Class: Senior Secondary School 1 (SSS 1)
Term: 3rd Term
Week: 1
Age: 15 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: Cosmetology
Curriculum Theme: Entrepreneurship (Trade Subjects)
Previous Lesson: .
Topic: TYPES OF HAIR AND CHARACTERISTICS
Subject Matter: dry hair, normal hair, oily hair, hair characteristics
Specific Objectives
By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:
Cognitive Domain:
- Define hair.
- List the three main types of hair.
- Describe at least three characteristics of hair.
Affective Domain:
- Appreciate the importance of identifying different hair types for proper care.
- Show interest in learning about hair analysis.
Psychomotor Domain:
- Differentiate between dry, normal, and oily hair visually.
- Identify various characteristics of hair using provided examples.
Social Domain:
- Participate actively in group discussions about hair types.
- Communicate observations effectively regarding hair characteristics.
Reference Materials
The following resources were used in planning this lesson:
- 9 Years Basic Education Curriculum (Senior Secondary School)
- State Unified Scheme of Work for Cosmetology
- Cosmetology for Senior Secondary Schools, Book 1
Instructional Materials
The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:
- Combs
- Charts showing different hair types and characteristics
- Pictures illustrating dry, normal, and oily hair
- Magnifying glass (optional, for closer observation)
Rationale for the Lesson
Understanding different hair types and their characteristics is important for pupils because it is the foundation for effective hair care and styling. This knowledge helps pupils to choose appropriate products and treatments, which is a necessary skill for personal grooming and professional cosmetology practices.
Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge
Pupils have basic knowledge of the human body and general hygiene practices. They can identify the hair on their heads and have a general idea of its purpose.
Lesson Content/Board Summary
TYPES OF HAIR AND CHARACTERISTICS
Definition of Hair
Hair is a protein filament that grows from follicles found in the dermis, or skin. It is primarily composed of keratin, a tough protein.
Types of Hair
Hair can be broadly classified into three main types based on its oil production and moisture levels:
- Normal Hair: This type of hair is well-balanced, neither too oily nor too dry. It typically appears shiny, soft, and has good elasticity.
- Dry Hair: Dry hair lacks sufficient moisture and natural oils (sebum). It often appears dull, rough, frizzy, and can be prone to breakage.
- Oily Hair: Oily hair is characterized by an overproduction of sebum from the scalp’s sebaceous glands. It often looks greasy, feels heavy, and may appear limp.
Characteristics of Hair
Beyond its type, hair possesses several characteristics that influence its appearance and how it should be treated. The following are important characteristics of hair:
- Texture: This refers to the thickness or circumference of individual hair strands. It can be fine, medium, or coarse.
- Density: This describes the number of hair strands per square inch on the scalp. It can be thin, medium, or thick (dense).
- Porosity: This is the hair’s ability to absorb and retain moisture. It can be low (cuticles are tightly closed), normal, or high (cuticles are raised).
- Elasticity: This is the hair’s ability to stretch and return to its original length without breaking. Good elasticity indicates healthy hair.
- Growth Pattern: This refers to the direction in which the hair grows from the scalp, such as straight, wavy, curly, or coily.
- Luster (Shine): This is the natural sheen or reflectivity of the hair. It can range from dull to very shiny.
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 observe their own hair and that of their classmates. The teacher then asks questions like, “Do all your hairs feel the same?” or “Does everyone’s hair look equally shiny?” to introduce the concept of different hair types and characteristics.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond to the teacher’s questions and share their observations about hair differences.
Learning Point: Pupils are introduced to the idea that hair varies among individuals.
Step 2: Definition of Hair
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher defines hair as a protein filament composed primarily of keratin and explains its origin from follicles in the skin. The definition is written on the board.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen attentively and copy the definition of hair from the board.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the basic biological definition and composition of hair.
Step 3: Types of Hair
Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Elucidation/Demonstration
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains the three main types of hair: normal, dry, and oily hair. For each type, the teacher describes its typical appearance, feel, and underlying cause (oil production). Charts and pictures illustrating each hair type are used for visual demonstration.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the charts and pictures, listen to the explanations, and ask questions for clarification. They note down the types of hair and their descriptions.
Learning Point: Pupils can identify and differentiate between normal, dry, and oily hair.
Step 4: Characteristics of Hair
Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Illustration
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains various characteristics of hair such as texture, density, porosity, elasticity, growth pattern, and luster. The teacher uses examples and encourages pupils to feel their own hair to understand concepts like texture and density.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen, feel their hair, and make notes on the different characteristics of hair.
Learning Point: Pupils understand that hair has multiple characteristics beyond just its type.
Step 5: Practical Identification
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Application/Observation
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher presents samples (e.g., strands of hair, or refers to pupils’ own hair) and guides pupils on how to visually and tactilely identify different hair types and characteristics like texture and luster.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils practice identifying hair types and characteristics under the teacher’s guidance, using the provided materials or observing their own hair.
Learning Point: Pupils apply their knowledge to practically identify hair types and characteristics.
Step 6: Evaluation/Review
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Questioning/Assessment
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher evaluates the learning by asking the following questions:
- What is hair composed of?
- List the three main types of hair.
- Describe two differences between dry hair and oily hair.
- Mention three characteristics of hair.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.
Learning Point: Pupils demonstrate understanding of the lesson.
Step 7: Conclusion
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Summarization
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher summarizes the key points of the lesson, reiterating the importance of knowing hair types and characteristics for proper hair care. The teacher assigns homework: “Observe the hair of three family members and identify their hair type and at least two characteristics.”
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the summary, ask any final questions, and note down the homework.
Learning Point: Pupils consolidate their learning and prepare for further exploration.
Lesson Keywords
- Hair – Protein filament growing from follicles in the skin.
- Normal Hair – Balanced hair, neither too oily nor too dry.
- Dry Hair – Hair lacking sufficient moisture and natural oils.
- Oily Hair – Hair characterized by excessive sebum production.
- Texture – Thickness or circumference of individual hair strands (fine, medium, coarse).
- Density – Number of hair strands per square inch on the scalp (thin, medium, thick).
- Porosity – Hair’s ability to absorb and retain moisture.
- Elasticity – Hair’s ability to stretch and return to its original length.
Differentiation
For pupils who grasp concepts quickly, they can be tasked with researching specific hair care products suitable for each hair type. For those needing more support, the teacher will provide additional visual aids and allow for more one-on-one guidance during practical identification activities.
Note for teachers using this lesson plan
Encourage pupils to use their own hair and the hair of their peers (with permission) as practical examples for identifying types and characteristics. Emphasize that proper hair analysis is the first step in providing effective cosmetology services.

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