoring the health and wellbeing of the individual during and post the service

34.   the reasons for taking consensual visual media of the individual's treatment area and storing in accordance with the service, legislative, insurance and organisational requirements

35.   the legislative and regulatory requirements of completing and storing the individual's shaving service records

36.   the expected outcomes from shaving services 

37.   the purpose of reflective practice and evaluation and how it informs future services

38.   the importance to record the outcome and evaluation of shaving service

39.   the instructions and advice, pre and post the shaving service


Scope/range

Hair curl classification

  1. straight
  2. wavy
  3. curly
  4. tight curls
  5. combination

Hair characteristics

  1. hair density
  2. hair texture
  3. hair growth patterns

Skin classification

  1. Fitzpatrick scale

Skin type

  1. oily
  2. dry
  3. combination
  4. balanced

Skin condition

  1. sensitised
  2. lax elasticity
  3. dehydrated
  4. skin density
  5. raised tissue, moles etc.

Adverse reactions

  1. infection
  2. wounds
  3. oedema
  4. hypertrophic and atrophic scarring
  5. increased photosensitivity reaction

Shaving service protocol

  1. working environment
  2. health and safety
  3. infection prevention and control
  4. service plan
  5. informed consent
  6. manufacturer instructions
  7. data management
  8. audit and accountability
  9. instructions and advice
  10. sustainability
  11. waste management
  12. evidence-based practice
  13. reflective practice

Lathering products

  1. cream
  2. gel
  3. oil
  4. soap

Lathering techniques

  1. apply with a brush
  2. apply using massage techniques

Razor techniques

  1. skin tensioning
  2. forehand razoring
  3. backhand razoring
  4. sponge shaving

Massage techniques

  1. effleurage
  2. petrissage
  3. tapotement

Instructions

  1. the individual and practitioner's legal rights and responsibilities
  2. pre and post procedure instructions and care
  3. restrictions and associated risks
  4. future procedures

Anatomy and physiology

  1. the structure and function of the hair and the hair growth cycle
  2. the structure and function of the skin
  3. basic anatomical structure of the head, neck and shoulders
  4. relative and absolute contraindications and related pathologies

Tools and Equipment

  1. scissors
  2. clippers
  3. straight razor (blade holder)
  4. single use sterile blades

Pre-treatment products

  1. skin tonics
  2. friction lotions

Post-treatment products

  1. astringents
  2. moisturising cream
  3. aftershave balm
  4. powder
  5. oil

Scope Performance


Scope Knowledge


Values


Behaviours


Skills


Glossary

Absolute contraindication

An absolute contraindication is a condition that prevents the service from being carried out and may require referral.

Adverse reaction
An adverse reaction is an 'unexpected' reaction or outcome following a service, i.e. fainting

Contra action
A contra-action is an 'expected' reaction or outcome following a service, i.e. erythema

Evidence-based practice

Evidence-based practice is based on the best available, current, valid and relevant evidence.

First aid

First aid can refer to first aid at work qualifications or equivalent and first aid mental health awareness.

Hair curl classification

Hair curl classification can be referred to as Type 1 – 4.

Protocol

A protocol is a standard procedure to ensure best practice and compliance when providing services, i.e. follow manufacturer instructions.

Relative contraindication

A relative contraindication is a condition that requires an assessment of suitability for the service and/or if adaptions are required.


Links To Other NOS

​SKAHDBRBNST1, SKAHDBRBNS1, SKAHDBR1, SKABBR2, SKABR1,

SKABR2, SKABR3, SKAHDBR2,  SKAHDBR3, SKAHDBR4,

SKAHDBR5, SKAHDBR6, SKAHDBR7, SKAHDBR8, SKAHDBR9, SKAHDBR10, SKAHDBR11, SKAHDBR12, SKAHDBR13, SKAHDBR14, SKAHDBR15, SKAHDB16, SKAHDB19, SKAHDB20, SKAHDB21, SKABR5


External Links


Version Number

3

Indicative Review Date

31 Mar 2024

Validity

Current

Status

Original

Originating Organisation

SkillsActive

Original URN

SKACB10

Relevant Occupations

Barbering, Barber

SOC Code

6221

Keywords

barbering, shaving services, cut throat razor, single use blades, straight razor