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 ladies hair 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
262585  Cut and shape 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 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
114818  Apply advanced hair cutting techniques using scissors, clippers and razors equipment  Level 3  NQF Level 03  3   
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  3   

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
This unit standard will enable learners to perform a complete ladies 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 to achieve a variety of one-length looks.
  • Cut hair to achieve a variety of layered looks.
  • Cut hair using a variety of graduation techniques to achieve a variety of fashion looks.
  • Cut hair using razor cutting technique. 
    		•

    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 NQF Level 2.
  • Identify disorders of the skin and hair NQF Level 3.
  • Shampoo, condition and treat scalp and hair 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 techniques.
  • 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, razors and clippers. 
    		•

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Demonstrate an understanding of the factors that influence ladies 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 movement.
  • Growth patterns.
     
    		•

    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.
  • Hair density.
     
    		•

    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:
  • Thinning scissors.
  • Freehand.
  • Texturising.
  • Razor cutting.
  • Clipper cutting.
  • Blunt.
     
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Cut hair to achieve a variety of one-length looks. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    One length looks include but are not limited to above the shoulder and below the shoulder. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Hair-cutting technique for a one-length look is explained according to industry standards. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The hair is sectioned and sub-sectioned before and during the cutting procedure according to haircut requirements and industry standards. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The hair is cut using design lines according to industry standards and client requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Cutting tools and techniques are used in accordance with haircut requirements and industry standards. 

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

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
    Cut hair to achieve a variety of layered looks. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Layered looks include but are not limited to above the shoulder, below the shoulder and short. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Hair-cutting techniques for layered looks are explained according to industry standards. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The hair is sectioned and sub-sectioned before and during the cutting procedure according to haircut requirements and industry standards. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The hair is cut using design lines according to industry standards and client requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Cutting tools and techniques are used in accordance with haircut requirements and industry standards. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Cutting techniques include but are not limited to:
  • Use of suitable cutting angle for selected haircut.
  • Use of suitable cutting techniques for selected haircut.
     
    		•

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

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 6 
    Cut hair using a variety of graduation techniques to achieve a variety of graduation looks. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
  • Graduation techniques include but are not limited to uniform layering and graduated layering, razor, clipper, texturising and freehand.
  • Graduation looks include but are not limited to above the shoulder, below the shoulder and short.
  • Use of suitable cutting projection and angles for selected haircut. 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Graduation techniques are explained according to industry standards. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The hair is sectioned and sub-sectioned before and during the cutting procedure according to haircut requirements and industry standards. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The hair is cut using graduation techniques according to industry standards and client requirements. 

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

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Cutting tools and techniques are used in accordance with haircut requirements and industry standards. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Cutting techniques include but are not limited to:
  • Use of suitable cutting angle for selected haircut.
  • Use of suitable cutting techniques for selected haircut.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Hair is crosschecked using appropriate sections and projection. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 7 
    Cut hair using razor cutting technique. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Razor cutting techniques include but are not limited to:
  • Bevelling.
  • Feathering.
  • Texturizing.
  • Thinning. 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Hair is cut using razor cutting technique in accordance with haircut requirements and industry standards. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Appropriate razor is selected for cutting hair in accordance with haircut requirements and industry standards. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The remainder of the hair is blended with the razor cut 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. 


    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 razors and scissors.
  • 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.