-SQA-SCOTTISH QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY HIGHER NATIONAL UNIT SPECIFICATION GENERAL INFORMATION

-SQA-SCOTTISH QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY HIGHER NATIONAL UNIT SPECIFICATION GENERAL INFORMATION -Unit Number- 5450847 -Superclass- -Title- HL ADVANCED ELECTRICAL EPILATION ----------------------------------------- -DESCRIPTION- GENERAL COMPETENCE FOR UNIT: Applying advanced techniques to permanently remove superfluous hair growth and minor skin blemishes in cases which demand a high degree of sensitivity along with extended specialist knowledge and skills. OUTCOMES 1. evaluate all methods of electrical epilation in current use; 2. apply galvanic/high frequency blend epilation treatment; 3. apply diathermy techniques for the removal of skin blemishes; 4. describe the anatomy and physiology related to the structure and function of the human pilo-sebaceous unit; 5. demonstrate diagnostic and planning skills related to electrical epilation and associated diathermy techniques. CREDIT VALUE: 2 HN Credits ACCESS STATEMENT: Access is at the discretion of the centre. However, candidates must have prior competence in the anatomy and physiology of the human body and high frequency diathermy epilation techniques. This should be evidenced by possession of HN Units: 7612547 Anatomy and Physiology of the Human Body and 5450837 Electrical Epilation. -----------------------------------------

For further information contact: Administrative Services Unit, SQA, Hanover House, 24 Douglas Street, Glasgow G2 7NQ. Additional copies of this unit may be purchased from SQA (Publications Unit). At the time of publication, the cost is 1.50 (minimum order 5.00). 2

HIGHER NATIONAL UNIT SPECIFICATION STATEMENT OF STANDARDS UNIT NUMBER: 5450847 UNIT TITLE: ADVANCED ELECTRICAL EPILATION Acceptable performance in this unit will be the satisfactory achievement of the standards set out in this part of the specification. All sections of the statement of standards are mandatory and cannot be altered without reference to SQA. OUTCOME 1. EVALUATE ALL METHODS OF ELECTRICAL EPILATION IN CURRENT USE PERFORMANCE CRITERIA (a) (b) (c) (d) Assessment of the effectiveness of the range of epilation methods is accurate. Application timings of the various diathermy and galvanic currents are determined in relation to safe and effective epilation practices. The types of epilation are appraised in relation to the comfort and safety of the client. The relationship between effective probing depths and intensities of current is identified. RANGE STATEMENT Clients: new; existing. Epilation methods: thermolysis; electrolysis; blend; flash diathermy; timed diathermy; diathermy and galvanic tweezer epilation. Hair growths; vellus; accelerated vellus; shallow terminal; deep terminal; sparse; dense. EVIDENCE REQUIREMENTS Observation of the candidate consulting and treating clients over a range of hair growth types and densities, employing blend and diathermy epilation. Written and/or oral questioning will also be required to ensure that the candidate has knowledge of: - differing effects on body tissue of the electrical currents employed; 3

- technical application of epilation methods covered in the range statement. OUTCOME 2. APPLY GALVANIC/HIGH FREQUENCY BLEND EPILATION TREATMENT PERFORMANCE CRITERIA (a) (b) (c) (d) (e) Safe and hygienic working practices are adhered to in accordance with legislation. The ratio of galvanic to high frequency currents in blend epilation are correctly defined and demonstrated, according to the manufacturers instructions for the particular equipment in use. Treatment procedures, probing techniques intensity and duration is correct for efficient hair removal and client comfort and safety. Aftercare and homecare procedures and products are explained correctly. Contra-indications to treatment are identified correctly. RANGE STATEMENT Preparation: treatment area; plinth; trolley; products; equipment; therapist; clients. Clients: new; existing. Hair growths: dense; sparse; coarse; fine. Treatment areas: face; neck; torso; upper and lower limbs. Aftercare: expected skin reaction; use of correct after care product; advice regarding use of other skin preparations. EVIDENCE REQUIREMENTS Observation of the candidate during practical application of the treatment over a range of clients and varying hair growth types employing high frequency diathermy and blend epilation. Written and/or oral questioning will also be required to ensure that the candidate has knowledge of: - characteristics of direct current when employed for electrolysis epilation techniques; - the principles of electrolysis; - characteristics of alternating current when employed for thermolysis and blend epilation techniques; - probing techniques for the treatment of compound and curved follicles; 4

- contra-indications specific to blend epilation. OUTCOME 3. APPLY DIATHERMY TECHNIQUES FOR THE REMOVAL OF SKIN BLEMISHES PERFORMANCE CRITERIA (a) (b) (c) (d) (e) (f) (g) Client is consulted to assess blemish(s) and ensure suitability for treatment and medical approval obtained when required. The treatment procedure is explained to ensure comprehension and acceptance by the individual client. The treatment area is prepared correctly prior to treatment. Skin blemishes are removed using the correct technique for the specific blemish. Re-touching procedures are explained to the client when appropriate. Hairs are removed from moles using the correct probing technique to ensure safe and effective results. Aftercare and homecare procedures and instructions are provided correctly for the specific blemish treated. RANGE STATEMENT Skin blemishes: telangiectasis; spider naevi; common warts; skin tags; hair in moles. Preparation: treatment area; plinth; equipment; client; skin. Aftercare: expected skin reaction; use of correct after care product; advice re. use of other skin preparations. Hair types: dense; sparse; strong; fine. EVIDENCE REQUIREMENTS Observation of the candidate consulting, preparing and treating skin blemishes over the range. Written and/or oral questions will also be required to ensure that the candidate has knowledge of: - pigmentary abnormalities and skin imperfections; - pathology of telangiectasis, spider naevi, skin tags, common warts, moles/pigmented naevi; - common causes of telangiectasis, skin tags, common warts. 5

OUTCOME 4. DESCRIBE THE ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY RELATED TO THE STRUCTURE AND FUNCTION OF THE HUMAN PILO- SEBACEOUS UNIT PERFORMANCE CRITERIA (a) (b) (c) (d) (e) The development and dynamics of the hair and hair follicle are described correctly. Innervation and vascularity are explained in terms of stimulation and the effect during epilation probing. Expected changes in the distribution of active hair follicles in human skin throughout life are identified. The primary factors on which hirsutism are dependant are identified correctly. Symptoms of endocrine disorders and abnormalities which cause hirsutism or hypertrichosis are recognised for the purposes of referral of client to the medical profession. RANGE STATEMENT Follicle types: typical; compound; distorted; curved follicles; pili multigemini. Growth changes: differing growth ratios of body areas; endocrine stimulated; asexual; ambisexual; male sexual; texture, density, growth rates related to the ageing process. Primary factors: free testosterone levels in body; follicular sensitivity to free testosterone. Symptoms: virilism; obesity; amenorrhoea; hirsute, hypertrichotic growth patterns. EVIDENCE REQUIREMENTS Written and/or oral questions where appropriate should be used to cover the range. Written and/or oral questions will also be required to ensure that the candidate has knowledge of: - structure and functions of follicular structures in anagen, catagen, telogen; - structure and functions of blood and nerve supply to the pilosebaceous unit; - genetic and hereditary effects on hair growth patterns; - distribution of normal androgen secretions in the female; - effects of pregnancy, oral contraceptive pill, shock on hair growth patterns; - general follicular sensitivity related to body area; 6

- general malfunctions of the adrenals and gonads; - idiopathic hirsutism and hypertrichosis; - iatrogenic hirsutism and hypertrichosis; - changes in blood and nerve supply during anagen, catagen, telogen; - discomfort related to probing depths during epilation. OUTCOME 5. DEMONSTRATE DIAGNOSTIC AND PLANNING SKILLS RELATED TO ELECTRICAL EPILATION AND ASSOCIATED DIATHERMY TECHNIQUES PERFORMANCE CRITERIA (a) (b) (c) (d) (e) (f) (g) Visual analysis of hair growth is implemented to ensure suitable treatment strategy. Verbal presentation of the treatment strategy is comprehensive and appropriate to the purpose and the individual client. All questions are dealt with in a professional manner and at a level which ensures client comprehension and satisfaction. Verbal reassurance and client privacy and comfort are provided continually throughout treatment. Professional ethics are assured and adhered to at all times within the clinical situation. Factors affecting hair regrowth are identified correctly. Legal requirements and insurance obligations are adhered to. RANGE STATEMENT Analysis: prior to and during treatment; overall growth patterns/densities; individual hair structures, individual root structures over the range of hair types. Clients: new; existing. Hair growths: vellus; accelerated vellus; shallow terminal; deep terminal; sparse; dense. Reassurance and privacy: appropriate language; empathic manner; correct draping of treatment area (general and specific). Ethics: consultation with GP when appropriate; topics discussed; clinical records maintained in confidence; contra-indications observed; legal requirements; insurance requirements; safe and hygienic practices maintained. EVIDENCE REQUIREMENTS Observation of the candidate consulting and treating client. Supplementary evidence is required to cover the range. 7

Written and/or oral questioning will also be required to ensure that the candidate has knowledge of: - identification of stages of growth cycle through observation of hair and root structures; - high quality communication and problem solving skills; - correct positioning and draping of clients over range of treatments and body areas; - correct liaisons with medical profession, written permission, referral, updating; - treatment planning; - correct completion and updating of record card; - contra-indications in relation to range of treatments being offered; - knowledge and implementation of Miscellaneous Provisions Act 1982 Sect. 15.7; - Consumer Protection Act, Health and Safety at Work Act, Industry Codes of Practice; - insurance requirements for carrying out all treatments offered. MERIT A pass with merit may be awarded to a candidate who achieves all outcomes and in doing so, consistently demonstrates skills to a higher order than that required to achieve the outcomes. The level of skills required for a merit award will be evidenced by: (a) (b) (c) demonstrating treatment planning and manual skills of a high order and applying a quality therapeutic treatment over a range of clinical problems within the time constraints imposed by commerce; complying concise notation prior to making a verbal report on client treatment; demonstrating a high degree of sensitivity through an empathic physical and mental approach. ----------------------------------------- ASSESSMENT In order to achieve this unit, candidates are required to present sufficient evidence that they have met all the performance criteria for each outcome within the range specified. Details of these requirements are given for each outcome. The assessment instruments used should follow the general guidance offered by the SQA assessment model and an integrative approach to assessment is encouraged. (See references at the end of support notes). Accurate records should be made of the assessment instruments used showing how evidence is generated for each outcome and giving marking schemes and/or checklists, etc. Records of candidates achievements should be kept. These records will be available for external verification. 8

SPECIAL NEEDS Proposals to modify outcomes, range statements or agreed assessment arrangements should be discussed in the first place with the external verifier. Copyright SQA 1997 Please note that this publication may be reproduced in whole or in part for educational purposes provided that: (i) (ii) no profit is derived from the reproduction; if reproduced in part, the source is acknowledged. 9

HIGHER NATIONAL UNIT SPECIFICATION SUPPORT NOTES UNIT NUMBER: 5450847 UNIT TITLE: ADVANCED ELECTRICAL EPILATION SUPPORT NOTES: This part of the unit specification is offered as guidance. None of the sections of the support notes is mandatory. NOTIONAL DESIGN LENGTH: SQA allocates a notional design length to a unit on the basis of time estimated for achievement of the stated standards by a candidate whose starting point is as described in the access statement. The notional design length for this unit is 80 hours. The use of notional design length for programme design and timetabling is advisory only. PURPOSE The purpose of this unit is to enable the candidate to demonstrate competence in the removal of minor skin blemishes using diathermy techniques, the removal of superfluous hair growth using blend epilation techniques, and acquire enhanced practical skills and understanding of the physiological factors which initiate and/or stimulate hair growth. It is aimed at those with previous knowledge and practical experience in diathermy epilation, who wish to gain practical expertise enhanced client management skills and who can apply knowledge and skills gained to analyse and problem solve all aspects of practical epilation techniques. CONTENT/CONTEXT The underpinning knowledge should always relate directly to the practical application of electrical epilation treatment and should, wherever possible, be taught in that context; new information being related to working practices. Methods of Epilation All currently used methods of electrical epilation should be considered. Candidates should apply knowledge of the nature of short wave diathermy current and direct current and the effects of application to the base of the pilosebaceous unit in order to evaluate the effectiveness (physical and psychological) of the different application techniques stated in the range. A comprehensive study of the heating patterns and the effects of diathermy current at various depths within the skin should be undertaken to enable the candidate to understand balancing the application time with the varying probing depths due to follicular size. It is suggested that the candidate is familiar with the physics of electrolysis prior to applying the principle to usage in electrical epilation. Consideration of the effects of sodium hydroxide on skin tissue and therefore the implications of treatment on differing densities of hair growths and skin types should be studied. 10

Candidates should be made aware of the variety of ways in which blend epilation can be applied, but are only required to demonstrate correct use/application of the particular equipment available in the teaching situation. Type of Depilation Candidates are not required to provide evidence of knowledge of all types of depilation currently in use but are expected to use this prior knowledge gained in Electrical Epilation unit to enable them to make visual comparisons between differing hair structures in order to assess client interference and correct probing depths. Skin Blemishes The structure, appearance and causes of all skin blemishes which can be treated with diathermy, should be familiar to the candidate. This could be achieved through discussion, colour photographs and/or research carried out by the candidate. Importance of written medical approval prior to the treatment of all skin blemishes and hairs in moles both from the ethical and legal points of view should be stressed. Anatomy and Physiology An in-depth study of the changes in the follicle length and areas of mitotic activity during the stages of the growth cycle should be undertaken in relation to the effectiveness of the epilation treatment and the timing of re-treatment of individual follicles to achieve maximum effectiveness. Candidates should be able to recognise symptoms of possible underlying endocrine disorders which require medical referral, through visual inspection of hair growth and oral consultation with the client. The implications of such endocrine disorders related to the expected success of the epilation treatment should also be considered. It is suggested that candidates are informed of specific drugs which are in common use which have known tendencies to induce either hirsutism or hypertrichosis. These could be steroids used topically or orally for a wide range of disorders, anti convulsant drugs, drugs used for hypertension and antidepressants. Client Handling, Ethics, Legal Practices Candidates should be encouraged to practice consultation techniques not only with new clients but with existing clients. This is to ensure client comprehension of the necessity of regular treatment to effect a cure, continued client satisfaction and rebooking if necessary. Consideration and decision making with regard to the cause of the hair growth and how this may affect the success of the epilation treatment should be encouraged. 11

Problem solving strategies form a large component of the unit and should be designed to prepare candidates to a level at which they are able to tackle complaints from clients with regard to possible lack of success of treatment and problem skin reactions, enabling them to respond correctly giving advice and support which is constructive and satisfactory to the client. The meaning of ethical practices and strategies for these practices to be maintained should be examined both in the clinical (salon) environment and in relation to liaisons with the medical profession. This includes strategies for maintaining discretion and privacy with regard to clients, maintenance of standards of hygiene within the salon, including the legal implications of not adhering to standards enforced by Environmental Health Departments. Candidates should be made aware of the legal and ethical implications of practicing without or with inadequate insurance cover especially for the treatment of skin blemishes. An ongoing regime of practical epilation over a wide range of clients is intended in this unit to encourage thinking skills, problem solving skills, and evaluatory skills through practical experience coupled with tutor input and discussion sessions with other candidates. APPROACHES TO GENERATING EVIDENCE Outcome 1 Explanation followed by discussion of the range of epilation methods and where possible, demonstration of methods unfamiliar to candidates, followed by practice by the candidate. Outcome 2 Demonstration(s) of the method(s) of applying blend epilation. Discussion with regard to the balancing of currents and the role each plays in the blend technique. Candidates should work on each other to experience the differing sensations of blend as opposed to either applied independently. This also gives candidates the opportunity to monitor differing skin reactions. Outcome 3 Pathology of skin blemishes should be related to candidates. Possible causes and suitability for removal with diathermy current could be investigated by candidates and then evaluated by the class group. Treatment techniques should be demonstrated and then practiced by candidates. Outcome 4 Worksheets completed in small groups will help to confirm and extend knowledge of the anatomy and physiology of the pilo-sebaceous unit. 12

Lecture and support notes for candidates with regard to nerve and blood supply to the follicle may be necessary as little background reading (at this level of knowledge) is available. This could then be discussed in relation to sensations during epilation treatment (nerve supply) and effectiveness related to stage in growth cycle when hair is treated (blood supply). A project might be set to investigate normal hair growth patterns throughout the life of the individual and how normal changes in endocrine secretions influences this growth. External symptoms due to endocrine abnormalities could be considered as a group exercise or as a project directed towards assessment. Outcome 5 Initial group discussions on analysing and evaluating hair growth patterns and individual hairs both externally and the root structures after epilation would assist awareness raising. Tutor/candidate discussion on an individual basis during epilation practical will aid comprehension for the candidate. Worksheet scenarios, simulation, or role play could be employed to practice strategies for problem solving and client handling. Discussion and/or worksheets might be employed to cover the implications of ethical practices. ASSESSMENT PROCEDURES Outcome 1 Written questions which investigate the pros and cons of the various methods in terms of application times, physical effects on skin tissue, effectiveness of treatment, psychological effects on client, regrowth patterns, will stimulate the candidate to evaluate the various methods and assess suitability for effective treatment over the range of hair growths. Correct evaluation also demonstrates a knowledge of the technical application of the range of methods without the candidate being required to prepare long explanation out of context. Practical application of diathermy and blend techniques will also be required. Outcome 2 This could be assessed using a practical checklist during demonstration which could also assess part of Outcomes 1 and 5 provided treatment evaluation and suitability of treatment method for hair growth were included. Some restricted response written questions may be required to cover the range. Outcome 3 Restricted response questions to cover range of skin blemishes, causes, reaction to treatment and aftercare procedures. Practical demonstration by candidates backed up by diary/log book evidence and evaluation compiled by candidate. 13

Outcome 4 Written project/case study assessment on endocrine abnormalities and their effects on the general physical appearance of the individual and hair growth pattern changes which may be initiated. Innovation and vascularity related to epilation treatment may be assessed during practical if related to specific hairs and individual treatment plans. However, this could prove lengthy and impractical and therefore, a short directed essay to cover these issues could be employed. Extended knowledge of anatomy and physiology could be assessed using short answer questions. Outcome 5 Case study or extended response project could be used to cover range together with practical demonstration and oral questions. RECOGNITION This unit, in conjunction with HN Units: 5450837 Electrical Epilation; 7612547 Anatomy and Physiology of the Human Body and 7460647 Safe and Hygienic Salon Practices, is designed to prepare candidates to a level at which they would be capable of passing entrance examinations to the two professional bodies for electrologists ie. The Institute of Electrolysis and the British Association of Electrologists. REFERENCES 1. Guide to unit writing. 2. For a fuller discussion on assessment issues, please refer to SQA s Guide to Assessment. 3. Information for centres on SQA s operating procedures is contained in SQA s Guide to Procedures. 4. For details of other SQA publications, please consult SQA s publications list. Copyright SQA 1997 Please note that this publication may be reproduced in whole or in part for educational purposes provided that: (i) (ii) no profit is derived from the reproduction; if reproduced in part, the source is acknowledged. 14