SAQA All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.
SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED UNIT STANDARD THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Relaxing and Straightening of Ladies Hair 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
11875  Relaxing and Straightening of Ladies Hair 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Hairdressing Cosmetology and Beauty 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 11 - Services Personal Care 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular  Level 4  NQF Level 04  12 
REGISTRATION STATUS REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE SAQA DECISION NUMBER
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Registered" 		 2001-06-13  2004-06-13  SAQA 0936/01 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2005-06-13   2008-06-13  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This unit standard does not replace any other unit standard and is not replaced by any other unit standard. 

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
Qualifying learners credited with this unit standard have knowledge of the theory of hair relaxing/straightening, the processes of hair relaxing/straightening, chemicals, products and tools that are used to relax/straighten hair and the skills to successfully offer and perform hair relaxing/straightening services on clients. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Literacy, numeracy, communication and language skills equal to a NQF Level 1 Certificate.
Unit Standard 3PCH - Sanitation and Sterilisation for Hairdressing
Unit Standard 4PCH - Receiving and Consulting with Hairdressing Clients.
Unit Standard 5PCLH - Shampooing of Ladies Hair.
Unit Standard 6PCLH -Conditioning of Ladies Hair 

UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
The scope of this unit standard includes relaxer, straightener and reverse perm within the context of a re-touch and virgin application on different lengths of Ladies Hair - Caucasian type hair.
Influencing factors are temperature, hair texture, hair length, growth patterns, hair condition and scalp sensitivity. 

Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
Relax/straighten and neutralise virgin hair of different lengths 
OUTCOME NOTES 
The learner is able to relax/straighten and neutralise virgin hair of different lengths taking into account critical influencing factors. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
1. The workstation is prepared for a chemical relaxing/straightening service. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
2. The client is consulted with, in a professional manner to analyse hair and scalp condition and to establish degree of relaxing/straightening and style requirements. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
3. Information is recorded on the client record card. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
4. The client is gowned and protected according to salon procedures. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
5. The release form is completed. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
6. The appropriate strength of relaxing/straightening product is selected based on hair texture and the results of test conducted. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
7. The hair is parted and sectioned while partings are kept clean and uniform. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
8. The hairline and scalp are protected with suitable barrier products. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 9 
9. Protective agent is applied to damaged hair ends. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 10 
10. The appropriate application technique is selected. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 11 
11. The relaxer / straightener product is applied in a professional and controlled manner. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 12 
12. The chemical process is monitored, timed and checked according to manufacturer's instructions. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 13 
13. Hair is thoroughly rinsed to remove product. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 14 
14. The neutraliser is applied, monitored and rinsed according to manufacturer's instructions. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 15 
15. After care products are applied and products for home care recommended. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 16 
16. Hair is softened and relaxed and can be moulded into a straight style. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 17 
17. The final result is checked and recorded on the client record card. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 18 
18. If expected final result is not achieved, an oral or written explanation is required. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 19 
19. The client is shown the effect of the finished style with the aid of mirrors. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 20 
20. An effective hair relaxing/straightening service is produced within a commercially viable time. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 21 
21. Safe and hygienic work practices are demonstrated throughout the service. Effects of hair relaxing and straightening services are explained. 

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
Relax/straighten & neutralise hair of different lengths that had been previously relaxed/straighten 
OUTCOME NOTES 
The learner is able to relax/straighten and neutralise hair of different lengths that had been previously relaxed/straightened (i.e. re-growth application) taking into account critical influencing factors. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
1. The workstation is prepared for a chemical relaxing/straightening service. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
2. The client is consulted with, in a professional manner to analyse hair and scalp condition and to establish degree of relaxing/straightening and style requirements. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
3. Information is recorded on the client record card. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
4. The client is gowned and protected according to salon procedures. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
5. The release form is completed. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
6. The appropriate strength of relaxing/straightening product is selected based on hair texture and the results of test conducted. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
7. The hair is parted and sectioned while partings are kept clean and uniform. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
8. The hairline and scalp are protected with suitable barrier products. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 9 
9. Protective agent is applied to damaged hair ends. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 10 
10. The appropriate application technique is selected. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 11 
11. The relaxer/straightener product is applied in a professional and controlled manner. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 12 
12. The chemical process is monitored, timed and checked according to manufacturer's instructions. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 13 
13. Hair is thoroughly rinsed to remove product. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 14 
14. The neutraliser is applied, monitored and rinsed according to manufacturer's instructions. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 15 
15. After care products are applied and products for home care recommended. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 16 
16. Hair is softened and relaxed and can be moulded into a straight style. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 17 
17. The final result is checked and recorded on the client record card. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 18 
18. If expected final result is not achieved, an oral or written explanation is required. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 19 
19. The client is shown the effect of the finished style with the aid of mirrors. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 20 
20. An effective hair relaxing/straightening service is produced within a commercially viable time. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 21 
21. Safe and hygienic work practices are demonstrated throughout the service. Effects of hair relaxing and straightening services are explained. 

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
Perform a reverse perm to relax tightly curled hair of different lengths 
OUTCOME NOTES 
The learner is able to perform a reverse perm to relax tightly curled hair of different lengths taking into account critical influencing factors. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
1. The workstation is prepared for a reverse permanent wave service. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
2. The client is consulted with, in a professional manner to analyse hair and scalp condition and to establish wave and style requirements. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
3. Information is recorded on the client card. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
4. The appropriate tools, equipment and products based on the results of tests conducted, are selected. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
5. The client is gowned and protected in readiness for a permanent wave service according to salon procedures. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
6. The release form is completed. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
7. The correct permanent wave product and strength, rod size and winding/blocking techniques are selected according to the analysis and recorded. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
8. The hair is prepared (shampooed, barrier cream applied) for the permanent wave service according to manufacturer's instructions. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 9 
9. Porosity equaliser is applied if necessary. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 10 
10. The hair is parted and sectioned while partings are kept clean and uniform. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 11 
11. The correct tension is used for winding. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 12 
12. The end papers are used correctly. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 13 
13. The permanent wave product is applied in a professional and controlled manner (barrier agents or cotton wool around hair line). 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 14 
14. The curl development is monitored, timed and checked according to manufacturer's instructions. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 15 
15. The hair is thoroughly rinsed to remove lotion. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 16 
16. The neutraliser is applied, monitored and rinsed according to manufacturer's instructions. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 17 
17. The perm rods are removed in a controlled manner. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 18 
18. After care products are applied and products for home care recommended. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 19 
19. The final wave result is checked and recorded on the client record card. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 20 
20. If expected final result is not achieved, an oral or written explanation is required. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 21 
21. The client is shown the effect of the finished style with the aid of mirrors. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 22 
22. An effective permanent wave service is produced within a commercially viable time. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 23 
23. Safe and hygienic work practices are demonstrated throughout the service. 


UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
Describe in detail the straightening or relaxing of super curly hair, with particular reference to:
  • The terminology of the processes;
  • Straightening or relaxing of super curly hair by chemical reformation with reference to straighteners, the chemistry of straightening, relaxers, sodium hydroxide or lye relaxer, the difference and similarities between sodium and calcium hydroxide, and the chemistry of relaxing;
  • The importance of consultation before a chemical reformation service;
  • Safety precautions for relaxing;
  • Achieving the best results from a relaxing service;
  • Why clients ask for different procedure i.e. why people do not all want the same service;
  • Client consultation;
  • Scalp and hair analysis;
  • Client record card;
  • Processes of hair relaxing and straightening;
  • Reasons why chemical relaxing and straightening is permanent;
  • Difference between "relaxing" and "straightening";
  • Keratin in hair in relation to relaxers and straighteners;
  • The bonds in the hair and the effects of relaxers and straighteners on them;
  • Physical properties of hair;
  • Hair texture;
  • Elasticity of hair;
  • Porosity of hair;
  • Hair growth direction and patterns;
  • Ingredients of relaxer and straightener products;
  • Effects of a lye and no lye solution on the protein structure of the hair (ammonium thioglycolate, sodium hydroxide, lithium and calcium);
  • Factors to be taken into account with hair relaxing and straightening services;
  • Problems and solutions to the use of relaxers and straighteners;
  • pH of hair and chemical products;
  • The neutralising process;
  • Treatment of hair after relaxers and straighteners;
  • Restoring the natural pH of the hair;
  • Safety precautions when working with relaxers and straighteners;
  • Client care;
  • Aftercare products;
  • Homecare products. 
    		•


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Identify and solve problems in which responses display that responsible decisions using critical and creative thinking have been made.

    In order to relax and straighten hair effectively the learner must be able to identify and solve problems in which responses display that responsible decisions using critical and creative thinking have been made.

    Continuous assessment of learner's ability to organise and manage hair relaxing and straightening services. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organise and manage oneself and one's activities responsibly and effectively.

    In order to offer hair relaxing and straightening services to clients, a learner must be able to organise and manage him/ her self as well as the activities around these services, responsibly and effectively.

    Continuous assessment of learner's ability to manage their time. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicate effectively using visual, mathematical and/or language skills in the modes of oral and/or written presentation.

    In order to establish the client's needs, select the best hairdressing products and relaxing and straightening services for the client, recommend home care products and to record the relevant information demands from the learner the ability to communicate effectively using visual, mathematical and language skills in the modes of oral and written presentation.

    Continuous assessment of learner's ability to responsibly select and recommend the correct products and services. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Use science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others.

    To select and recommend the best hair relaxing and straightening products and services to the client demand from the learner knowledge of the chemistry of products, their effect on the scalp and hair, the safety precautions to be observed with regards to allergies and contra-indications to the application of products and chemical services.

    Continuous assessment of learner's ability to select, record and apply the correct conditioning product. 

    UNIT STANDARD NOTES 
    This unit standard will be continuously assessed by means of formative assessment.

    Formative assessment tools:
  • Written tests
  • Observation in the work place
  • Logbook
  • Analysis cards
  • Assignment

    Summative assessment tool:
  • Written test
  • Demonstration

    Integrated assessment
  • This unit standard will be assessed as part of the Integrated Assessment for Chemical Reformation of Hair.


    Professional manner is assessed according to aspects such as ethical standards, commitment to service, personal and interpersonal skills, body language, tone of voice, posture and personal appearance.

    Safety precautions that must be demonstrated for assessment includes:
  • Proof that a patch test was performed prior to a chemical service;
  • Protection of client's clothes and face;
  • Testing of water temperature to ensure client comfort;
  • Control of water pressure;
  • Protection of client's head against banging or scratching;
  • Using clean towels and tools;
  • Sharp instruments are handled with care;
  • Manufacturer's instructions are followed;
  • Barrier products are applied around hairline;
  • Hands are protected by wearing gloves;
  • Lids on chemicals are replaced immediately after use;
  • Jewellery are removed before application of chemicals;
  • Chemicals are not mixed in metal containers;
  • Maximum processing time is not exceeded. 
    		•

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Core  20152   National Certificate: Ladies Hairdressing  Level 4  NQF Level 04  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Registered"     		 2004-06-13  SERVICES 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    NONE 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.