UN2AH16 - VTCT

Extend African 

type hair 

using plaiting 

and twisting 

techniques 

UN2AH16 

F/600/1100 

Learner name: 

Learner number:

Statement of unit achievement 

VTCT is the specialist awarding body for the Hairdressing, Beauty Therapy, 

Complementary Therapy and Sport and Active Leisure sectors, with over 45 

years of experience. 

VTCT is an awarding body regulated by national organisations including 

Ofqual, SQA, DCELLS and CCEA. 

VTCT is a registered charity investing in education and skills but also giving to 

good causes in the area of facial disfigurement. 

By signing this statement of unit achievement you are confirming that all learning outcomes, assessment 

criteria and range statements have been achieved under specified conditions and that the evidence 

gathered is authentic. 

This statement of unit achievement table must be completed prior to claiming certification. 

Unit code Date achieved Learner signature 

Assessor tracking table 

Assessor name Assessor signature 

Assessor 

initials 

Assessors 

initials 

IV signature 

(if sampled) 

All assessors using this Record of Assessment book must complete this table. This is required for 

verification purposes. 

Assessor number 

(optional)


Extend African type hair using 

plaiting and twisting techniques 

Through this unit you will develop a variety of plaiting and 

twisting techniques for African type hair that incorporate 

the use of added hair. Being able to identify the condition 

of your client’s hair, skin and scalp will determine which 

products and technique to use. The preparation of your 

client’s hair, selecting blending and placing the extensions 

will add colour, length and volume for your client. 

Maintenance of the extensions and aftercare advice also 

form part of this unit. 

UN2AH16_v4

NOS 

AH16 

Level 

Credit value 

GLH 

2 

6 

54 

Observations 

3 

External paper(s) 

1

Extend African type hair using 


Learning outcomes Evidence requirements 

On completion of this unit you will: 

1. Be able to use safe and effective methods 

of working when extending hair using 


2. Be able to prepare the hair to be added 

3. Be able to produce plaited and twisted 

styles with added hair 

4. Know salon and legal requirements 

5. Understand how to work safely, effectively 

and hygienically when extending hair using 


6. Know the effects of plaiting and twisting on 

the hair 

7. Understand the preparation requirements 

for added hair 

8. Understand plaiting and twisting techniques 

using added hair 

9. Understand products and their use 

10. Understand how to communicate and 

provide aftercare advice to clients on hair 

maintenance and management 

1. Simulation is not allowed for any 

performance evidence within this unit. 

2. You must practically demonstrate in your 

everyday work that you have met the 

standard for extending hair using plaiting 

and twisting techniques. 

3. Your assessor will observe your 

performance on at least 3 occasions. 

Each occasion must be of a different 

look. 

4. From the range, you must show that you 

have: 

• used all the products listed 

• created all the plaited and twisted styles 

listed 

• created all the types of plaits and twists 

listed 

• you have taken into account all the 

factors listed 

• used both sealing methods listed 

• given advice covering all the areas 

listed. 

5. It is likely most evidence of your 

performance will be gathered from the 

observations made by your assessor but 

you may be required to produce other 

evidence to support your performance if 

your assessor has not been present. 

6. Knowledge and understanding in this unit 

will be assessed by an external paper. 

The criteria that make up this paper are 

highlighted in white throughout this unit. 

There is one external paper that must be 

achieved. 


3

4 

Achieving observations 

and range 

Achieving observation outcomes 

Your assessor will observe your performance 

of practical tasks. The minimum number 

of observations required is indicated in the 

evidence requirements section of this unit. 

Criteria may not always naturally occur during 

a practical observation. In such instances you 

will be asked questions to demonstrate your 

competence in this area. Your assessor will 

document the criteria that have been achieved 

through oral questioning. 

Your assessor will sign off an outcome when all 

criteria have been competently achieved in a 

single client service. 

Achieving range 

The range section indicates what must 

be covered. Ranges must be practically 

demonstrated as part of an observation. Your 

assessor will document the portfolio reference 

once a range has been competently achieved. 


Maximum service times 

The following maximum service times apply to 

this unit: 

25% of multiple single plaits 120 minutes 

Over 15 multiple cornrows 90 minutes 

Full head of flat twists 120 minutes 

25% of Senegalese twists 120 minutes

Outcome 1 

You can: 

a. Protect the client’s clothing throughout the 

service 

b. Position the client and yourself to meet 

the needs of the service without causing 

discomfort and fatigue 

c. Keep the work area clean and tidy 

throughout the service 

d. Use working methods that: 

- minimise the risk of damage to tools 

and client’s hair 

- minimise the wastage of products 

- minimise the risk of cross-infection 

- makes effective use of working time 

- ensure the use of clean resources 

- minimise harm or injury to yourself 

and others 

e. Maintain personal standards of health 

and hygiene to minimise the risk of crossinfection, 

infestation and offence to clients 

and colleagues 

f. Complete the plaiting and twisting service 

within a commercially viable time 

*May be assessed through oral questioning. 

Observations 

Be able to use safe and effective methods of working when 

extending hair using plaiting and twisting techniques 

Observation 

Criteria questioned orally 

Date achieved 

Portfolio reference 

Learner signature 

Assessor initials 

1 2 3 


5

6 

Outcome 2 

Be able to prepare the hair to be added 

You can: 

a. Consult with the client about the type, length 

and colour of added hair 

b. Select and use added hair which is: 

- of a suitable texture 

- of a suitable colour 

- evenly blended 

c. Divide and separate the added hair to avoid 

wastage and tangling 


Observation 1 2 3 


Date achieved 




UN2AH16

Outcome 3 

Be able to produce plaited and twisted styles with added hair 

You can: 

a. Consult with the client about their 

satisfaction with the agreed look, prior to, 

during and on completion of the service 

b. Part the sections cleanly and evenly to 

achieve the direction of the agreed plaited 

and or twisted style, securing any hair not 

being plaited or twisted 

c. Add a quantity of hair which gives a 

balanced and well proportioned look 

suitable for the density of the client’s hair 

d. Secure added hair into the client’s hair at 

the starting point of the section 

e. Use and adjust a suitable and even tension 

when creating plaits and twists, to make 

sure the direction of the plaiting and twisting 

takes into account influencing factors 

f. Incorporate all the client’s own hair and 

added hair in a way that achieves an even 

and smooth finish, making sure the direction 

and balance of the finished plaited and/ 

or twisted style meets that agreed with the 

client 


Observation 1 2 3 


Date achieved 




g. Use sealing methods that safely secure the 

ends of the plaits and twists * 

h. Use suitable styling and finishing products, 

when necessary, at the right time in the 

process to achieve the style requirements 

i. Give the client suitable advice and 

recommendations on the maintenance of 

their plaited and or twisted style and hair 

condition 


7

8 

Range 

You must practically demonstrate that you have: 

Used all the products Portfolio reference 

Sprays 

Oils 

Moisturisers 

Gels 

Created all the plaited and twisted styles Portfolio reference 

25% of multiple single plaits 

Maximum service time – 120 mins 

Over 15 multiple cornrows 


Full head of flat twists 


25% of Senegalese twists 


Created all the types of plaits and twists Portfolio reference 

Multiple cornrow with added hair 

Multiple single plaits with added hair 

Flat twist with added hair 

Senegalese twist with added hair 

UN2AH16

You must practically demonstrate that you have: 

Taken into account all the factors Portfolio reference 

Hair density 

Hair texture 

Face and head shape 

Hair elasticity 

Hair length 

Transition 

Used both sealing methods Portfolio reference 

Hot water 

Thermal sealers 

Given advice covering all the areas Portfolio reference 

Suitable products and their use 

Hair maintenance 

Time interval between services 

Types of problems that can arise and courses of action 

UN2AH16 9

10 

Developing knowledge 

Achieving knowledge outcomes 

You will be guided by your tutor and assessor 

on the evidence that needs to be produced. 

Your knowledge and understanding will be 

assessed using the assessment methods listed 

below: 

• Observed work 

• Witness statements 

• Audio-visual media 

• Evidence of prior learning or attainment 

• Written questions 

• Oral questions 

• Assignments 

• Case studies 

Achieving the external paper 


Where possible your assessor will integrate 

knowledge outcomes into practical observations 

through oral questioning. 

The external paper will test your knowledge of the criteria highlighted in white. A pass mark of 

70% must be achieved. Criteria not achieved will be identified to your tutor/assessor. You will then 

be orally questioned or asked to produce other forms of evidence as all unit criteria must 

be achieved. 

Your assessor will complete the table below when the 70% pass mark has been achieved. 

Paper Date achieved Assessor initials 

1 of 1

Knowledge 

Outcome 4 

Know salon and legal requirements 

You can: 

a. Describe the salon's requirements for client preparation 

b. Describe the salon's expected service times for plaited and twisted 

styles with added hair 

c. Describe your responsibilities under the current Control of 

Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations in relation to the use 

of styling and finishing products for plaited and twisted styles 

* Assessor initials to be inserted if orally questioned. 

Requirements highlighted in white are assessed in the external paper. 

Portfolio reference / 

Assessor initials* 


12 

Outcome 5 

Understand how to work safely, effectively and hygienically 

when extending hair using plaiting and twisting techniques 

You can: 

a. Identify the range of protective clothing that should be available for 

clients 

b. Describe how the position of the client and yourself can affect the 

desired outcome and reduce fatigue and the risk of injury 

c. Explain the importance of positioning equipment for ease of use 

d. Identify the safety considerations which must be taken into account 

when plaiting and twisting hair 

e. Explain why it is important to keep the work area clean and tidy 

f. Describe the methods of working safely and hygienically and which 

minimise the risk of cross-infection and cross-infestation 

g. Explain the importance of personal hygiene 

h. Describe the methods of sterilisation used in hairdressing salons 

i. Explain the importance of using safe sealing methods 





Assessor initials*

Outcome 6 

Know the effects of plaiting and twisting on the hair 

You can: 

a. Describe the potential consequences of excessive tension on the 

hair 

b. Define the term ‘traction alopecia’ 

c. Describe how to identify the signs of potential traction alopecia 

d. Describe the effects on the hair of wearing added hair over a long 

period of time 

e. Describe the physical effects of plaiting and twisting on the hair 

structure 






14 

Outcome 7 

Understand the preparation requirements for added hair 

You can: 

a. Identify the quantity of hair needed to create the plaits, twists and 

styles 

b. Describe how to select added hair to meet client needs 

c. Explain how to divide and separate added hair ready for use 

avoiding wastage and tangling 





Assessor initials*

Outcome 8 

Understand plaiting and twisting techniques using added hair 

You can: 

a. Describe how factors influence the choice and direction of the 

plaited or twisted style 

b. Identify the factors that must be taken into account to judge the 

quantity of hair to be added to achieve a balanced look 

c. Describe the importance of sectioning hair accurately when plaiting 

or twisting 

d. Identify methods of securing added hair into the section 

e. Describe how to carry out sealing methods 

f. Explain how to handle the hair when plaiting to maintain a correct 

and even tension 






16 

Outcome 9 

Understand products and their use 

You can: 

a. Identify the types of products available for use with plaited and 

twisted styles, and their use 

b. Explain the importance of following manufacturers’ instructions 

relating to the use of the specific products 

c. Explain the importance of using products economically 





Assessor initials*

Outcome 10 

Understand how to communicate and provide aftercare advice 

to clients on hair maintenance and management 

You can: 

a. Explain how to give aftercare advice and recommendations to 

clients 

b. Explain how to use combs and brushes and correctly comb hair 

from point to root 

c. Explain how often to shampoo and cleanse the hair according to 

hair style, hair and scalp condition and lifestyle 

d. Identify suitable conditioning treatments and the importance of 

regular conditioning 

e. Identify the products to use for home care 

f. Describe how to protect the hair while sleeping and why 

g. Describe how lifestyle can influence the client’s choice of style 

(e.g. active sports, career and job requirements) 

h. Describe how hair texture effects styling possibilities 

i. Describe how to maintain the agreed style 

j. Explain how to remove the style 






18 


Notes 

Use this area for making notes and drawing diagrams

UN2AH16 - VTCT

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