This Toolbox supports Certificate II and III in Hairdressing, where learning can take place in a salon or in a classroom setting. The toolbox  focuses on the underpinning knowledge that learners need before they can begin their practical work.

The toolbox uses a virtual salon called Cyber Hair Studio and is aimed at being a fun environment for learners to explore.

An Orientation segment introduces the Cyber Hair Studio workplace and shows the Toolbox components .  It also provides advice to learners on how get started. Start this tour with the Orientation.

Learners perform tasks in the Cyber Hair Studio according to the needs of the clients.

When Clarissa Tran came in to make the appointment she said that she had been colouring her hair at home, but wants to get it done professionally from now on. She wants to cover up her grey regrowth. She is a mature aged women of Asian background and has a nice, olive complexion.

The Task Organiser provides structure for the learners as they track their progress on the three tasks, and associated activities, in colouring Clarissa's hair.

Each task has a clearly defined output (in this case the Colour Report which the learner adds to and completes as they step through each activity. This report forms the basis for evidence that teachers can use to assess competence

The information is presented in a variety of forms to create interest and to add elements of fun. Click Task 1 - Learn the Theory Behind Colouring and step through Activity 1.

The Teacher Guide describes each of the nine client scenarios in detail. This extract explains what input teachers will be required to give to the learners, what discussions they will need to facilitate and also what evidence the learner will produce while working through the tasks from this scenario.

Activity 2 involves some background reading and an online discussion.

"I think it would be a good idea for you to learn about white hair and colour pigments. This way you will be well prepared for answering any questions that Clarissa may ask you. Why don't you talk to some of your fellow learners to get their ideas about the following questions?

• What is grey hair and why does it occur?
• What are the main types of colouring products and which ones are best for grey hair?
• How do the different colouring products affect hair structure?"

Facilitating the Toolbox when there is only one learner

In some cases the Toolbox may be used in a salon environment with only one learner. A different approach to collaborative work needs to be adopted in these circumstances. Some suggestions for these situations are:

• Instead of having the learner participate in an Online Chat, organise face to face discussions with yourself or other suitable staff members
• Contact other RTOs who are using the Toolbox and organise for your learner to join their Online Chats
• Collaborate with other salons using the Toolbox and arrange collaborative tasks with their learners.

Note the use of the Staff Room to provide any necessary information.

Go to the Staff Room and explore the kinds of resources available.

Staff Room Information
See Hair Science: Does Grey Hair Exist? on the Magazine Rack.
See CHS Colour Technical Manual on the Bookcase.

Separating information resources from learning activities (rather than embedding them in a sequence)  provides flexible access for learners.  It also allows teachers to use individual resources.

Try the links on the left to access the resources independently of the Toolbox navigation.

All the resources associated with a client can also be accessed from the Resources Menu. 

So can all the resources and tasks related to a unit of competency.

Competencies and Scenarios

To understand the relationship between each unit of competency and each client, access the Competency Map.

This extract from the Teacher Guide explains the file structure of the Toolbox and how to use only selected components. It also describes how you can change resources and webpages in the toolbox to suit your own teaching requirements.

Task 2, Analyse Hair for Colouring, involves a dialogue between the learner and Clarissa the client. 

Task 3, Use Colouring Products on Hair, allows the learner to experiment with practical aspects in a safe way before actually doing this in their salon.