Note for teachers using this lesson plan
This lesson introduces students to the professional practice of barbering and common hair diseases that can be encountered or transmitted in the process. Ensure you have visual aids like magazines or pictures of various hair conditions ready. Emphasize the importance of hygiene and safety practices in barbering to prevent the spread of diseases. By the end of the lesson, students should be able to define barbering, identify common hair diseases, and explain their causes and preventive measures.
Class: SSS 3
Term: First Term
Week: 4
Age: 16 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: Cosmetology
Curriculum Theme: Hair Care and Styling
Previous Lesson: Hair Weaving Tools, Materials and Hair Pieces
Topic: BARBERING
Subject Matter: Barbering; Common hair diseases; (bumps, lice, hair shaft damage etc)
Specific Objectives
By the end of the lesson, pupils/students should be able to:
Cognitive Domain
- Define the term ‘barbering’.
- Identify at least three common hair diseases associated with barbering.
- Describe the causes and symptoms of hair bumps, head lice, and hair shaft damage.
- Explain preventive measures for common hair diseases in a barbering context.
Affective Domain
- Appreciate the importance of hygiene and sanitation in barbering practices.
- Develop a sense of responsibility towards client safety and health.
Psychomotor Domain
- Recognize common hair diseases from visual aids like pictures or diagrams.
- Demonstrate awareness of proper handling of barbering tools to prevent disease.
Reference Materials
The following resources were used in planning this lesson:
- 2025 Revised 9 Years Basic Education Curriculum
- Relevant State Unified Scheme of Work
- Cosmetology for Senior Secondary Schools Textbook
- The HeadTeacher Scheme of work
Instructional Materials
The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:
- Magazines and pictures showing different hairstyles and common hair diseases (e.g., razor bumps, head lice, damaged hair shafts).
- Barbering tools (e.g., clippers, combs, scissors – for demonstration of proper handling).
- Charts illustrating hair anatomy and common hair conditions.
Rationale for the Lesson
This lesson is important for SS3 Cosmetology students as it provides foundational knowledge in barbering, a key aspect of hair care. Understanding common hair diseases and their prevention is essential for maintaining client health and safety, promoting professional standards, and ensuring a hygienic work environment in the cosmetology industry.
Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge
Students should have basic knowledge of hair structure, general hygiene practices, and an understanding of common skin conditions.
Lesson Content/Board Summary
BARBERING
Definition of Barbering
Barbering is the art and profession of cutting, styling, grooming, and shaving men’s and boys’ hair and beards. It involves the use of various tools and techniques to achieve desired looks while maintaining hair and scalp health.
Common Hair Diseases Associated with Barbering
Several hair diseases and conditions can be encountered or exacerbated in a barbering environment, often due to improper hygiene, shared tools, or incorrect techniques. These include:
- Hair Bumps (Pseudofolliculitis Barbae)
Hair bumps are a common condition, especially in individuals with curly hair, where shaved hair curls back into the skin, causing inflammation and pimple-like bumps. They often appear on the face and neck after shaving.
Causes:
- Improper shaving techniques (e.g., shaving too close, against the grain).
- Curly hair types that are prone to ingrowth.
- Unclean shaving tools.
Symptoms:
- Red, inflamed bumps.
- Pus-filled lesions.
- Itching and irritation.
- Dark spots or scarring in severe cases.
Prevention:
- Using sharp, clean blades.
- Shaving with the grain of the hair.
- Avoiding very close shaves.
- Using pre-shave and post-shave treatments.
- Exfoliating the skin regularly.
- Head Lice (Pediculosis Capitis)
Head lice are tiny, parasitic insects that live on the scalp and feed on human blood. They are highly contagious and can spread through direct head-to-head contact or by sharing contaminated items like combs, brushes, or towels.
Causes:
- Direct head-to-head contact with an infested person.
- Sharing personal items such as combs, brushes, hats, or towels.
Symptoms:
- Intense itching of the scalp, neck, and ears.
- Presence of live lice (small, brownish-grey insects) on the scalp.
- Presence of nits (tiny, oval-shaped eggs) firmly attached to hair shafts, close to the scalp.
- Sores on the scalp from scratching.
Prevention in Barbering:
- Thoroughly sterilizing all combs, brushes, and tools after each client.
- Using clean, fresh towels for each client.
- Inspecting clients’ hair for signs of lice before commencing service.
- Refusing service to clients with active infestations to prevent spread.
- Hair Shaft Damage
Hair shaft damage refers to physical or chemical alterations to the hair strand, leading to weakness, breakage, and an unhealthy appearance. This can be caused by various factors, including harsh chemical treatments, excessive heat, and mechanical stress.
Causes:
- Excessive heat styling (e.g., blow-drying, flat ironing, curling irons).
- Harsh chemical treatments (e.g., perms, relaxers, dyes, bleaches).
- Rough handling of hair (e.g., aggressive brushing, tight hairstyles).
- Environmental factors (e.g., sun exposure, chlorine).
- Poor nutrition.
Symptoms:
- Dry, brittle hair.
- Split ends.
- Breakage and hair loss.
- Dullness and lack of shine.
- Rough texture.
Prevention in Barbering:
- Using appropriate hair products for different hair types.
- Minimizing excessive heat application.
- Avoiding harsh chemical treatments without proper hair assessment.
- Gentle handling of hair during washing, cutting, and styling.
- Educating clients on proper home hair care.
Teaching Methods/Instructional Techniques
Discussion, Demonstration, Guided Practice, Question and Answer, Explanation, Observation, Visual Aids.
Instructional Procedures
Step 1: Introduction
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Engaging/Activating Prior Knowledge
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher greets the students and asks them about their understanding of hair grooming and the role of a barber. The teacher also asks if they have ever experienced or seen common hair problems.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond to the teacher’s questions, sharing their experiences and knowledge.
Learning Point: Prior knowledge activation
Step 2: Definition of Barbering
Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explaining/Defining
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher defines ‘barbering’ as the art of cutting, styling, and grooming men’s hair and beards, highlighting its professional aspects. The teacher shows pictures of different barbering styles.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen attentively, observe the pictures, and ask questions for clarification.
Learning Point: Meaning of barbering
Step 3: Introduction to Hair Diseases
Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Introducing/Visualizing
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher introduces the concept of common hair diseases associated with barbering. The teacher displays magazines and pictures showing various hair diseases and discusses the risks involved in unhygienic practices.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the pictures, identify some of the conditions, and discuss potential risks.
Learning Point: Overview of hair conditions
Step 4: Common Hair Diseases (Bumps)
Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explaining/Illustrating
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains hair bumps (pseudofolliculitis barbae), detailing their causes (e.g., ingrown hairs from shaving) and symptoms. The teacher also discusses preventive measures like proper shaving techniques and hygiene.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen, ask questions, and take notes on hair bumps.
Learning Point: Bumps: causes and prevention
Step 5: Common Hair Diseases (Lice)
Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explaining/Warning
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains head lice (pediculosis capitis), their contagious nature, symptoms (itching, nits), and how they spread. The teacher emphasizes the importance of tool sterilization and client inspection in barbering.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen, share experiences if any, and note down key information about head lice.
Learning Point: Lice: symptoms and treatment
Step 6: Common Hair Diseases (Hair Shaft Damage)
Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explaining/Advising
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains hair shaft damage, its causes (e.g., excessive heat, chemicals, rough handling), and symptoms (e.g., breakage, dullness). The teacher advises on proper hair care practices to prevent damage.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen, ask questions about hair care, and note down causes and prevention for hair shaft damage.
Learning Point: Hair shaft damage: causes and care
Step 7: Evaluation/Review
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Questioning/Assessment
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher evaluates the learning by asking the following questions:
- What is barbering?
- Mention two common hair diseases associated with barbering.
- How can head lice be prevented in a barbering salon?
- List two causes of hair shaft damage.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.
Learning Point: Lesson comprehension
Step 8: Note-Taking
Time: 4 minutes
Teaching Skill: Guided Writing
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher guides pupils/students to copy the essential Board Summary notes on barbering and common hair diseases into their notebooks.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils/students copy the notes carefully into their notebooks.
Learning Point: Recording key information
Step 9: Conclusion
Time: 1 minute
Teaching Skill: Summarizing
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher briefly summarizes the key points of the lesson, emphasizing the importance of hygiene in barbering to prevent hair diseases.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen and reflect on the lesson.
Learning Point: Main ideas reinforced
Continuous Assessment/Further Study
Type: Homework
Instruction: Research and write short notes on the following:
- How often should barbering tools be sterilized?
- List three other hair or scalp conditions a barber might encounter, apart from those discussed in class.
- Design a poster illustrating proper hygiene practices in a barbershop.
Lesson Keywords
- Barbering – The profession of cutting, styling, and grooming men’s hair and beards.
- Hair Bumps – Inflamed bumps caused by ingrown hairs, often after shaving.
- Head Lice – Tiny parasitic insects that live on the scalp and cause itching.
- Hair Shaft Damage – Physical or chemical alteration to the hair strand, leading to weakness and breakage.
- Hygiene – Practices conducive to maintaining health and preventing disease.
- Sterilization – The process of making something free from bacteria or other living microorganisms.
Differentiation
For weaker learners, the teacher will provide simplified definitions and focus on identifying the main symptoms and basic preventive measures using visual aids. Faster learners will be encouraged to research more advanced hair conditions or specific sterilization techniques used in professional barbering.
Suggested Lesson Videos
Search YouTube for: “barbering hygiene and hair diseases SS3” or “common hair conditions in barbering”
Teacher Guide for Using This Lesson Plan
Before the lesson, ensure you have a variety of visual aids, such as magazines, pictures, or charts, depicting different barbering styles and common hair diseases like razor bumps, head lice, and hair shaft damage. If possible, bring sanitized barbering tools to demonstrate proper handling and sterilization. Begin by engaging students with questions about their general knowledge of hair grooming and barbering. Clearly define barbering and then introduce the concept of hair diseases, using the visual aids to make the conditions concrete. Dedicate time to explain each disease (hair bumps, head lice, hair shaft damage) individually, focusing on causes, symptoms, and, most importantly, prevention in a barbering context. Encourage questions throughout the lesson. Students should copy the Board Summary notes during Step 8. For weaker learners, simplify explanations and focus on visual identification. For faster learners, encourage deeper research into specific treatments or advanced hygiene protocols. Ensure students understand the critical role of hygiene in preventing the spread of diseases in a professional setting.

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