Aspects of Cosmetology Pedicure, Manicure and Hairdressing for SS 1

Class: SS 1
Term: First Term
Week: 2
Age: 15 years
Duration: 60 minutes
Subject: Beauty and Cosmetology
Curriculum Theme: Introduction to beauty and
Focal competence: Describing cosmetology, cosmetics tools, equipment and materials
Key competencies/values: Collaboration; Citizenship; Responsibility
Skills:

• Identifying different types of cosmetics in the container/displayed on a chart

Previous Lesson: Care of the Feet and Hands, Importance of Good Footwear
Topic: Introduction To Beauty And Cosmetology: Aspects Of Cosmetology (E.G. Pedicure, Manicure, Hair Dressing Etc.)
Subject Matter: Aspects of cosmetology

Specific Objectives

By the end of the lesson, pupils/students should be able to:

Cognitive Domain

• Identify the different aspects of cosmetology.
• Enumerate various aspects of cosmetology.
• Explain the basic procedures involved in pedicure, manicure, and hairdressing.

Affective Domain

• Appreciate the importance of hygiene and client care in cosmetology.
• Demonstrate respectful conduct towards clients and colleagues in beauty practice.

Psychomotor Domain

• Participate actively in discussions about beauty and cosmetology.
• Select appropriate cosmetic types based on their uses in different cosmetology aspects.

Social Domain

• Collaborate effectively in group brainstorming sessions on cosmetology concepts.

Reference Materials

The following resources were used in planning this lesson:

• 2025 New Revised Senior Secondary Education Curriculum (SSEC)
• Relevant State Unified Scheme of Work
• Beauty and Cosmetology for Senior Secondary Schools, Book 1
• The HeadTeacher Scheme of work For The New Revised Senior Secondary Education Curriculum (SSEC)

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

• Samples of cosmetic items (e.g., nail polish, hair cream, lotion)
• Chart/Pictures showing the different types of cosmetics
• Chart/Pictures showing different aspects of cosmetology (e.g., images of pedicures, manicures, various hairstyles)
• Whiteboard and markers

Rationale for the Lesson

This lesson provides foundational knowledge in beauty and cosmetology, introducing students to key professional practices. Understanding these aspects helps students appreciate the scope of the industry and the importance of client care, hygiene, and safety in providing quality beauty services. It also lays the groundwork for potential career paths in the beauty sector.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Students should have a basic understanding of personal grooming and hygiene practices.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

Introduction To Beauty And Cosmetology: Aspects Of Cosmetology

Meaning of Cosmetology

Cosmetology is the professional skill and science of beautifying the hair, skin, and nails. It involves a range of practices aimed at enhancing a person’s appearance and well-being through various treatments and applications.

Aspects of Cosmetology

Cosmetology encompasses several specialised areas, each focusing on different parts of the body. Key aspects include:

1. Pedicure: This involves the cosmetic treatment of the feet and toenails. It includes cleaning, shaping, and polishing toenails, as well as removing dead skin and calluses from the feet. Pedicures often incorporate foot massage and moisturising to improve foot health and appearance.
2. Manicure: This is a cosmetic beauty treatment for the fingernails and hands. It typically involves filing, shaping, and buffing the nails, pushing back and trimming the cuticles, and applying nail polish. Manicures also include hand massages and moisturising treatments to keep the hands soft and healthy.
3. Hairdressing: This aspect focuses on the styling, cutting, colouring, and treating of hair. Hairdressing services range from simple cuts and trims to complex styling, chemical treatments like perms or relaxers, and hair extensions. It also includes hair care advice and treatments for scalp health.
4. Esthetics/Skincare: This involves the care and treatment of the skin. Estheticians perform facials, body treatments, hair removal (waxing), and makeup application. They also provide advice on skincare routines and product usage.
5. Barbering: While often considered distinct, barbering is a specialised form of hairdressing primarily for men. It includes cutting, trimming, and styling men’s hair, as well as shaving and beard grooming.

Professional Beauty Practice Standards

In all aspects of cosmetology, professional practice is guided by several important standards:

1. Client Care: Providing a comfortable, safe, and welcoming environment for clients. This includes listening to client needs, offering professional advice, and ensuring client satisfaction.
2. Hygiene: Maintaining strict cleanliness and sanitation protocols to prevent the spread of infections. This involves sterilising tools, using disposable items where appropriate, and maintaining a clean workspace.
3. Safe Tools and Products: Using only professional-grade, safe, and appropriate tools and cosmetic products. This requires knowledge of product ingredients and proper application techniques to avoid adverse reactions.
4. Respectful Conduct: Exhibiting professionalism, courtesy, and respect towards clients and colleagues. This includes maintaining client confidentiality and adhering to ethical standards.
5. Basic Quality Standards: Ensuring that all services are performed to a high standard, resulting in a satisfactory and aesthetically pleasing outcome for the client. This involves continuous learning and skill development.

Teaching Methods/Instructional Techniques

Discussion, Demonstration, Guided Practice, Question and Answer, Explanation, Group Work, Brainstorming

Instructional Procedures

Step 1: Introduction

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Engaging/Questioning

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher greets the students and asks them what they understand by “beauty” and “cosmetics.” The teacher then introduces the topic: “Aspects of Cosmetology.”

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond to the questions and listen attentively to the introduction.

Learning Point: Introduction to cosmetology

Step 2: Defining Cosmetology and Related Terms

Time: 10 minutes

Teaching Skill: Brainstorming/Explanation

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher divides students into groups and guides them to brainstorm on the meaning of beauty, cosmetology, cosmetics, cosmetologist, and cosmetician. The teacher then clarifies and provides accurate definitions.

Pupils’ Activity: Students engage in group brainstorming and contribute their ideas, then listen to the teacher’s explanations.

Learning Point: Cosmetology terms defined

Step 3: Identifying Aspects of Cosmetology

Time: 10 minutes

Teaching Skill: Visual Aid/Identification

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher displays charts/pictures showing different aspects of cosmetology (pedicure, manicure, hairdressing, etc.) and guides students to identify and name them.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the charts/pictures and identify the different aspects of cosmetology.

Learning Point: Aspects of cosmetology identified

Step 4: Discussing Pedicure and Manicure

Time: 10 minutes

Teaching Skill: Discussion/Explanation

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher leads an interactive discussion on pedicure and manicure, explaining what each involves, the basic procedures, and the importance of hygiene and client care in these services. The teacher also shows samples of related cosmetic items.

Pupils’ Activity: Students participate in the discussion, ask questions, and observe the cosmetic samples.

Learning Point: Pedicure and manicure explained

Step 5: Discussing Hairdressing and Other Aspects

Time: 8 minutes

Teaching Skill: Explanation/Q&A

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher continues the discussion by explaining hairdressing, esthetics, and barbering, highlighting the procedures and the need for safe tools, products, and respectful conduct. The teacher also displays related cosmetic items and pictures.

Pupils’ Activity: Students listen, ask questions, and relate the explanations to the displayed items and pictures.

Learning Point: Hairdressing and other aspects

Step 6: Emphasising Professional Standards

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Reinforcement

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher reinforces the importance of client care, hygiene, safe tools and products, respectful conduct, and basic quality standards across all cosmetology practices.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen and contribute examples of how these standards can be applied.

Learning Point: Professional standards reinforced

Step 7: Evaluation/Review

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Questioning/Assessment

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher evaluates the learning by asking the following questions:

1. Name three aspects of cosmetology.
2. What is the main focus of a pedicure?
3. Why is hygiene important in cosmetology?
4. Mention two professional standards in beauty practice.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.

Learning Point: Aspects of cosmetology assessed

Step 8: Note-Taking

Time: 10 minutes

Teaching Skill: Guided Writing

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher guides pupils/students to copy the essential Board Summary notes on the aspects of cosmetology and professional standards into their notebooks.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils/students copy the notes carefully into their notebooks.

Learning Point: Board notes recorded

Step 9: Conclusion

Time: 2 minutes

Teaching Skill: Summarising

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher briefly summarises the main aspects of cosmetology discussed and reminds students of the importance of professional conduct and hygiene in the beauty industry.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen and ask any final clarifying questions.

Learning Point: Lesson consolidated

Continuous Assessment/Further Study

Type: Homework

Instruction: Answer the following questions in your notebook:

1. Research and list five tools commonly used for a professional manicure.
2. Describe how a cosmetologist ensures client care during a hairdressing session.
3. Identify two types of cosmetics used for hair and two for nails, stating their uses.

Lesson Keywords

• Cosmetology – The professional skill and science of beautifying the hair, skin, and nails.
• Pedicure – Cosmetic treatment of the feet and toenails.
• Manicure – Cosmetic beauty treatment for the fingernails and hands.
• Hairdressing – Styling, cutting, colouring, and treating of hair.
• Cosmetics – Products applied to the body to enhance appearance.
• Hygiene – Practices to maintain health and prevent disease, especially through cleanliness.

Differentiation

For students who grasp concepts quickly, encourage them to research and present on a less common aspect of cosmetology (e.g., theatrical makeup). For students needing more support, provide simplified definitions and visual aids, and pair them with stronger students during group activities.

Suggested Lesson Videos

For further understanding of cosmetology aspects, search on YouTube for:

• introduction to cosmetology pedicure manicure hairdressing SS1
• basic manicure and pedicure techniques
• hairdressing basics for beginners