Note for teachers using this lesson plan
For this lesson, ensure you have charts or visual aids illustrating different cosmetology services and basic business requirements. The central concept is understanding what it takes to start a cosmetology business and its benefits. Emphasise the importance of hygiene and professional standards in beauty practice. By the end, learners should be able to clearly state the meaning of a cosmetology business start-up, its entry requirements, and the advantages of venturing into this field.
Class: SS 1
Term: Third Term
Week: 6
Age: 15 years
Duration: 60 minutes
Subject: Beauty and Cosmetology
Curriculum Theme: Enterprise Creation Management
Focal competence: Identifying Concepts and Basics for Starting a Business in Cosmetology
Key competencies/values: Communication; Collaboration; Research and Problem Solving; Problem Solving
Skills:
- state the meaning of cosmetology business start-up
- discuss various industry entry requirements for cosmetology startup
Previous Lesson: Gainful Activities in Beauty and Cosmetology
Topic: Cosmetology Business Start-Up
Subject Matter: Meaning of Business Start-up, Industry entry requirements for cosmetology enterprise, Benefits of starting an enterprise in cosmetology
Specific Objectives
By the end of the lesson, pupils/students should be able to:
Cognitive Domain
- State the meaning of cosmetology business start-up.
- Discuss various industry entry requirements for cosmetology start-up.
- Explain the benefits of starting a cosmetology enterprise.
Affective Domain
- Appreciate the importance of proper planning before starting a business.
- Show willingness to adhere to industry standards and regulations.
Psychomotor Domain
- Participate actively in group discussions on business start-up concepts.
- Identify basic tools and products required for a cosmetology business.
Social Domain
- Collaborate effectively with peers during brainstorming and group discussions.
- Communicate ideas clearly regarding business start-up requirements.
Reference Materials
The following resources were used in planning this lesson:
- 2025 New Revised Senior Secondary Education Curriculum (SSEC)
- Relevant State Unified Scheme of Work
- Beauty and Cosmetology for Senior Secondary Schools, Book 1
- The HeadTeacher Scheme of work For The New Revised Senior Secondary Education Curriculum (SSEC)
Instructional Materials
The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:
- Workbooks
- Charts of cosmetology services and business requirements
- Whiteboard and markers
- Pictures of cosmetology salons/spas
Rationale for the Lesson
This lesson is important because it introduces students to the foundational knowledge required to establish a business in the cosmetology industry. It helps them understand the initial steps and legalities involved, fostering an entrepreneurial mindset. This knowledge empowers students to consider self-employment and contribute to economic development.
Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge
Students should have a basic understanding of what a business is and some general knowledge about beauty services.
Lesson Content/Board Summary
Cosmetology Business Start-Up
Meaning of Business Start-Up
A business start-up refers to the initial stage of establishing a new company or enterprise. It involves all the activities from conceiving a business idea to formally registering it, setting up operations, and beginning to offer products or services to customers. For a cosmetology business, this means setting up a salon, spa, or mobile service to provide beauty treatments.
Industry Entry Requirements for Cosmetology Enterprise
Starting a cosmetology business requires fulfilling several key industry and regulatory requirements to ensure professionalism, safety, and legality. These requirements help connect professional beauty practice with client care, hygiene, safe tools and products, respectful conduct, and basic quality standards.
- Business Registration:
This is the first legal step. It involves registering the business name with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) in Nigeria. This makes the business a legal entity.
- Licensing and Permits:
Cosmetology businesses often require specific licenses and permits from local government authorities and professional bodies. These may include:
- Professional License: For the owner and employees to practice cosmetology (e.g., hairdresser, esthetician, nail technician). This ensures practitioners have the necessary training and qualifications.
- Business Operating Permit: Issued by the local government to allow the business to operate within a specific area.
- Health and Safety Permits: To ensure the premises meet public health standards, especially concerning hygiene, sanitation, and waste disposal.
- Location and Facility Requirements:
Choosing a suitable location is crucial. The facility must:
- Be easily accessible to clients.
- Have adequate space for various services (e.g., hair styling, nail care, facials).
- Comply with zoning regulations.
- Maintain high standards of cleanliness and hygiene to prevent infections and ensure client safety.
- Equipment and Tools:
Acquiring the necessary professional-grade equipment and tools is essential. These include:
- Hair dryers, styling tools, scissors, combs.
- Manicure and pedicure stations, sterilizers.
- Facial machines, skincare products.
- Safe and high-quality products must be used for all services.
- Staffing:
Hiring qualified and experienced cosmetologists is vital. Staff must:
- Possess relevant certifications and licenses.
- Demonstrate excellent client care skills.
- Adhere to respectful conduct and professional ethics.
- Insurance:
Obtaining business insurance (e.g., liability insurance) is important to protect against unforeseen circumstances like accidents or client injuries on the premises.
- Financial Capital:
Securing sufficient funds for rent, equipment, initial stock, staff salaries, and operational costs is a fundamental requirement.
Benefits of Starting an Enterprise in Cosmetology
Starting a cosmetology business offers numerous advantages for the entrepreneur and the community:
- Self-Employment and Independence: It allows individuals to be their own boss, make independent decisions, and control their work environment.
- Job Creation: A new cosmetology business creates employment opportunities for other skilled cosmetologists, receptionists, and support staff.
- Financial Growth: Successful cosmetology businesses can generate significant income and wealth for the owner.
- Flexibility: Entrepreneurs often have more flexibility in setting their working hours and managing their work-life balance.
- Creative Expression: Cosmetology is an art form, providing an outlet for creativity in hair styling, makeup, and nail art.
- Community Service: Providing beauty services enhances clients’ self-esteem and well-being, contributing positively to the community.
- Personal Development: Running a business fosters the development of various skills, including management, marketing, and problem-solving.
- Contribution to Local Economy: Businesses contribute to the local economy through taxes, purchasing supplies, and providing services.
Teaching Methods/Instructional Techniques
Discussion, Explanation, Question and Answer, Group Work, Brainstorming
Instructional Procedures
Step 1: Introduction
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Engaging/Activating Prior Knowledge
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher greets the students and asks them what they understand by the term “business” and what kind of businesses they see around them, especially in the beauty sector.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond by giving examples of businesses and sharing their understanding.
Learning Point: Introduction to business concepts
Step 2: Meaning of Cosmetology Business Start-Up
Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Definition
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains the meaning of a business start-up in general terms and then specifically for cosmetology, using simple language and relevant examples.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen attentively, ask questions for clarification, and take brief notes.
Learning Point: Meaning of business start-up
Step 3: Group Brainstorming on Meaning
Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Facilitation/Collaboration
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher divides students into groups and guides them to brainstorm on the meaning of a cosmetology business start-up, encouraging them to share their understanding and examples. The teacher monitors group discussions.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils brainstorm in their groups, discussing and sharing their ideas on the meaning of cosmetology business start-up.
Learning Point: Shared understanding of start-up
Step 4: Industry Entry Requirements
Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Elaboration/Listing
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains the various industry entry requirements for starting a cosmetology enterprise, highlighting the importance of registration, licensing, hygiene, and professional conduct. The teacher uses charts to illustrate these points.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen, observe the charts, and ask questions about specific requirements.
Learning Point: Cosmetology entry requirements
Step 5: Group Discussion on Entry Requirements
Time: 8 minutes
Teaching Skill: Guided Discussion
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher guides students in their groups to discuss the importance of each entry requirement and how they ensure quality and safety in cosmetology practice. The teacher encourages students to give local examples.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils engage in group discussion, explaining the importance of different entry requirements.
Learning Point: Importance of entry requirements
Step 6: Benefits of Starting a Cosmetology Enterprise
Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Motivation
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains the benefits of starting an enterprise in cosmetology, such as self-employment, job creation, and financial growth. The teacher encourages students to share their aspirations.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen, contribute ideas, and discuss the benefits of entrepreneurship in cosmetology.
Learning Point: Benefits of cosmetology enterprise
Step 7: Evaluation/Review
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Questioning/Assessment
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher evaluates the learning by asking the following questions:
- What is a cosmetology business start-up?
- Mention three industry entry requirements for a cosmetology enterprise.
- State two benefits of starting a cosmetology business.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.
Learning Point: Understanding start-up concepts
Step 8: Note-Taking
Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Guided Writing
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher guides pupils/students to copy the essential Board Summary notes on the meaning, requirements, and benefits of cosmetology business start-up into their notebooks.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils/students copy the notes carefully into their notebooks.
Learning Point: Recording lesson notes
Step 9: Conclusion
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Summarisation
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher briefly summarises the main points of the lesson, reiterating the importance of understanding business start-up concepts in cosmetology and encourages students to consider entrepreneurship.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen and ask any final questions.
Learning Point: Cosmetology business overview
Continuous Assessment/Further Study
Type: Homework
Instruction: Answer the following questions in your notebook.
- Research and list three specific licenses or permits required to open a beauty salon in your local government area.
- Imagine you want to start a mobile cosmetology business. What unique entry requirements might you need compared to a fixed salon?
- In your own words, explain why hygiene and safe tools are critical entry requirements for any cosmetology business.
Lesson Keywords
- Start-up – The initial stage of establishing a new business.
- Cosmetology – The professional skill or practice of beautifying the face, hair, and skin.
- Enterprise – A business or company, especially one that involves a lot of effort and risk.
- Licensing – Official permission to operate a business or practice a profession.
- Hygiene – Conditions or practices conducive to maintaining health and preventing disease, especially through cleanliness.
Differentiation
For students who grasp concepts quickly, encourage them to research different types of cosmetology businesses (e.g., mobile salon, spa, barbershop) and their specific entry requirements. For students needing more support, provide simplified charts or visual aids and offer one-on-one guidance during group activities to ensure they understand the basic definitions and requirements.
Suggested Lesson Videos
For further understanding, search on YouTube for: starting a cosmetology business nigeria SS1

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