Note for teachers using this lesson plan
This lesson introduces students to the fundamental ingredients and basic processes involved in making hair conditioner and shampoo. Teachers should prepare by gathering the listed instructional materials or suitable alternatives for demonstration. Emphasise safety during any practical demonstration and encourage active participation in group discussions. By the end of the lesson, students should be able to identify key ingredients and explain the uses and basic production steps for these hair care products.
Class: JSS 1
Term: First Term
Week: 9
Age: 12 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: Beauty and Cosmetology
Curriculum Theme: Hair care practices
Focal competence: Create a basic hair product, such as a shampoo and conditioner
Key competencies/values: Collaboration; Creativity and innovation
Skills:
- Producing shampoo and condition
Previous Lesson: Uses of shampoo and conditioner and Basic Ingredients
Topic: Production Of Shampoo And Conditioner: Basic Ingredients For Making Conditioner
Subject Matter: Basic ingredients for making conditioner, Procedure for making Shampoo and conditioner
Specific Objectives
By the end of the lesson, pupils/students should be able to:
Cognitive Domain
- Identify the ingredients for making shampoo.
- Explain what shampoo and conditioner are.
- Describe various types of shampoo and conditioner.
- Explain the uses of shampoo and conditioner.
- Explain the ingredients for making conditioner.
Affective Domain
- Appreciate the importance of understanding product ingredients.
- Collaborate effectively in group activities to describe hair products.
Psychomotor Domain
- Demonstrate the basic steps for creating a simple formulation of shampoo and conditioner.
Reference Materials
The following resources were used in planning this lesson:
- 2025 Revised 9 Years Basic Education Curriculum
- Relevant State Unified Scheme of Work
- The HeadTeacher Scheme of work
- Book: Cosmetic Formulation: Principles and Practice by: Ernest W. Flick
- Online Resources: Local Production of Shampoo and Conditioner by: SoapMakingEssentials.com
- Video: Local Production of Shampoo and Conditioner by Soap Making Tutorials.
Instructional Materials
The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:
- Nitro sol
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfates (S.L.S.)
- Distilled water
- Humectants
- Emollient
- PH adjustment stabilizer
- Mixing bowls/containers
- Stirring rods
- Measuring spoons/cups
- Functional laptop
- TV set
- Internet access
- Whiteboard/chalkboard
- Markers/chalk
Rationale for the Lesson
This lesson helps students understand the fundamental components of common hair care products. It develops practical skills in identifying ingredients and basic formulation, fostering creativity and an appreciation for the science behind cosmetology. This knowledge is essential for informed product choices and potential future entrepreneurship in beauty product creation.
Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge
Students have a basic understanding of personal hygiene and the general concept of cleaning and conditioning hair.
Lesson Content/Board Summary
Basic Ingredients for Making Conditioner
Understanding Shampoo and Conditioner
What is Shampoo?
Shampoo is a hair care product, typically in liquid form, used for cleaning the hair and scalp. It works by removing dirt, oil, skin particles, dandruff, and environmental pollutants.
Types of Shampoo
- Clarifying Shampoo: Removes product buildup.
- Moisturizing Shampoo: Adds hydration to dry hair.
- Volumizing Shampoo: Gives hair a fuller appearance.
- Colour-Safe Shampoo: Protects dyed hair colour.
- Anti-Dandruff Shampoo: Treats flaky scalp conditions.
Uses of Shampoo
- To clean the hair and scalp.
- To remove excess oil and dirt.
- To prepare hair for conditioning or styling.
- To treat specific scalp conditions like dandruff.
What is Conditioner?
Conditioner is a hair care product used to improve the feel, appearance, and manageability of hair. It typically contains moisturizers, oils, and other ingredients that coat the hair strands, making them smoother, softer, and easier to comb.
Types of Conditioner
- Rinse-Out Conditioner: Applied after shampooing and rinsed out.
- Leave-In Conditioner: Applied after shampooing and left in the hair.
- Deep Conditioner/Hair Mask: Used for intensive treatment, usually left on for a longer period.
- Co-Wash (Conditioner Wash): A cleansing conditioner used instead of shampoo for very dry or curly hair.
Uses of Conditioner
- To moisturize and soften hair.
- To detangle hair, making it easier to comb.
- To reduce frizz and improve hair texture.
- To add shine and protect hair from damage.
Basic Ingredients for Making Shampoo
Common ingredients for making shampoo include:
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (S.L.S.): A primary surfactant that creates lather and cleanses.
- Distilled Water: The main solvent that forms the base of the shampoo.
- Nitro sol: A thickening agent that gives shampoo its desired consistency.
- Fragrance: Adds a pleasant scent to the shampoo.
- Preservative: Prevents microbial growth and extends shelf life.
- Colourant: Gives the shampoo a desired colour.
Basic Ingredients for Making Conditioner
Common ingredients for making conditioner include:
- Distilled Water: The primary solvent and base for the conditioner.
- Emollients: Ingredients like cetyl alcohol or shea butter that soften and smooth the hair.
- Humectants: Ingredients like glycerine that attract and retain moisture in the hair.
- Conditioning Agents: Such as behentrimonium chloride, which detangle and reduce static.
- PH Adjustment Stabilizer: Helps maintain the conditioner’s pH balance, important for hair health.
- Fragrance: Adds a pleasant smell.
- Preservative: Prevents spoilage and extends shelf life.
General Procedure for Making Shampoo and Conditioner
While specific recipes vary, the general steps involve combining ingredients carefully.
Procedure for Making Shampoo
- Measure the distilled water and pour into a mixing bowl.
- Gradually add Nitro sol while stirring continuously until it dissolves and thickens the water.
- Slowly add the Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (S.L.S.) and stir gently to avoid excessive foaming.
- Add any desired fragrance, colourant, and preservative, mixing well after each addition.
- Check the pH and adjust if necessary to a suitable range for hair (typically 5.5-6.5).
- Allow the mixture to settle to remove air bubbles before bottling.
Procedure for Making Conditioner
- Measure the distilled water and heat gently if required by the specific formula.
- In a separate container, combine emollients and other oil-soluble ingredients, heating gently until melted if necessary.
- Combine the water phase and oil phase, stirring continuously to create an emulsion.
- Add humectants, conditioning agents, fragrance, and preservative, mixing thoroughly.
- Check the pH and adjust if necessary to a suitable range for hair (typically 4.5-5.5).
- Allow the conditioner to cool and thicken before transferring to containers.
Quality Check for Finished Products
A good quality shampoo should:
- Be clear or uniformly coloured.
- Have a consistent viscosity (not too thick or watery).
- Lather well and cleanse effectively.
- Have a pleasant, consistent fragrance.
A good quality conditioner should:
- Be creamy and smooth.
- Have a consistent texture without separation.
- Detangle and soften hair effectively.
- Have a pleasant, consistent fragrance.
Teaching Methods/Instructional Techniques
Discussion, Demonstration, Guided Practice, Question and Answer, Explanation, Group Work, Practical Activity.
Instructional Procedures
Step 1: Introduction
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Engaging/Questioning
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher greets the students and asks them what products they use to wash and care for their hair. The teacher then introduces the topic: Basic Ingredients for Making Conditioner and Shampoo, explaining that they will learn about what these products are made of and how they are generally produced.
Pupils’ Activity: Students respond to the teacher’s questions and listen attentively to the introduction.
Learning Point: Introduction to hair products
Step 2: Explanation of Shampoo and Conditioner
Time: 8 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Discussion
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher guides students to brainstorm in groups to describe what shampoo and conditioner are and their various types. The teacher then provides a clear explanation of shampoo and conditioner, highlighting their main functions and different types using visual aids if available.
Pupils’ Activity: Students participate in group brainstorming, then listen to the teacher’s explanation and take notes.
Learning Point: Shampoo and conditioner types
Step 3: Uses of Shampoo and Conditioner
Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Elaboration
Teacher’s Activity: Building on the previous step, the teacher further explains the specific uses and benefits of both shampoo and conditioner, encouraging students to share their experiences or observations.
Pupils’ Activity: Students listen, contribute to the discussion, and understand the uses of each product.
Learning Point: Uses of hair products
Step 4: Ingredients for Making Shampoo
Time: 6 minutes
Teaching Skill: Identification/Demonstration
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher identifies and explains the basic ingredients for making shampoo (e.g., S.L.S., Nitro sol, distilled water), showing samples where possible and briefly describing the role of each ingredient.
Pupils’ Activity: Students observe the ingredients, listen to explanations, and identify them.
Learning Point: Shampoo ingredient identification
Step 5: Ingredients for Making Conditioner
Time: 6 minutes
Teaching Skill: Identification/Explanation
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher identifies and explains the basic ingredients for making conditioner (e.g., humectants, emollients, pH adjustment stabilizer, distilled water), again showing samples and explaining their functions.
Pupils’ Activity: Students observe the ingredients, listen to explanations, and identify them.
Learning Point: Conditioner ingredient identification
Step 6: Basic Production Procedure
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Demonstration/Guided Practice
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher demonstrates or explains the general step-by-step procedure for creating a simple formulation of both shampoo and conditioner, highlighting safety precautions and the importance of proper mixing. The teacher also briefly mentions quality checks.
Pupils’ Activity: Students observe the demonstration or listen to the explanation of the production process.
Learning Point: Basic production procedure
Step 7: Evaluation/Review
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Questioning/Assessment
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher evaluates the learning by asking the following questions:
- Name two basic ingredients for making shampoo.
- What is the main use of conditioner?
- Mention two types of shampoo.
- Identify one ingredient for making conditioner.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.
Learning Point: Understanding ingredients and uses
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 shampoo, conditioner, their uses, ingredients, and general production procedures into their notebooks.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils/students copy the notes carefully into their notebooks.
Learning Point: Recording lesson information
Step 9: Conclusion
Time: 2 minutes
Teaching Skill: Summarising
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher briefly summarises the main points of the lesson, reiterating the importance of understanding the ingredients and basic production of shampoo and conditioner for hair care.
Pupils’ Activity: Students listen to the summary and prepare for the next lesson.
Learning Point: Lesson consolidation
Continuous Assessment/Further Study
Type: Homework/Research
Instruction: Research and write down:
- The function of each ingredient used in making a typical shampoo.
- The function of each ingredient used in making a typical conditioner.
- Identify two local ingredients that could potentially be used in homemade hair conditioners and explain their benefits.
Lesson Keywords
- Shampoo – A liquid hair care product used for cleaning hair and scalp.
- Conditioner – A hair care product used to moisturize, detangle, and improve hair texture.
- Nitro sol – A thickening agent used in liquid formulations.
- S.L.S. (Sodium Lauryl Sulfate) – A surfactant that provides cleansing and lathering properties.
- Humectants – Ingredients that attract and retain moisture.
- Emollients – Ingredients that soften and smooth the hair.
- pH stabilizer – An agent that helps maintain the desired acidity or alkalinity of a product.
Differentiation
For students who may struggle, provide simplified explanations of ingredient functions and use more visual aids during the demonstration. Encourage them to focus on identifying just two key ingredients for each product. For advanced learners, challenge them to research the chemical properties of the ingredients or propose alternative natural ingredients for specific hair types.
Suggested Lesson Videos
For further understanding, students can search for:
Teacher Guide for Using This Lesson Plan
Before the lesson, ensure you have gathered the necessary ingredients for a basic shampoo and conditioner formulation, even if only for a small demonstration. If actual ingredients are unavailable, use clear pictures or labels for identification. Start by engaging students with questions about their hair care routines to connect with their prior knowledge. During the explanation of ingredients, clearly state the role of each. The practical demonstration of the production procedure should be simplified for JSS 1, focusing on the sequence of adding ingredients and gentle mixing. Emphasise safety when handling any chemicals. Guide students to copy the Board Summary notes after the main content delivery and evaluation. Encourage collaboration during group activities and provide support to students who may find the chemical terms challenging.

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