Certificate II in Salon Assistant: Barbering Foundation Stream

BSBWHS201 – Contribute to health and safety of self and others
Develop safe work habits essential in a barbering environment, including tool handling, workstation hygiene, and client safety.

SHBHBAS001 – Provide shampoo and basin services
Perform professional cleansing, preparation and basin work, learning techniques tailored to men’s grooming and barbering scalp requirements.

SHBHDES001 – Dry hair to shape
Build foundational men’s styling skills by learning to finish, dry and shape hair to complement short hair structures and barbering silhouettes.

SHBHIND001 – Maintain and organise tools, equipment and work areas
Prepare and maintain barbering tools such as clippers, trimmers, combs, and razor equipment with precision and professionalism.

SHBXCCS001 – Conduct salon financial transactions
Gain confidence in point-of-sale, rebooking, and retail sales within a barbering studio environment.

SHBXCCS003 – Greet and prepare clients for salon services
Learn how to prepare male clients for services, including consultation flow, client comfort, cape work, and professional etiquette.

SHBXIND001 – Comply with organisational requirements within a personal services environment
Understand expectations and responsibilities within a professional grooming studio.

SHBXIND002 – Communicate as part of a salon team
Develop teamwork and communication essential for working in a fast-paced barbering environment.

Head, Neck & Shoulder Massage

SHBHBAS002 – Provide head, neck and shoulder massages for relaxation
Learn relaxation massage techniques that support men’s grooming services, enhance client comfort and elevate the overall barbering experience.

Hair Colouring

SHBHCLS001 – Apply hair colour products
Develop foundational colour application skills used in barbering such as blending, grey coverage, toning, beard tinting and hairline refinement.

Industry

SHBHIND002 – Research and use hairdressing industry information
Explore global barbering trends, men’s grooming markets, innovative techniques, social media influence and the evolution of modern barbering.

Industry Products & Services

SIRRMER001 – Produce visual merchandising displays
Learn how to merchandise and present professional barbering products, retail grooming ranges and service displays to support sales and client engagement.

SHBHCUT001 – Design Haircut Structures

This unit develops the creative and technical thinking required to design men’s haircut structures with precision and purpose. Learners explore head shape, growth patterns, facial features, and style suitability to plan haircuts that reflect both classic and contemporary barbering trends.

Students learn to:

• Analyse male face shapes, profiles, and bone structure.
• Map out design lines, weight distribution, and balance.
• Create diagrams and cutting plans to guide execution.
• Adapt designs for fades, tapers, texture cuts, and long hair grooming.
• Communicate concepts clearly with clients using visual references and technical language.

This unit builds the creative foundation for advanced barbering, enabling students to transform a client brief into a structured, professional haircut design.

SHBHCUT009 – Cut Hair Using Freehand Clipper Techniques

This unit specialises in the freehand clipper artistry essential to modern barbering. Learners develop mastery in clipper control, shape building, detailing, and precision work required for fades, tapers, sharp outlines, and contemporary men’s silhouettes.

Students learn to:

• Apply freehand clipper techniques for bulk removal, sculpting, and refining shape.
• Build flawless blends, fades, and seamless transitions without guards.
• Execute clean edges, beard borders, and nape detailing.
• Adapt clipper techniques to suit different hair types, textures, and growth patterns.
• Work confidently with the clipper as a primary creative tool, enhancing efficiency and accuracy.

This unit elevates students from foundational clipper work to confident creative barbers, strengthening the cutting speed, dexterity, and artistic judgment demanded in today’s barbershops.

Delivery

12 units must be completed:

• 8 core units
• 4 elective units from the list below.

Completing the Certificate II in Salon Assistant (Barbering Foundation Stream) prepares learners for seamless entry into SHB30516 Certificate III in Barbering.

Graduates enter their barbering qualification with confidence in client handling, workstation readiness, foundational styling and colour support — ensuring they begin their training with strong salon discipline and real industry awareness.