Google Links

Follow the links below to find material targeted to the unit's elements, performance criteria, required skills and knowledge

Elements and Performance Criteria

1. Consult and examine client.
   • Use standard infection control precautions, throughout assessment, according to health regulations and organisational procedures.
   • Establish rapport with client and obtain relevant information to determine expectations and requirements.
   • Question client to obtain and record details of client symptoms, history of complaint, previous treatments and general health.
   • Visually and physically examine hair and scalp condition.
   • Determine need for microscopic analysis of sample hairs and explain process to client.
   • Gather hair samples from appropriate areas of scalp without damage to samples.
   • Mount hair samples on microscopic slide and examine, interpret and record observations.
2. Discuss dietary health.
   • Seek information on client’s current dietary health and nutritional intake.
   • Explain the importance of food and nutrients to healthy hair and scalp and the efficacy of trichological treatments.
   • Provide basic dietary advice to support the outcomes of trichological treatments.
   • Counsel client to seek specialist nutrition advice from health care professionals, as required.
3. Assess the problem.
   • Organise and analyse information collected from physical and visual examination and microscopic analysis.
   • Identify abnormal hair and scalp conditions, including contagious ones, and counsel client on potential remedial actions.
   • Assess trichological problems and causes, based on client examination and analysis.
   • Determine beneficial trichological treatments suited to client hair and scalp condition.
4. Communicate the assessment.
   • Explain consultation assessment to client and answer questions with clarity.
   • Discuss treatment options and costs and confirm a treatment program suitable for client needs.
   • Refer client to other professionals where assessment indicates treatment is outside scope of own ability.
   • Complete a full trichological assessment report.

Performance Evidence

Evidence of the ability to complete tasks outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit in the context of the job role, and:

integrate the use of infection control precautions and organisational procedures to complete trichological assessments for five different clients

record the following details of the trichological assessment in a comprehensive report for each client serviced:

client symptoms, history of complaint, previous treatments and general health

observations from physical and visual examination of hair and scalp

outcomes of microscopic analysis

presence of any abnormal or contagious conditions which cannot be treated

dietary assessment and advice provided

full analysis of information and treatment options advised to client

advice provided to client to seek treatment from health care professionals

recommended treatment plan and costs.

---

Knowledge Evidence

Demonstrated knowledge required to complete the tasks outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit:

hair and scalp biology as it relates to the health of human hair and scalp and the provision of trichological treatments:

main structure, functions and role of skin

skin surface anatomy

major epidermal appendages and dermal structures

major cells of the epidermis

role of vascular, connective and nervous tissue in the dermis

structure and function of the glands of the skin:

distribution and development of skin glands

production, composition, functions and behaviour of sebum, eccrine and apocrine sweat fluids

glands and muscles associated with the hair and hair follicles:

structural and cellular features of a hair follicle

sebaceous glands

arrector pili muscle

growth, development, aging and healing of human hair and scalp as it relates to the provision of trichological treatments:

growth

development

differentiation

cell division and differentiation

growth of the epidermis

mitosis

changes in the skin from foetus to old age

theories about ageing

normal ageing and photo ageing

wound healing, including stages in wound healing

hereditary physical traits and conditions

the gene theory of inheritance

dominant and recessive genes

acne

eczema or atopic dermatitis

seborrheic dermatitis

pigmentation disorders

hair disorders

role of endocrine glands and hormones in the body:

sebaceous gland secretion

sweat secretion

sense reception

growth and healing

hair growth and loss

pigmentation

age-related hormonal change and the skin

functions and dysfunctions of the circulatory system

the interrelationship between the circulatory and endocrine systems

the relationship of the circulatory system to the health of the hair

functions and dysfunctions of the immune system:

auto-immune disorders

alopecia areata

the relationship of the auto-immune system to the health of the hair

the principles of nutrition they relate to the health of human hair and scalp and the efficacy of trichological treatments:

common diet and nutrition-related hair and scalp conditions and symptoms

role of food, nutrients and other food substances

nutritional needs and healthy options:

healthy eating pyramid

guidelines for specific nutrients

functions of the digestive system, including mechanical and chemical digestive processes, and main functions of these organs:

mouth and salivary glands

oesophagus

stomach

small intestine

large intestine

rectum

anus

pancreas

gall bladder

liver

main functions of the excretory system and these organs:

kidneys

liver

lungs

skin

common trichological disorders, symptoms, visual signs and treatment options:

adverse effects of previous treatments on the hair and scalp

alopecia areata

androgenetic alopecia

diffuse hair loss

dry or oily dandruff

head lice

pityriasis versicolor

psoriasis

ringworm

scabies

seborrheic dermatitis

seborrhoea

tinea capitis

traction alopecia

role and limitations of trichology in the management of a range of skin disorders

key features of the organisation’s remedial trichological product range:

formulation

product purpose, benefits and efficacy

physical effects on the hair and scalp

contraindications to use:

skin disorders or diseases

allergic reactions

the transmission routes of infectious conditions:

direct contact (client to operator, operator to client, operator to operator)

non-intact skin (cuts, abrasions, lesions)

work surfaces

equipment

key features of, and reasons for, standard infection-control precautions:

hand washing and drying before and after client contact, cleaning and waste disposal and using occlusive dressings for own cuts and abrasions

using personal protective equipment, particularly gloves, gowns, aprons, face masks and eye protection

cleaning, disinfecting or sterilising reusable equipment

cleaning or disinfecting work surfaces, client gowns and towels

appropriate handling and disposal of single use items and clinical (infectious) waste

basic aspects of local government, state or territory health regulations applicable to hair and scalp treatments

industry practices and organisational procedures for:

infection control for hair and scalp assessments

waste disposal with particular emphasis on sound disposal methods for clinical (infectious) waste.

---