Meaning of ethics and ethical practice in hair styling for JSS 1

Class: JSS 1
Term: First Term
Week: 1
Age: 12 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: Beauty and Cosmetology
Curriculum Theme: Ethical practices in hair styling, make-up and henna designs and application
Focal competence: Apply ethical conduct in Hair Styling
Key competencies/values: Respect
Skills:

• Demonstrate desirable ethics in hairstyling

Previous Lesson:
Topic: Application Of Ethical Practices In Hair Styling
Subject Matter: Meaning of ethics, Meaning of ethical practice in hair styling, Ethics in hair styling

Specific Objectives

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

Cognitive Domain

• define ethics;
• define ethical practice in hair styling.

Affective Domain

• appreciate the importance of ethical conduct in hair styling.

Psychomotor Domain

• demonstrate desirable ethics in hairstyling.

Reference Materials

The following resources were used in planning this lesson:

• 2025 Revised 9 Years Basic Education Curriculum
• Relevant State Unified Scheme of Work
• The HeadTeacher Scheme of work
• The Ethics of Beauty’ by Routledge
• Professional Ethics for Hairdressers: Brochure by Cosmetology Brochures.com

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

• Charts on ethical conducts
• Posters illustrating good hygiene practices
• Pictures showing professional and unprofessional behaviour in a salon
• Whiteboard and markers

Rationale for the Lesson

This lesson is important because it lays the foundation for professional conduct in beauty and cosmetology. Understanding ethics ensures students develop responsible habits and client trust from an early stage. It helps them build a positive reputation and maintain a safe and respectful working environment.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Students should have a basic understanding of personal hygiene and general good manners.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

Application Of Ethical Practices In Hair Styling

Meaning of Ethics

Ethics refers to a set of moral principles that guide a person’s behaviour or the way an activity is carried out. It involves knowing the difference between right and wrong and choosing to do what is right.

Meaning of Ethical Practice in Hair Styling

Ethical practice in hair styling means applying moral principles and professional standards when working with clients and colleagues in a salon. It involves conducting oneself with honesty, integrity, respect, and responsibility.

Ethics in Hair Styling

Ethical practice in hair styling covers various aspects, including safety, hygiene, professionalism, and client care. Adhering to these principles ensures a safe, respectful, and trustworthy environment for both the stylist and the client.

Key ethical considerations and desirable practices in hair styling include:

1. Client Consultation: Always discuss the client’s needs, expectations, and any health concerns before starting any service.
2. Hygiene and Sanitation: Maintain a clean workstation and sterilise all tools and equipment before and after each use to prevent the spread of infections.
3. Professional Appearance: Dress neatly and appropriately, maintaining good personal hygiene to project a professional image.
4. Client Confidentiality: Respect client privacy and do not discuss personal information or details of their hair with others.
5. Honesty and Integrity: Be truthful about the services offered, product benefits, and pricing. Do not overcharge or recommend unnecessary services.
6. Respect and Empathy: Treat all clients with respect, regardless of their background, appearance, or beliefs. Listen to their concerns and show understanding.
7. Safety: Follow all safety guidelines for using chemicals and tools. Ensure the client’s comfort and safety throughout the service.
8. Skill and Competence: Only perform services you are trained and competent to do. Continuously update your skills and knowledge.
9. Time Management: Be punctual for appointments and manage your time effectively to avoid keeping clients waiting unnecessarily.
10. Waste Disposal: Dispose of waste materials, especially sharp objects and chemical waste, safely and according to regulations.

Teaching Methods/Instructional Techniques

Discussion, Explanation, Question and Answer, Demonstration, Role-play, Guided Practice

Instructional Procedures

Step 1: Introduction

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Activating prior knowledge

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher greets the students and asks them to share examples of good and bad behaviour they have observed in different professions, such as doctors or teachers.

Pupils’ Activity: Students share their observations and discuss what makes a behaviour good or bad.

Learning Point: Behavioural standards examples

Step 2: Meaning of Ethics

Time: 8 minutes

Teaching Skill: Explanation/Definition

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains the meaning of ethics using simple language and relatable examples. The teacher writes the definition on the board.

Pupils’ Activity: Students listen attentively and ask questions for clarity.

Learning Point: Definition of ethics

Step 3: Meaning of Ethical Practice in Hair Styling

Time: 7 minutes

Teaching Skill: Explanation/Connection

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher connects the general meaning of ethics to its specific application in hair styling, explaining what ethical practice means in this context.

Pupils’ Activity: Students listen and try to relate the concept to the beauty industry.

Learning Point: Ethical practice definition

Step 4: Discussing Ethics in Hair Styling (Hygiene and Safety)

Time: 7 minutes

Teaching Skill: Discussion/Illustration

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher uses charts and posters to discuss specific ethical rules related to hygiene and safety in hair styling, such as sterilising tools and maintaining a clean environment.

Pupils’ Activity: Students observe the charts, participate in the discussion, and identify good hygiene practices.

Learning Point: Hygiene and safety rules

Step 5: Discussing Ethics in Hair Styling (Professionalism and Client Care)

Time: 6 minutes

Teaching Skill: Guided discussion/Examples

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher leads a discussion on other ethical considerations like client consultation, confidentiality, honesty, and professional appearance. The teacher provides examples of desirable conduct.

Pupils’ Activity: Students contribute ideas and discuss the importance of these practices.

Learning Point: Professional conduct principles

Step 6: Demonstrating Desirable Ethics

Time: 4 minutes

Teaching Skill: Role-play/Demonstration

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher asks students to role-play short scenarios demonstrating desirable ethical behaviours discussed, such as a proper client greeting or tool sterilisation.

Pupils’ Activity: Students volunteer to role-play and observe their peers, identifying ethical actions.

Learning Point: Ethical behaviour application

Step 7: Evaluation/Review

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Questioning/Assessment

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

1. What is ethics?
2. Define ethical practice in hair styling.
3. Mention two desirable ethical practices in hair styling.
4. Why is client confidentiality important?

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.

Learning Point: Understanding ethical practices

Step 8: Note-Taking

Time: 4 minutes

Teaching Skill: Guided Writing

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher guides pupils/students to copy the essential Board Summary notes on the meaning of ethics and ethical practices into their notebooks.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils/students copy the notes carefully into their notebooks.

Learning Point: Board summary recording

Step 9: Conclusion

Time: 2 minutes

Teaching Skill: Consolidation

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher summarises the importance of ethical conduct in hair styling and encourages students to always practice professionalism and respect.

Pupils’ Activity: Students listen and affirm their understanding.

Learning Point: Ethical practice reinforcement

Continuous Assessment/Further Study

Type: Homework

Instruction: Answer the following questions in your notebook:

1. List three reasons why hygiene is an important ethical practice in hair styling.
2. Describe a situation where a hair stylist might need to practice client confidentiality.
3. Interview a hair stylist in your community and ask them about the ethical challenges they face and how they handle them. Write a short report.

Lesson Keywords

• Ethics – Moral principles that govern a person’s behaviour or the conducting of an activity.
• Ethical Practice – The application of moral principles and professional standards in a specific field.
• Hair Styling – The art of arranging hair into a particular style or fashion.
• Hygiene – Practices conducive to maintaining health and preventing disease, especially through cleanliness.
• Professionalism – The competence or skill expected of a professional.
• Confidentiality – The state of keeping or being kept secret or private.

Differentiation

Support for weaker learners: Provide simpler definitions and more direct examples. Pair them with faster learners during role-play activities. Use visual aids extensively to reinforce concepts.

Extension for faster learners: Encourage them to research and present on additional ethical dilemmas in the beauty industry. Ask them to create a short poster illustrating ethical principles.

Suggested Lesson Videos

For further understanding, search on YouTube for: ethics in hair styling jss1

Teacher Guide for Using This Lesson Plan

Before the lesson, ensure you have prepared the charts and posters on ethical conduct and hygiene. Begin by engaging students with relatable examples of good and bad behaviour to set the stage for understanding ethics. Clearly explain the meaning of ethics and how it specifically applies to hair styling, emphasising safety, hygiene, professionalism, and client care. Encourage active participation through discussions and simple role-play scenarios to help students demonstrate desirable ethics. During the note-taking phase (Step 8), guide students to accurately copy the Board Summary. Continuously check for understanding throughout the lesson, especially during the evaluation, to address any misconceptions. For weaker learners, provide additional explanations and visual support, while faster learners can be challenged with research tasks or creating their own ethical scenarios.