The Certificate IV in Trichology has been designed to further develop the skills and knowledge of qualified hairdressers who wish to practice in this area and also for persons who do not have a hairdressing background but wish to practice in a complementary field.

Likely functions in the hairdressing industry for those who achieve this qualification may involve employment as a trichologist within a hairdressing salon or complementary health services environment, or managing and delivering trichology services via an independent clinical practice. Functions at this level include the self-directed application of a broad range of knowledge and skills. The clinical trichologist at this level would apply the principles of hair and scalp science to trichological consultations, consult with clients/patients, develop and apply scalp treatment therapies, apply the principles of nutrition, perform trichological assessments, perform hair loss diagnosis, design and apply nutritional therapies to benefit hair growth and condition, and design and apply hair loss therapies.

Entry advice

Entry to this qualification by persons without prior hairdressing industry experience or formal qualifications is permitted.

Those wishing to gain entry to the Certificate IV in Trichology qualification should have sufficient relevant skills and knowledge to indicate likely success at this level of qualification. This could be demonstrated by evidence of:

• successful completion of health, human development, biology and/or chemistry related subjects at secondary or post-secondary level
• previous hair and scalp treatment experience in a hairdressing environment
• previous experience in a complementary health field.

Language, literacy and numeracy advice

The National Reporting System informs the identification and description of underpinning English language, literacy and numeracy features and requirements within competency standards. The learner`s language, literacy and numeracy levels are expected to be equivalent to Level 3 of the National Reporting System.

Reading and writing – a learner will be able to read, interpret and write a range of texts within a variety of contexts.

Oral communication – a learner will be able to use and respond to spoken language within a variety of contexts.

Numeracy and mathematics – a learner will be able to recognise and use a variety of conventions and symbols of formal mathematics.

Communication

Use questioning and active listening to ascertain and respond to client or patient needs. Use specific medical terminology supported by plain English

in order to explain trichological assessments to clients or patients. Write patient referrals to other professionals. Read and interpret product and equipment manufacturer`s instructions and other work related documents. Complete written workplace forms and share work related information with other team members.

Teamwork

Work collaboratively with other professionals to treat trichological problems. Share technical expertise and act as a mentor and trouble shooter for less experienced team members.

Problem solving

Act independently to design and recommend to patients, approaches to assist in resolving trichological problems.

Initiative and enterprise

Act independently as freelance trichologist or within the context of a salon team. Regularly suggest new treatments and services to clients.

Planning and organising

Prepare and use a broad range of treatments that address trichological problems.

Self-management

Work effectively as freelance trichologist practising inclusive behaviour when interacting with other professionals and patients, observing patient confidentiality, effectively managing personal presentation, hygiene, and time; and efficiently and independently prioritising and completing clinical tasks.

Learning

Identify personal strengths and weaknesses in the context of the job role and recognise how to further develop professional expertise as a trichologist and small business owner. Consistently seek opportunities to learn new ways of doing things and implement changes within the specific trichologist job role and available trichology equipment, product and knowledge developments.

Technology

Seek and Use and maintain a range of therapeutic and small business technology; in the context of available equipment.

To achieve a Certificate IV in Trichology, 18 units must be completed comprising:

• 16 core units, plus
• 2 elective units which may be selected from list below or another endorsed Training Package or accredited course.

Core units – complete all 16 units of competency

HLTCOM404B

Communicate effectively with clients/patients

HLTCOM405B

Administer a practice

HLTCOM406B

Make referrals to other health care professionals where appropriate

HLTCOM408B

Use specific health terminology to communicate effectively

WRHCS202B

Maintain tools and equipment

WRHCS204A

Maintain and organise work areas

WRHHS403A

Apply knowledge of hair and scalp problems to trichological consultations

WRHHS404A

Perform trichological assessments

WRHHS405A

Apply the principles of nutrition

WRHHS406A

Develop and apply scalp treatment therapies

WRHHS407A

Perform hair loss diagnosis

WRHHS408A

Design and provide nutritional therapies

WRHHS409A

Design and apply hair loss therapies

SIRXCOM001A

Communicate in the workplace

SIRXIND001A

Work effectively in a retail environment

SIRXOHS001A

Apply safe working practices

PLUS

Elective units – complete 2 of the following units of competency

BSBRES401A

Analyse and present research information

BSBSMB301A

Investigate micro business opportunities

BSBSMB401A

Establish legal and risk management requirements of small business

BSBSMB402A

Plan small business finances

BSBSMB403A

Market the small business

BSBSMB404A

Undertake small business planning

BSBSMB405A

Monitor and manage business operations

BSBSMB406A

Manage small business finances

HLTCOM502B

Develop professional expertise

TAADEL301C

Provide training through instruction and demonstration of work skills