Cut and clipper hair

URN: SKAHDBR3
Business Sectors (Suites): Hairdressing and Barbering
Developed by: SkillsActive
Approved on: 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 cutting hair using club cutting, freehand, clipper over comb, fading and scissor over comb techniques. You are required to use these techniques to produce uniform layers, short and long graduations and leaving weight to create a straight geometric line. 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 short graduation
  2. Carry out a long graduation
  3. Leave weight to create a straight geometric line
  4. Carry out a uniform layer

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, to include:

2.1 removing excess hair cuttings from the individual’s skin throughout the service

2.2 removing excess hair from flooring to avoid injury

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

3.1 considering the anatomical head and face structures

3.2 alternative treatment options

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

4.1 hair curl classification

4.2 *hair characteristics *

4.3 state of hair

4.4 scalp condition 

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

5.1 contra-actions

5.2 adverse reactions

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

7.     comb and section the hair in accordance with the *cutting service protocol  *

8.     use cutting and clipper techniques suitable for the individual’s state of hair and hair curl classification to achieve the desired look, to include:

8.1 select and use of tools and equipment to avoid damage to the hair and scalp

9.     create and cut the initial guideline in accordance with the cutting service plan, to include:

9.1 confirming with the individual they want to proceed with the cut 

10.   cut the hair using the guidelines to ensure weight, balance and shape is achieved, to include:

10.1 rotating your position around the individual to ensure accuracy of cut

10.2 adapt your cutting and clipper techniques in accordance with the cutting service protocol  

11.   cross-check the cut to establish accurate distribution of weight, balance and shape 

12.   shape visible hair perimeters using cutting or clipper techniques, taking into account:

12.1 the natural hair line

12.2 hair growth patterns

12.3 hair curl classification  

13.   conclude the cutting service ensuring the individual is left free from hair cuttings

14.   confirm with the individual they are satisfied with the final result 

15.   monitor the individual's health and wellbeing throughout the cutting service

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

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

18.   use reflective practice to evaluate the cutting service and take appropriate action

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

20.   record the outcome and evaluation of the cutting service


Knowledge and Understanding

You need to know and understand:

1.     your role and responsibilities in providing cutting 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 

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 cutting services 

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

8.1 hair curl classification

8.2 hair characteristics 

8.3 state of hair

8.4 scalp condition 

8.5 individuals preferences

8.6 individual's expectations

8.7 hair service history 

9.     the importance of identifying the anatomical head and facial structures to choose the appropriate haircut and finish

10.   how to recognise over processed hair, the associated risks and action to take 

11.   how to recognise trichorrhexis nodosa, the associated risks and action to take

12.   the differences between cutting wet and dry hair and how it impacts the degree of tension used

13.   why hair should be washed prior to a cutting service

14.   why you should comb and section the hair prior to the cutting

15.   the associated risks from hair cuttings in close proximity of exposed skin

16.   how and when to use club, freehand, texturising, clipper over comb and scissor over comb cutting techniques 

17.   how to use, level and test clippers

18.   the type and size of clippers, clipper blades and attachments available and the effects that these achieve 

19.   how the angle at which the hair is held effects the weight distribution, balance and degree of graduation of the cut 

20.   the reasons for establishing and following guidelines

21.   how to follow fading guidelines

22.   how to create and follow a guideline for one length, uniform layer, short and long graduation looks 

23.   the traditional and current hair shapes

24.   how to cross-check and balance the cut 

25.   the hair growth patterns and how impact the hair cutting service

26.   the risks associated with continually close cutting

27.   the importance of consulting with the individual throughout the cutting process 

28.   the adverse reactions associated with an cutting service and how to respond

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

30.   the legal requirements for providing hair services to minors and vulnerable adults

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

32.   the fee structures and treatment options

33.   the legislative and indemnity requirements of gaining signed, informed consent for 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 importance of adhering to the cutting service protocol 

36.   the service time in accordance with your organisational policies and procedures

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

38.   the expected outcomes of cutting services 

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

40.   the instructions and advice, pre and post the cutting 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 elasticity
  4. hair porosity
  5. hair growth patterns

State of hair

  1. non - chemically treated hair
  2. partially chemically treated hair
  3. chemically treated hair

Cutting service protocol

  1. working environment
  2. health and safety
  3. infection prevention and control
  4. service plan

  5. informed consent

  6. data management

  7. audit and accountability

  8. instructions and advice

  9. sustainability
  10. waste management
  11. evidence-based practice
  12. reflective practice

Cutting and clipper techniques

  1. club cutting
  2. freehand
  3. scissor over comb
  4. clipper over comb
  5. texturising
  6. fading

Tools and equipment

  1. scissors
  2. clippers
  3. trimmers
  4. detailers
  5. foils

Hair growth patterns

  1. cowlick

  2. whorl

  3. double crown
  4. widows peak
  5. duck tail

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 


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.

Straight geometric line

A straight geometric line can be referred to as cutting a full fringe or a perimeter of a hair line where weight is left.


Links To Other NOS

SKAHDBRBNST1, SKAHDBRBNS1, SKAHDBR1, SKABBR2, SKABR1,

SKABR2, SKABR3, SKABR4, SKAHDBR2,  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

2024

Validity

Current

Status

Original

Originating Organisation

SkillsActive

Original URN

SKAAH4 and SKACH3

Relevant Occupations

Hairdressers and Related Occupations, Hairdressing and Barbering

SOC Code

6221

Keywords

cut hair, clipper hair, graduation, one length cut