Informed choices - Hairdressing

To work in the industry areas identified, the following skills needs to be considered:

Observational skills

• Notice changes in people’s behaviour, ability and the environment
• Identify safety hazards and risks
• Observe and understand non-verbal cues (e.g. facial expressions, body language).

Communication skills

• Speaks clearly and directly e.g. providing clear information to clients about services and products
• Uses appropriate language and respect when working with clients from other cultures 
• Shows sensitivity to client’s personal space and needs, including confidentiality
• Communicates with clients in a professional manner at all times
• Listens actively e.g. able to understand and analyse client’s service needs 
• Asks questions and observing the client
• Responds to feedback or questions from the client
• Reads and interprets the client’s non-verbal cues (e.g. facial expressions, body language etc.)
• Maintains records in written communication e.g. able to keep client records
• Promotes and sells retail products
• Has customer service skills (e.g. Can deal with customer complaints, enquiries etc.).

Technical and/or motor skills and abilities

• No allergies or skin disorders linked to hair or beauty products and chemicals
• Good hand-eye coordination 
• Enjoys working with in a team environment
• Enjoys practical work 
• Fine motor skills (e.g. in the wrists, hands, and fingers)
• Attention to detail
• Patience with learning
• Good mobility (able to deal with the physical demands e.g. standing for periods of time, depending on services)
• Using numeracy effectively
• Artistic ability/Creative flair
• Good colour perception (e.g. the ability to be able to determine the differences in colours)
• Have a range of Information Technology (IT) skills.

Cognitive and intellectual skills

• Reads and interprets instructions on labels and applies to products
• Able and willing to follow instructions 
• Able and willing to follow salon procedures and policies
• Problem solving (e.g. showing independence and initiative in identifying and solving problems)
• Time Management (e.g. able to work accurately within time constraints)
• Tolerant of late and changeable working hours
• Able to be responsible for others’ health and safety
• Able to be responsible for your own health safety.

Behavioural and social skills

• Works as part of a team and/or independently
• Pleasant and tactful when dealing with customers over the phone and face to face
• Genuine interest in working with people
• Has a good understanding of equality and discrimination policies
• Interpersonal skills and an ability to put the customer at ease
• Sensitive when dealing with clients’ various service needs
• Comfortable with physical contact with clients of varying body types and ages
• Good personal hygiene and presentation.

Some of the core language, literacy and numeracy (LLN) skills for entry into this Industry are:

Reading skills Interpreting and follow manufacturer’s instructions and safety data sheets for safe use of cleaning

Writing skills Record treatment using anatomy and physiology terminology

Oral communication Use effective questioning and active listening techniques to consult with client, confirm requirements and monitor outcomes.

Numeracy skills Calculate treatment times, product quantities and price

Problem solving skills Identify issues with machinery or product application and modify technique or product to ensure clients satisfaction

Technology skills Use client software to update client notes, rebook clients for future treatments, record stock data and product purchase.

Listed below are the employability skills that an individual student needs to demonstrate during training and are highly valued by industry when seeking employment.  As a student you must be able to demonstrate the following:

Communication

• The ability to develop and maintain relationships, trust and confidence.
• The ability to communicate with a range of people from different backgrounds.

Teamwork

• The ability to work with other people for a common outcome.
• Respect for other people and their role within the work team.
• The ability to accept direction and feedback.

Problem solving

• The ability to identify potential problems and respond appropriately. 
• The ability to ask questions and seek clarification when necessary. 

Initiative and enterprise

• Motivation and interest.
• The ability to seek assistance when necessary.
• Foresight / the ability to see what needs to be done.

Planning and organising

• Appropriate time management skills.
• The ability to prioritise, plan and organise own workload.

Self-management

• Seek feedback and reflect on your own performance
• Accept responsibility for own actions.

Learning

• Ability to identify own strengths and weaknesses and seek assistance where necessary.
• The ability and motivation to build on past knowledge and experience.
• The ability to take on new information and tasks.

Technology

• The ability to learn and adapt to new technology.
• The ability to access information and use digital media for study and work. 

• SHB20216 Certificate II in Salon Assistant - on enrolment, students are required to purchase a tool kit and uniform which is part of the professional presentation standard required in industry
• Students will have access to computers and internet
• Access to notes, resources and written assessments accessed via NMTAFE Blackboard
• Students will need to provide a range of models/clients for assessments.