1. style and fashion
2. beauty
3. hair care

Extend African
type hair
using plaiting
and twisting
techniques
UN2AH16
F/600/1100
Learner name:
Learner number:
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.
Statement of unit achievement
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
initials
IV signature
(if sampled)
Assessor tracking table
All assessors using this Record of Assessment book must complete this table. This is required for
verification purposes.
Assessor name
Assessor signature
Assessors
initials
Assessor number
(optional)
UN2AH16
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
2
Credit value
6
GLH
54
Observations
3
External paper(s)
1
Extend African type hair using
plaiting and twisting techniques
Learning outcomes
On completion of this unit you will:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Be able to use safe and effective methods
of working when extending hair using
plaiting and twisting techniques
Be able to prepare the hair to be added
Be able to produce plaited and twisted
styles with added hair
Know salon and legal requirements
Understand how to work safely, effectively
and hygienically when extending hair using
plaiting and twisting techniques
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
Evidence requirements
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.
UN2AH16
3
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.
The following maximum service times apply to
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.
Over 15 multiple cornrows 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.
4
Maximum service times
UN2AH16
25% of multiple single plaits 120 minutes
90 minutes
Full head of flat twists
120 minutes
25% of Senegalese twists
120 minutes
Observations
Outcome 1
Be able to use safe and effective methods of working when
extending hair using plaiting and twisting techniques
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.
Observation
1
2
3
Criteria questioned orally
Date achieved
Portfolio reference
Learner signature
Assessor initials
UN2AH16 
5
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
*May be assessed through oral questioning.
Observation
Criteria questioned orally
Date achieved
Portfolio reference
Learner signature
Assessor initials
6
UN2AH16 
1
2
3
Outcome 3
Be able to produce plaited and twisted styles with added hair
g. Use sealing methods that safely secure the
You can:
ends of the plaits and twists *
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
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
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
*May be assessed through oral questioning.
Observation
1
2
3
Criteria questioned orally
Date achieved
Portfolio reference
Learner signature
Assessor initials
 UN2AH16
7
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
Maximum service time – 90 mins
Full head of flat twists
Maximum service time – 120 mins
25% of Senegalese twists
Maximum service time – 120 mins
Created all the types of plaits and twists
Multiple cornrow with added hair
Multiple single plaits with added hair
Flat twist with added hair
Senegalese twist with added hair
8
UN2AH16 
Portfolio reference
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
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:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Where possible your assessor will integrate
knowledge outcomes into practical observations
through oral questioning.
Observed work
Witness statements
Audio-visual media
Evidence of prior learning or attainment
Written questions
Oral questions
Assignments
Case studies
Achieving the external paper
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
1 of 1
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 UN2AH16
Assessor initials
Knowledge
Outcome 4
Know salon and legal requirements
You can:
Portfolio reference /
Assessor initials*
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.
 UN2AH16
11
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 to be inserted if orally questioned.
Requirements highlighted in white are assessed in the external paper.
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 UN2AH16
Portfolio reference /
Assessor initials*
Outcome 6
Know the effects of plaiting and twisting on the hair
You can:
Portfolio reference /
Assessor initials*
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
* Assessor initials to be inserted if orally questioned.
Requirements highlighted in white are assessed in the external paper.
UN2AH16 
13
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 to be inserted if orally questioned.
Requirements highlighted in white are assessed in the external paper.
14
 UN2AH16
Portfolio reference /
Assessor initials*
Outcome 8
Understand plaiting and twisting techniques using added hair
You can:
Portfolio reference /
Assessor initials*
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
* Assessor initials to be inserted if orally questioned.
Requirements highlighted in white are assessed in the external paper.
 UN2AH16
15
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 to be inserted if orally questioned.
Requirements highlighted in white are assessed in the external paper.
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 UN2AH16
Portfolio reference /
Assessor initials*
Outcome 10
Understand how to communicate and provide aftercare advice
to clients on hair maintenance and management
You can:
Portfolio reference /
Assessor initials*
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
* Assessor initials to be inserted if orally questioned.
Requirements highlighted in white are assessed in the external paper.
 UN2AH16
17
Notes
Use this area for making notes and drawing diagrams
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 UN2AH16