Class: Senior Secondary School 1 (SSS 1)
Term: First Term
Week: 9
Age: 15 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: Cosmetology
Curriculum Theme: Entrepreneurship (Trade Subjects)
Previous Lesson: Professional Ethics: Good and Poor Practices.
Topic: PROFESSIONAL ETHICS Qualities of a Cosmetologist
Subject Matter: desirable qualities of cosmetologist, professional behaviour, customer relations

Specific Objectives

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

Cognitive Domain:

Define professional ethics in cosmetology.
List desirable qualities of a cosmetologist.
Explain the importance of professional behaviour.

Affective Domain:

Appreciate the value of ethical conduct in the cosmetology profession.
Recognize the importance of good customer relations.

Psychomotor Domain:

Demonstrate professional behaviour in a simulated salon setting.
Practice effective customer relations.

Interact respectfully and professionally with clients and colleagues.

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.
Akinola, F. (2018). Comprehensive Cosmetology for Senior Secondary Schools. Lagos: Learnwell Publishers.
www.education.gov.ng
www.nigeriancurriculum.gov.ng

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

Charts illustrating professional qualities.
Pictures showing cosmetologists interacting with clients.
Role-play scenarios for customer relations.

Rationale for the Lesson

This lesson helps pupils understand the expected standards of conduct in the cosmetology profession. It enables them to develop the necessary professional qualities and skills for building good relationships with clients, which is important for success in their future careers.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Pupils have a basic understanding of personal hygiene and general good conduct in school and at home.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

Professional Ethics in Cosmetology

Definition of Professional Ethics

Professional ethics refers to the moral principles and standards of conduct that guide the behaviour of individuals in a particular profession. For cosmetologists, these ethics ensure respect, honesty, and competence in their work.

Desirable Qualities of a Cosmetologist

A successful cosmetologist should possess the following qualities:

Professional Appearance: Neat and clean uniform, well-groomed hair, minimal makeup, clean hands and nails.
Good Communication Skills: Ability to listen actively, speak clearly, and understand client needs.
Punctuality: Always on time for appointments and work.
Reliability: Dependable and trustworthy in fulfilling duties.
Positive Attitude: Friendly, enthusiastic, and optimistic approach to work and clients.
Tact and Diplomacy: Ability to handle sensitive situations with care and avoid offending clients.
Honesty: Being truthful and transparent with clients regarding services and products.
Client Confidentiality: Keeping client information private.
Hygiene and Sanitation: Strict adherence to cleanliness standards to prevent infections.
Continuous Learning: Staying updated with new trends and techniques in cosmetology.

Importance of Professional Behaviour

Professional behaviour is important for several reasons:

It builds trust and confidence with clients.
It enhances the reputation of the cosmetologist and the salon.
It promotes a positive work environment.
It helps in attracting and retaining clients.
It ensures client satisfaction and loyalty.

Effective Customer Relations

Effective customer relations involve building and maintaining positive relationships with clients. This includes:

Greeting clients warmly.
Listening carefully to their requests and concerns.
Offering personalized advice and solutions.
Being polite and respectful at all times.
Handling complaints professionally and calmly.
Following up with clients after services.

Teaching Methods/Instructional Techniques

Discussion, Lecture, Demonstration, Question and Answer, Visual Aids, Role-play

Instructional Procedures

Step 1: Introduction

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Set Induction
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher greets the pupils and asks them to reflect on what makes a good service provider in any field they have encountered (e.g., a doctor, a shopkeeper). The teacher then links their responses to the cosmetology profession, introducing the topic of professional ethics.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils share their experiences and ideas, relating them to the concept of good service.
Learning Point: Pupils are introduced to the concept of professionalism and its relevance to cosmetology.

Step 2: Definition of Professional Ethics

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Definition
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher defines professional ethics, explaining its importance in guiding cosmetologists’ conduct. The teacher writes the definition on the board.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen attentively, ask questions for clarity, and copy the definition into their notebooks.
Learning Point: Pupils understand what professional ethics means in the context of cosmetology.

Step 3: Desirable Qualities of a Cosmetologist

Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Listing/Discussion
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher displays charts showing various professional qualities and discusses each one in detail, providing examples of how each quality applies in a salon setting. The teacher encourages pupils to share their thoughts on why each quality is important.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the charts, participate in the discussion, and list the qualities in their notes.
Learning Point: Pupils identify and understand the key qualities expected of a cosmetologist.

Step 4: Importance of Professional Behaviour

Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Elaboration
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains the significance of maintaining professional behaviour, highlighting how it impacts client trust, salon reputation, and business success. The teacher writes the key points on the board.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen, ask questions, and take notes on the importance of professional behaviour.
Learning Point: Pupils grasp why professional behaviour is essential for a cosmetologist.

Step 5: Effective Customer Relations

Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Brainstorming/Discussion
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher initiates a discussion on how cosmetologists can build and maintain good relationships with their clients. The teacher guides pupils to brainstorm specific actions and attitudes that lead to effective customer relations.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils contribute ideas, discuss different scenarios, and record the points on effective customer relations.
Learning Point: Pupils learn practical ways to achieve effective customer relations.

Step 6: Role-play/Demonstration

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Demonstration/Application
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher sets up a simple role-play scenario where some pupils act as cosmetologists and others as clients. The teacher observes as pupils demonstrate desirable qualities and good customer relations.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils actively participate in the role-play, practicing the concepts learned in the lesson.
Learning Point: Pupils apply their understanding of professional qualities and customer relations in a practical context.

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.
List four desirable qualities of a cosmetologist.
State two reasons why professional behaviour is important.
Mention two ways a cosmetologist can maintain good customer relations.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.

Learning Point: Pupils demonstrate understanding of the lesson.

Step 8: Conclusion

Time: 1 minute
Teaching Skill: Summarization
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher summarizes the main points of the lesson, re-emphasizing the importance of professional ethics, qualities, and customer relations for a successful career in cosmetology. The teacher gives homework: research specific ethical dilemmas a cosmetologist might face.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the summary and note down the homework.
Learning Point: Pupils consolidate their understanding of the lesson and are given further tasks.

Lesson Keywords

Ethics – Moral principles that govern a person’s behaviour or the conducting of an activity.
Cosmetologist – A person who is skilled in cosmetology, which is the art or profession of beautifying the hair, skin, and nails.
Professional Behaviour – Conduct that is appropriate, polite, and respectful in a professional setting.
Customer Relations – The way a business communicates and interacts with its customers.
Confidentiality – The state of keeping or being kept secret or private.

Differentiation

For pupils who grasp concepts quickly, the teacher can assign them to lead a short discussion on real-life scenarios where professional ethics are tested. For those who require more support, the teacher can provide simplified notes or pair them with peers for collaborative learning and allow more time for practical demonstrations.

Note for teachers using this lesson plan

Encourage active participation and real-life examples from pupils to make the lesson relatable. Emphasize that professional ethics are not just rules but a foundation for building a successful and respected career in cosmetology. Ensure the role-play activities are short, focused, and provide constructive feedback.