Class: Senior Secondary School 1 (SSS 1)
Term: First Term
Week: 8
Age: 15 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: Cosmetology
Curriculum Theme: Entrepreneurship (Trade Subjects)
Previous Lesson: Cosmetology: Professional Ethics and Meaning.
Topic: PROFESSIONAL ETHICS Good and Poor Practices
Subject Matter: good ethics, poor ethics, ethical behaviour in salons

Specific Objectives

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

Cognitive Domain:

Define professional ethics in cosmetology.
Identify good ethical practices in a salon.
Explain poor ethical practices in a salon.

Affective Domain:

Appreciate the importance of ethical behaviour in the cosmetology profession.
Value the trust and confidence of clients through professional conduct.

Psychomotor Domain:

Demonstrate basic ethical behaviours during practical salon simulations.
Apply principles of good ethics in hypothetical salon scenarios.

Discuss with peers the impact of ethical and unethical behaviour on a salon business.
Collaborate in identifying solutions to common ethical dilemmas in cosmetology.

Reference Materials

The following resources were used in planning this lesson:

9 Years Basic Education Curriculum for Senior Secondary Schools.
State Unified Scheme of Work for Cosmetology, SSS 1.
Comprehensive Cosmetology for Senior Secondary Schools by a reputable author.

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

Video clips showing ethical and unethical salon practices.
Posters illustrating salon etiquette and hygiene.
Whiteboard or chalkboard.
Markers or chalk.
Pictures of well-maintained and poorly maintained salons.

Rationale for the Lesson

This lesson helps pupils understand the standards of behaviour expected in the cosmetology profession. Learning about professional ethics is important for building trust with clients and ensuring the success and reputation of any salon business.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Pupils are assumed to have a basic understanding of general good manners and the concept of right and wrong from their personal experiences.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

PROFESSIONAL ETHICS IN COSMETOLOGY

Definition of Professional Ethics

Professional ethics refers to the moral principles, values, and standards of conduct that guide the behaviour of individuals in a specific profession. In cosmetology, it involves how salon professionals interact with clients, colleagues, and the business environment.

Importance of Professional Ethics in Cosmetology

The following are reasons why professional ethics are important:

Builds client trust and loyalty.
Enhances the salon’s reputation and image.
Ensures client safety and satisfaction.
Promotes a positive and respectful work environment.
Helps to maintain high standards of service.
Avoids legal issues and complaints.

Good Ethical Practices in a Salon

The following are examples of good ethical practices:

Punctuality: Being on time for appointments and work.
Confidentiality: Keeping client information private.
Hygiene and Sanitation: Maintaining a clean and sterile environment and tools.
Professional Appearance: Dressing neatly and appropriately.
Respect: Treating all clients and colleagues with courtesy and dignity.
Honesty: Providing truthful advice and service descriptions.
Skill and Competence: Continuously improving skills and offering quality service.
Client Comfort: Ensuring clients are comfortable and their needs are met.

Poor Ethical Practices in a Salon

The following are examples of poor ethical practices:

Lateness/Absence: Consistently being late or absent without notice.
Gossiping: Discussing client or colleague private matters.
Poor Hygiene: Neglecting cleanliness of self, tools, or salon.
Unprofessional Appearance: Dressing inappropriately or untidily.
Rudeness: Being disrespectful or impolite to clients or colleagues.
Dishonesty: Misleading clients about products or services, or overcharging.
Lack of Skill: Performing services without adequate training or competence.
Neglect: Ignoring client needs or discomfort.

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 share their understanding of “good manners” and “bad manners” in general. The teacher then relates these concepts to professional conduct in a workplace, specifically a salon.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond to the teacher’s questions and share their ideas on good and bad manners.
Learning Point: Pupils recall prior knowledge of appropriate behaviour and are introduced to the lesson topic.

Step 2: Definition of Professional Ethics

Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Definition
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher defines professional ethics, emphasizing its importance in the cosmetology profession. The teacher explains that it covers moral principles and standards of behaviour for salon professionals. The teacher writes the definition on the board.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen attentively, ask questions for clarity, and copy notes from the board.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the meaning of professional ethics in the context of cosmetology.

Step 3: Importance of Professional Ethics

Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Discussion
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher leads a discussion on why professional ethics are important in a salon. The teacher highlights how ethics build trust, ensure client satisfaction, and promote a good reputation. The teacher lists points on the board.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils contribute to the discussion, share their views, and note down the key points.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the benefits of ethical conduct for clients and the business.

Step 4: Good Ethical Practices in a Salon

Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Listing/Examples
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher uses video clips or posters to show examples of good ethical practices in a salon (e.g., proper hygiene, respectful communication, punctuality). The teacher asks pupils to identify and list these practices. The teacher writes the points on the board.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the visuals, identify good practices, and contribute to the list, then copy the notes.
Learning Point: Pupils can identify and enumerate good ethical behaviours relevant to a cosmetology setting.

Step 5: Poor Ethical Practices in a Salon

Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Listing/Contrast
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher discusses contrasting examples of poor ethical practices, using more video clips or scenarios. The teacher encourages pupils to identify the negative impacts of such behaviours on clients and the salon. The teacher lists these practices on the board.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils engage in the discussion, identify poor practices, and understand their consequences, then copy the notes.
Learning Point: Pupils can identify and enumerate poor ethical behaviours and understand their negative consequences.

Step 6: Role-Play/Scenario Analysis

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Demonstration/Application
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher presents a short scenario involving an ethical dilemma in a salon (e.g., a client asking for a discount not offered, or a colleague gossiping). The teacher guides pupils to discuss how a professional cosmetologist should respond.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils participate in the discussion, offering solutions and explaining their reasoning based on ethical principles learned.
Learning Point: Pupils apply learned ethical principles to practical situations.

Step 7: Evaluation/Review

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Questioning/Assessment

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

Define professional ethics in cosmetology.
Mention three reasons why professional ethics are important in a salon.
List four examples of good ethical practices expected from a cosmetologist.
State two examples of poor ethical practices that can harm a salon’s reputation.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.

Learning Point: Pupils demonstrate understanding of the lesson.

Step 8: Conclusion

Time: 4 minutes
Teaching Skill: Summarization/Homework Assignment
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher summarizes the key points of the lesson, reiterating the importance of maintaining high professional ethical standards in cosmetology. The teacher assigns homework: “Write a short paragraph on how you would handle a client who is unhappy with a service, demonstrating good ethical practice.”
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the summary and copy the homework assignment.
Learning Point: Pupils reinforce their understanding and are encouraged to apply the knowledge.

Lesson Keywords

Ethics – Moral principles that govern a person’s behaviour or the conducting of an activity.
Professionalism – The competence or skill expected of a professional.
Salon – An establishment where a hairdresser, beautician, or fashion designer conducts business.
Confidentiality – The state of keeping or being kept secret or private.
Hygiene – Conditions or practices conducive to maintaining health and preventing disease, especially through cleanliness.
Courtesy – The showing of politeness in one’s attitude and behaviour toward others.

Differentiation

For pupils who require additional support, the teacher will pair them with stronger pupils for discussions and provide simplified scenarios. For advanced learners, the teacher will encourage them to research and present on a specific ethical dilemma in cosmetology and its potential solutions.

Note for teachers using this lesson plan

Teachers should encourage active participation and use real-life examples relevant to the local context to make the lesson relatable. Emphasize that ethical behaviour is not just about rules but about building trust and a positive image in the cosmetology industry. Practical demonstrations or role-playing can greatly enhance understanding.