Class: Senior Secondary School 1 (SSS 1)
Term: 2nd Term
Week: 10
Age: 15 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: Cosmetology
Curriculum Theme: Entrepreneurship (Trade Subjects)
Previous Lesson: Uses of Cosmetic Tools and Equipment.
Topic: PRACTICAL USE OF COSMETIC TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT
Subject Matter: practical use of tools, salon practice, safety handling
Specific Objectives
By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:
Cognitive Domain:
- Identify various cosmetic tools and equipment.
- Explain the correct usage of common cosmetic tools.
- State important safety precautions when handling cosmetic tools.
Affective Domain:
- Appreciate the importance of hygiene in salon practice.
- Show willingness to adhere to safety guidelines for tools and equipment.
- Recognize the value of proper tool maintenance.
Psychomotor Domain:
- Demonstrate the practical use of at least three common cosmetic tools.
- Practice basic salon hygiene procedures during a practical session.
- Handle cosmetic tools and equipment safely.
Social Domain:
- Work cooperatively with peers during practical sessions.
- Adhere to established rules and procedures for salon practice.
Reference Materials
The following resources were used in planning this lesson:
- 9 Years Basic Education Curriculum for Business Studies (Cosmetology component)
- State Unified Scheme of Work for Cosmetology SSS 1
- Comprehensive Cosmetology for Senior Secondary Schools by A.B. Olalekan
- World Health Organization – Hand Hygiene Guidelines
- Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) – Cosmetology Safety
Instructional Materials
The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:
- Various salon tools (e.g., combs, brushes, clippers, scissors, hair dryers, curling irons, perm rods)
- Salon equipment (e.g., shampoo bowl, styling chairs, sterilizer)
- Charts showing different cosmetic tools and their uses
- Posters on salon hygiene and safety measures
- Hand-outs with safety handling tips
Rationale for the Lesson
This lesson helps pupils to gain practical skills in using cosmetology tools and equipment. Understanding proper usage and safety ensures they can perform salon tasks effectively and without harm to themselves or clients, preparing them for future careers in cosmetology.
Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge
Pupils are assumed to have basic knowledge of identifying some common salon tools and equipment from previous lessons or observations.
Lesson Content/Board Summary
PRACTICAL USE OF COSMETIC TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT
1. Identification and Classification of Cosmetic Tools and Equipment
Cosmetic tools and equipment are instruments and apparatus used in beauty and hair care services. They can be classified based on their function, such as cutting tools, styling tools, chemical application tools, and electrical equipment.
Examples of common cosmetic tools include:
- Combs (wide-tooth, fine-tooth, tail comb)
- Brushes (vent brush, round brush, paddle brush)
- Scissors/Shears (cutting shears, thinning shears)
- Clippers and Trimmers
- Hair Dryers
- Curling Irons and Flat Irons
- Perm Rods
- Shampoo bowls
- Styling chairs
- Sterilizers/Sanitizers
2. Practical Use of Common Cosmetic Tools
Each tool has a specific function and method of use:
- Combs: Used for detangling, parting, and guiding hair.
- Brushes: Used for styling, smoothing, and adding volume to hair.
- Scissors/Shears: Used for cutting hair to desired lengths and styles.
- Clippers and Trimmers: Used for cutting and shaping hair, especially for shorter styles and fades.
- Hair Dryers: Used to dry hair quickly and style it with heat.
- Curling Irons and Flat Irons: Used to create curls or straighten hair using heat.
- Perm Rods: Used to create permanent waves or curls in hair.
3. Salon Practice and Hygiene
Salon practice involves the routine operations and procedures within a beauty salon. Hygiene is the practice of maintaining health and preventing disease through cleanliness.
Important aspects of salon hygiene include:
- Washing hands before and after each client.
- Sterilizing or sanitizing tools and equipment after each use.
- Using disposable items where appropriate (e.g., neck strips, gloves).
- Keeping the work area clean and tidy.
- Proper disposal of waste materials.
- Ensuring clean towels and capes for each client.
4. Safety Handling of Cosmetic Tools and Equipment
Safety handling refers to the measures taken to prevent accidents and injuries when using tools and equipment.
Key safety measures include:
- Always follow manufacturer’s instructions for electrical equipment.
- Inspect tools for damage before use (e.g., frayed cords, dull blades).
- Keep sharp tools covered when not in use and store them safely.
- Avoid placing hot tools on flammable surfaces.
- Do not use electrical equipment with wet hands or near water.
- Ensure proper ventilation when using chemicals or heated tools.
- Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) like gloves when necessary.
- Report any faulty equipment immediately.
Teaching Methods/Instructional Techniques
Discussion, Lecture, Demonstration, Question and Answer, Visual Aids
Instructional Procedures
Step 1: Introduction
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Set Induction
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher greets the pupils and asks them to mention any salon tools they know and what they are used for. The teacher then relates their answers to the topic of the day.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils mention various salon tools and their uses. They listen attentively.
Learning Point: Pupils recall prior knowledge and are introduced to the lesson topic.
Step 2: Identification and Classification of Cosmetic Tools and Equipment
Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Demonstration
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher displays various cosmetic tools and equipment, naming each one and explaining its classification. The teacher encourages pupils to handle the tools carefully to familiarize themselves with them.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe, identify, and carefully handle the displayed tools and equipment. They ask questions for clarification.
Learning Point: Pupils learn to identify and classify different cosmetic tools and equipment.
Step 3: Practical Use of Common Cosmetic Tools
Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Demonstration/Practical Application
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher demonstrates the correct practical use of 3-4 common cosmetic tools (e.g., how to hold a comb and scissors for cutting, how to use a hair dryer, how to properly part hair). The teacher explains the purpose of each demonstrated action.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the teacher’s demonstration carefully and ask questions about the techniques.
Learning Point: Pupils understand and observe the correct methods for using common cosmetic tools.
Step 4: Salon Practice and Hygiene
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Discussion/Explanation
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains the importance of good salon practice and hygiene. The teacher lists and discusses key hygiene procedures that must be followed in a salon setting.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen, take notes, and contribute to the discussion by mentioning hygiene practices they know.
Learning Point: Pupils learn about the importance of hygiene and proper salon practices.
Step 5: Safety Handling of Cosmetic Tools and Equipment
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Precautionary
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher discusses essential safety measures for handling various cosmetic tools and equipment, emphasizing electrical safety and safe handling of sharp objects. The teacher uses posters to illustrate points.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen attentively, observe the safety posters, and ask questions regarding safety precautions.
Learning Point: Pupils understand and learn crucial safety measures for handling cosmetic tools and equipment.
Step 6: Guided Practical Session
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Supervision/Practical Application
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher supervises pupils as they attempt to practice the demonstrated tool usage and hygiene steps on dummy heads or amongst themselves (if appropriate and safe). The teacher provides immediate feedback and correction.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils actively participate in the guided practical session, trying out the techniques under supervision.
Learning Point: Pupils apply the learned skills in a practical setting.
Step 7: Evaluation/Review
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Questioning/Assessment
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher evaluates the learning by asking the following questions:
- Mention three common cosmetic tools and state one use for each.
- List three important hygiene practices in a salon.
- Explain two safety precautions to observe when using electrical salon equipment.
- Demonstrate how to properly hold a comb and a pair of scissors for cutting hair.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.
Learning Point: Pupils demonstrate understanding of the lesson.
Step 8: Conclusion
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Summarization/Assignment
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher summarizes the key points of the lesson, reiterating the importance of correct usage, hygiene, and safety. The teacher assigns homework: “Draw and label five cosmetic tools, stating their functions.”
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the summary and copy down the assignment.
Learning Point: Pupils consolidate their learning and are given a task to reinforce understanding.
Lesson Keywords
- Cosmetic Tools – Instruments used in beauty and hair care services.
- Equipment – Larger apparatus or machinery used in a salon.
- Salon Practice – The routine operations and procedures in a beauty salon.
- Hygiene – Practices to maintain health and prevent disease, especially cleanliness.
- Sterilization – The process of destroying all microorganisms.
- Sanitization – The process of reducing the number of microorganisms to a safe level.
- Safety Handling – Measures taken to prevent accidents and injuries when using tools.
Differentiation
For pupils who grasp concepts quickly, they can be tasked with identifying less common tools or researching advanced safety protocols. For those needing more support, the teacher will provide additional one-on-one guidance during practical sessions and simplified visual aids. Peer-to-peer learning will also be encouraged, with stronger pupils assisting their struggling counterparts.
Note for teachers using this lesson plan
Ensure all practical demonstrations are conducted safely and with clear instructions. Emphasize hands-on practice as much as possible, using dummy heads or safe alternatives. Regularly check for pupil understanding and provide constructive feedback. It is important to have all instructional materials ready before the lesson to ensure a smooth flow.

Community Join the conversation Open discussion +