Tools and Equipment II – SS1 Beauty & Cosmetology Lesson Note (First Term)

The three main electrical appliances in a Nigerian salon are the hair dryer, the hair straightener and the steriliser. The dryer dries and stretches hair, the straightener presses hair straight, and the steriliser kills germs on metal tools. Safe use, regular cleaning and quick fault-finding keep the machines working and keep clients healthy.

Behavioural objectives

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

• Name the three main electrical appliances used in a salon and state what each one does.
• Describe the two hair dryer attachments and when each is used.
• State four safety rules for working with electricity in a salon.
• Carry out basic care for a hair dryer and a hair straightener.
• Identify the likely cause of, and the action for, common appliance problems.

What are the three main electrical appliances in a salon?

In almost every Nigerian salon, you will find these three machines. If you can master them, you are halfway to being a professional stylist.

1. The handheld hair dryer (blow dryer)

• What it does: It blows hot or cool air to dry wet hair quickly. It is also used to “stretch” natural hair before braiding or styling.
• The “secret” attachments:
  1. The nozzle (concentrator): This helps direct the air to one spot for a smooth finish.
  2. The diffuser: This is the round, spiky attachment. It is used for curly hair so the curls do not get “frizzy” while drying.

2. The hair straightener (flat iron)

• What it does: It uses two heated plates to press the hair, making it straight and shiny.
• Professional tip: Always use a “heat protectant” spray or oil on the hair first. If the iron is too hot and the hair is dry, you will “fry” the hair, and it will break off.

3. The steriliser (UV or glass bead)

• What it does: This is the most important machine for health. It uses UV light or high heat to kill 99.9% of germs and bacteria on your metal tools (like clippers, scissors and tweezers).
• Why we need it: Using a clipper on one person and then another without sterilising it is how skin infections and “barber’s itch” are spread.

How do you work safely with electricity?

Electricity and water are “enemies”. Since salons use a lot of water, you must be very careful.

• Dry hands only: Never plug or unplug a machine if your hands are wet or sweaty.
• No “naked” wires: If you see a wire that is peeled or taped roughly, stop using it immediately. It can cause a fire or a shock.
• One plug at a time: Do not overload one extension box with the dryer, the straightener and the steriliser all at once. It can blow a fuse.
• The “smell” test: If you smell burning plastic while using a dryer, switch it off and unplug it. The motor might be overheating.

How do you maintain salon machines?

Appliances are expensive. If you buy a dryer for ₦25,000 and it breaks in a month because you were careless, you are losing profit.

How to care for them:

1. Clean the filters: Hair dryers have a small mesh or vent at the back. Hair and dust get stuck there. If it gets blocked, the dryer will overheat and burn out. Clean it weekly with a small brush.
2. Wipe the plates: For straighteners, wait for them to cool down, then wipe the plates with a damp cloth to remove burnt hair cream or oils.
3. Cord management: Never wrap the cord tightly around the machine. This breaks the tiny wires inside. Instead, fold the cord loosely in a “figure 8” shape.
4. Cool down time: Do not put a hot straightener directly into a plastic bag or on a wooden table. Let it sit on a heat-resistant mat or the floor until it is cool.

How do you troubleshoot common problems?

What is the professional’s responsibility?

Being a cosmetologist means you are also a “technician” of your own tools.

• Morning task: Wipe down your machines.
• Evening task: Unplug everything before locking the shop. Make sure the steriliser is empty and clean.

Class practical activity

• The filter search: I will bring a hair dryer to class. We will find the “air intake” (the vent) and see how much dust is hidden there. We will practise cleaning it with an old toothbrush.
• Safety drill: Demonstrate the correct way to hold a plug and how to fold a cord loosely for storage.

Evaluation

1. Name the three main electrical appliances in a salon and state what each one does.
2. What is the diffuser used for?
3. Why should you apply a heat protectant before using a hair straightener?
4. State four safety rules for working with electricity in a salon.
5. A dryer blows air that is not hot. What is the likely cause, and what should you do?

Assignment

Write a short care plan for a hair dryer and a hair straightener, using the maintenance steps in this lesson. Then list the morning and evening tasks of a salon professional.