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: 

Cut and shape gents hair 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
262593  Cut and shape gents 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 3  NQF Level 03  15 
REGISTRATION STATUS REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE SAQA DECISION NUMBER
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 
2018-07-01  2023-06-30  SAQA 06120/18 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2024-06-30   2027-06-30  

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 replaces: 
US ID Unit Standard Title Pre-2009 NQF Level NQF Level Credits Replacement Status
114796  Cut and shape hair  Level 3  NQF Level 03  18   
114800  Cut, style and dress hair in elementary styles  Level 3  NQF Level 03  10   
114810  Apply advanced hair cutting techniques using professional cutting equipment  Level 3  NQF Level 03   
114818  Apply advanced hair cutting techniques using scissors, clippers and razors equipment  Level 3  NQF Level 03   

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
This unit standard will enable learners to perform a complete gents hair cutting service on all lengths and types of hair.

A person credited with this unit standard is able to:
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the factors that influence styling.
  • Prepare and consult with client to agree desired haircut.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of hair cutting.
  • Cut hair using scissor over comb/clipper over comb technique.
  • Cut hair using clipper technique.
  • Cut hair using other techniques.
  • Cut and Trim facial hair.
  • Cut hair using two or more cutting techniques in one style. 

  • LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    It is assumed that a learner will be competent in:
  • Communication at NQF Level 2.
  • Maintain a sanitary hairdressing environment at NQF Level 2.
  • Identify disorders of the skin and hair at NQF Level 3.
  • Shampoo, condition and treat scalp and hair at NQF Level 2. 

  • UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
  • Hair includes but is not limited to curly, straight and Afro hair.
  • Hair cutting techniques include but are not limited to blunt, thinning, texturising, razor.
  • Texturising techniques include but are not limited to, slicing, chipping/pointing, slithering, twist cutting and brick cutting.
  • Tools include but are not limited to: scissors, thinning scissors, combs, sectioning clips, clippers and razors. 

  • Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Demonstrate an understanding of the factors that influence men's hair styling. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Different face shapes are described in terms of their influence on hair styles and personal appearance. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Various face profiles are described in terms of their influence on hair styles and personal appearance. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Profiles include but are not limited to concave, convex, straight, low forehead, protruding chin.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Different body proportions are described in terms of their influence on hair styles and personal appearance. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Body proportions include but are not limited to neck, ears, height and size.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Hair tendencies are described in terms of their influence on finished styles. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Hair tendencies include but are not limited to:
  • Hairline.
  • Crown.
  • Nape growth.
  • Natural partings.
  • Curl.
  • Growth pattern.
     

  • ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Hair qualities are described in terms of their influence on finished styles. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Hair qualities include but are not limited to:
  • Hair type.
  • Hair texture.
  • Porosity.
  • Elasticity.
  • Previous hair treatments.
  • Hair lines.
  • Hair length.
     

  • ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Angle of head position is described in terms of its influence on finished style. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Head position includes, but are not limited to:
  • Upright.
  • Forward.
  • Tilted.
     

  • SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Prepare client for a haircut. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Client is consulted with and analysed to determine a choice of suitable styles. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Client and hair analysis include but are not limited to:
  • Age.
  • Occupation.
  • Character.
  • Face shape.
  • Face profile.
  • Body proportions.
  • Hair tendencies.
  • Hair qualities.
  • Growth patterns.
  • Hair lines.
     

  • ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Client is consulted with to achieve agreement on desired service outcome. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Consultation with client is recorded in accordance with organisational requirements. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Demonstrate knowledge of hair cutting. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Haircuts are described in terms of the hair structure and design. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Haircuts are described in terms of their shapes, forms and surface texture. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Suitable haircuts are identified for a range of ages, body shapes, face shapes and occupations. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Different techniques of hair cutting are described in terms of their effects on the finished design. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Techniques include but are not limited to:
  • Scissor over comb.
  • Clipper over comb.
  • Thinning scissors.
  • Freehand.
  • Texturising.
  • Razor cutting.
  • Clipper cutting.
  • Slicing.
  • Chipping/pointing.
  • Slithering.
  • Twist cutting.
  • Brick cutting.
     

  • SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Cut hair using scissor over comb/clipper over comb technique. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The scissor over comb/clipper over comb technique is explained in terms of its application and results. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Hair is cut using scissor over comb and clipper over comb technique according to industry standards and client requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Technique includes but is not limited to:
  • Maintaining the position range of the client head throughout the procedure.
  • Holding the comb at 45 degrees for cutting.
  • Applying a continuous movement of scissors/clippers and comb.
  • Neckline is cut with scissors and cleaned with clipper.
     

  • ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The remainder of the hair is blended according to industry standards. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The hair is cut using design lines according to industry standards and client requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Hair is crosschecked using appropriate sections and projection. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
    Cut hair using clipper technique. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Clipper technique is explained according to industry standards. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Hair is cut using clipper technique according to industry standards and client requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Technique includes but is not limited to:
  • Selecting the appropriate clipper guard and attaching it to the clipper.
  • Maintaining the position of the client head throughout the procedure.
  • Applying a continuous clipper movement.
  • Cleaning the neckline with clipper.
     

  • ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The remainder of the hair is blended according to industry standards. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The hair is cut using design lines according to industry standards and client requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Hair is crosschecked using appropriate sections and projection. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 6 
    Cut hair using other techniques. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Techniques include but are not limited to:
  • Thinning scissors.
  • Freehand.
  • Texturising.
  • Razor cutting. 

  • ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Other hair cutting techniques are explained according to industry standards. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Hair is cut using other techniques according to industry standards and client requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The neckline is cleaned with scissors and clippers in accordance with industry standards. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The hair is cut using design lines according to industry standards and client requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Hair is crosschecked using appropriate sections and projection. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 7 
    Cut and/trim facial hair. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Facial hair includes but is not limited to:
  • Beard.
  • Moustache.
  • Nose hair.
  • Hair in ears.
  • Sideburns.
  • Eyebrows.
  • Neckline. 

  • ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Principles of facial hair shaping are explained according to industry standards. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The procedure for trimming facial hair is explained according to industry standards. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Trimming tools are selected appropriately for the service. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Trimming tools include scissors and clippers.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Facial hair is trimmed according to industry standards and client requirements. 


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • Anyone assessing a learner or moderating the assessment of a learner against this unit standard must be registered as an assessor with the relevant ETQA in accordance with the current ETQA regulations.
  • Any institution offering learning that will enable the achievement of this unit standard must be accredited as a provider with the relevant ETQA.
  • Other ETQAs who have a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant ETQA would be responsible for moderation of achievements of learners who meet the requirements of this qualification. 

  • UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
  • Safety procedures when cutting with scissors and clippers.
  • Principles of cutting plans.
  • Principles and elements of hair design. 

  • UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Identifying and solving problems by designing and implementing haircutting to achieve agreed design objectives. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Working effectively with others to provide a comprehensive haircutting service. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organising and managing oneself and one's activities responsibly and effectively by preparing oneself and one's tools for the hair cutting process. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collecting, analysing, organising and critically evaluating information in order to identify the correct tools and equipment to use to perform a desired hair cut. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicate effectively with clients to agree desired haircutting outcomes. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Using science and technology effectively and critically by using haircutting tools to achieve desired outcomes. 

    UNIT STANDARD ASSESSOR CRITERIA 
    N/A 

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this unit standard was Reregistered in 2012; 2015. 

    UNIT STANDARD NOTES 
    This unit standard will replace the following unit standards:
  • ID 114796, "Cut and shape hair", Level 3, 18 credits.
  • ID 114800, "Cut, style and dress hair in elementary style", Level 3, 10 credits.
  • ID 114810, "Apply advanced hair cutting techniques using professional cutting equipment", Level 3, 3 credits.
  • ID 114818, "Apply advanced cutting hair techniques using scissors, clippers and razors equipment", Level 3, 3 credits. 

  • QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Core  65749   National Certificate: Hairdressing  Level 3  NQF Level 03  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered" 
    2023-06-30  As per Learning Programmes recorded against this Qual 


    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.