Hair and Beauty- Understanding Command Verbs Lesson

Teaching Resource:
Understanding command verbs

VTCT Level 1/2 Technical Award in the Study of Hair and Beauty (CO2A5)

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Learning objectives

• Describe the purpose of a command verb

• Outline the command verbs used within the CO2A5 Non-exam Assessment
(NEA) and Assessment by Examination

• Explain the consequences of not meeting the requirements of a command
verb within an assessment

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Command verbs

• A command verb is the action a writer (or speaker) wants someone else
to do, for example, close the door

• The command verb and action in this instruction is ‘close’

• The purpose of a command verb in assignments and exams is to provide
clarity on the detail that should be given within a response

For example:

• If asked to ‘state’a hobby, that you are interested in, you would simply
reply with the name of a hobby

• Whereas, if asked to ‘describe’ your hobby, you would provide more
information, for example, the features and characteristics of your hobby

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List

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A ‘list’ is a set of connected items, which are commonly recorded one below
the other.

For example:
• Shopping lists

• Registers in a class

Activity 1:

Looking around the room, list ten items you can see.

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Label

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Activity 2:

As a group, label the diagram of the skin structure.

To ‘label’something requires you to give the correct name to identify an
item.

For example:
•A component or structure within the skin

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Activity 2 – Label

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State

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Activity 3:

Ask the person sat next to you to state what
haircare/cosmetics they use daily.

To ‘state’, requires you to express something clearly and concisely.

For example:
•Your name
•Your age
•Your address

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Identify

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Activity 4:

Identify one treatment or service that is performed by each of the
following practitioners:
•Barber
•Beauty Therapist
•Hairdresser
•Nail Technician

To ‘identify’, you need to pinpoint specific qualities, differences, activities or
features about something. It can also mean establish who or what
something or someone is.

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Activity 4 – Identify

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Barber

Beauty Therapist

Hairdresser

Nail Technician

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Analyse

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To ‘analyse’ a subject, you should examine and explore each specific part.

Your response should provide in-depth details of each part of the subject
and include reasoned judgements for your findings.

The link below is an analysis conducted by the author using data from the
National Hair and Beauty Federation’s survey in 2020 on how the UK beauty
and aesthetic market is performing.

How the UK beauty and aesthetics market is performing
(professionalbeauty.co.uk)

As you can see the author has used data to provide an in-depth and detailed
analysis of the information they have researched.

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Assess

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We ‘assess’ daily, sometimes without even knowing we are doing it.

For example, you may assess a variety of training pathways before deciding
the route that is most beneficial for you.

To assess something, you need to:
•Break down the subject and

•Decide the quality, value or importance of the information
and facts provided

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Assess

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Activity 5:

In two groups, assess the role of a trainee employed by a
salon/barbershop.

Some points for discussion:
•What value does the trainee bring to the salon/barbershop?
•What would the impact be on the salon/barbershop if the trainee was
absent from work?

Record your answers on a large piece of paper and compare your answers
with the other group.

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Activity 5 – Feedback

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Some points you may have discussed:

• Inspiration– Trainees can bring fresh perspectives into a salon/barbershop
which can help to shape services or treatments provided

• Workload – Trainees share the workload which allows the qualified
practitioners to generate more income for the business. When trainees are
absent it can increase the workload for more senior employees

• Education – A trainee in a salon/barbershop will require guidance and
instruction from more senior members of staff. This passing on of
information ensures senior members of staff stay up-to-date with current
trends and techniques

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Compare

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To ‘compare’ you are required to look at the similarities and differences
between two or more subjects.

Subject 1
differences
Subject 2
differences

Similarities
between
the two

•Consider the relevance of the
similarities and differences

•A visual way of conducting this
is to draw two circles which
overlap

•You can use this quick way of
recording to inform your
comparison

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Activity 6 – Compare

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Compare the following two colouring services:
•Permanent colour
•Semi-permanent colour

Permanent
colour
Semi-permanent
colour

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Define

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To ‘define’, you are asked to give a meaning of either a word or a phrase.

For example:

Define the purpose of a shampoo:
‘A shampoo is a cosmetic product that is used to clean the hair and scalp.’

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Describe

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To ‘describe’, you are required to write about the subject giving detailed
information, and including relevant characteristics, qualities or events.

For example:

Describe a facial exfoliator:
‘A facial exfoliator is a cosmetic product that is used to remove dead cells
from the surface of the skin. Facial exfoliators can be in the form of a scrub
which contains granules to lift off dead cells or a peel that contains enzymes
to dissolve dead cells. These products help to smooth and brighten the skin.’

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Activity 7 – Describe

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Using this link (or QR code), describe the purpose of the National
Occupational Standards.

Education and Standards – Habia

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Evaluate

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An evaluation comprises:

•A positive point

•A negative point

•A conclusion

OR

•An advantage

•A disadvantage

•A justification

This would be the minimum expectation for an evaluation question.

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Evaluate

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Evaluate a waxing hair removal service.

•Positive – Waxing as a form of hair removal can have several different benefits.
For example, by removing the hair directly from the root, as opposed to shaving
where the hair is cut at skin level, the hair will grow back finer. As the hair is
removed from the root, the hair will also take longer to grow back

•Negative – This procedure can on occasions be slightly uncomfortable depending
on the sensitivity of the client and the area on the body where the waxing is
taking place. This procedure will also require the hair to regrow to a certain length
before a waxing treatment can take place. Waxing can be a more costly service
compared to other hair removal methods

•Conclusion – Whilst waxing may be a more costly hair removal method, it only
needs to be performed every 4-6 weeks depending on a person’s hair growth.
As the hair is removed directly from the root, there will be no visible stubble and
the skin will feel soft. If a client does not mind the regrowth between treatments,
this would be the perfect form of hair removal for them

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Evaluate

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Activity 8:

Evaluate a treatment or service that interests you from the list below :
•Barbering
•Beauty therapy
•Hairdressing
•Nail technology

Remember to include all the following in your answer:
•Positive/advantage
•Negative/disadvantage
•Conclusion/justification

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Explain

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To ‘explain’, you are required to use words to provide detail about a subject,
so that it can be understood.

When asked to ‘explain’ something, imagine that the person reading the
response knows nothing about the subject. Include the ‘what’ and the ‘why’
in your response.

Explain one reason why practitioners complete a skin/allergy alert test before a
colouring service:

•What – For salons/barbershops to comply with insurance requirements, a skin
test must be performed 24-48 hours before a colouring service can take place

•Why – This allows the salon/barbershop to assess whether the client may have
an allergic reaction to the ingredients found in colouring products. This is one
reason why visiting a professional for a hair colouring service is a safer option

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Explain

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Activity 9:

In pairs, explain to your partner your preferred
method of revising for exams.

Remember to include the ‘what’ and the ‘why’ - details about the actual
revision method and why that is your preferred method.

If you do not have a preferred method, you could do some quick online
research to find a method that looks good and explain that to your partner.

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Activity 9 – Feedback

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One example could be:

Blurting – simply write down all the key points that you can remember about
a subject off the top of your head, maybe use a highlighter to prioritise
important facts. So just blurt it out. Now check it against a textbook or class
notes and add anything that you have missed. Repeat this as many times as
you can and each time you will remember a little bit more. (What)

It is a good method because you are actively recording what you already
know and then adding missing details to build your knowledge and recall over
time. (Why)

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Justify

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Activity 10:

A make-up artist working in a television studio is applying a mattifying
foundation that provides high coverage to the presenter in the image on
this slide.

The presenter has:
•Oily skin
•Visible blemishes

Justify the make-up artist’s choice of
foundation for this presenter. Discuss as a group.

To ‘justify’, you are required to provide reasoned explanations for the
actions or decisions made. They provide evidence or give reasons which
prove that something you believe is right or true.

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Make recommendations

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Recommendations are suggestions or proposals that something is good
or suitable for a particular purpose.

A recommendation is based upon your knowledge and understanding of a
particular area or subject.

Examples of recommendations:

•Recommending someone for a job

•Recommending a particular product or service to a client

•Recommending how a service or treatment could be adapted to suit the
needs or expectations of the client

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Make recommendations

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Activity 11:

A client arrives for a consultation for a blow-dry.
You can see that they have a dandruff affected scalp.

As a professional, what would be your recommendation?

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Activity 11 – Feedback

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That the client regularly uses a medicated shampoo designed to target a
dandruff affected scalp.

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Outline

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Activity 12:

Outline the following nail shapes:
•Square nails
•Round nails

To ‘outline’, learners are required to give an overview or general description
of the main characteristics or key points of something but not the detail.

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Plan

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To ‘plan’, you are required to provide a detailed proposal of how you
will do or achieve an end goal/project/task.

Planning ensures that you:

•Have enough time to complete a project or task

•Can access all the resources that you may need

•Select the appropriate research methods to gain the required information

•Establish if your main aim is achievable or if adjustments need to be made

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Plan

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Activity 13a:

In pairs or individually, think about your favourite cosmetic product. You are
going to create a mini presentation on this product to the rest of the group.

To create a successful presentation, you must plan for it first. As a group
discuss what things would go into that plan.

This may include aspects such as:
• What research methods will I use to find out more information about this
product?

• How will I present my research findings?

• How much time do I plan to spend on this activity?

• What steps will I need to take to be able to complete this activity?

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Present

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To ‘present’, requires you to communicate the information you have
researched to an audience.

A presentation is usually performed at the end of a project to demonstrate
your theories or an understanding of a topic. Barbers, Beauty Therapists,
Hairdressers and Nail Technicians are often asked to present information to
an audience, large or small, as part of their job role.

Examples include:
•Present a mood board you have created for a client attending an event

•Present your findings on a new product to a product manufacturer

•Present your findings of a new product range to your employer or
colleagues

•Present services/treatments during promotional events in the workplace

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Present

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Activity 13b:

Following on from the previous task, individually or in pairs create a mini
presentation about your favourite cosmetic product.

In your presentation include all or some of the following:
• Active ingredients
• Why you like the product
• What it does that makes it stand out from other similar products
• Cost
• Availability
• Endorsements

You can present this information on a digital platform or through a
mood board.

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Review

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To ‘review’, you are required to summarise key points, discuss each one and
provide your opinion.

A review is a critical appraisal of something. You may be familiar with film
reviews or books reviews. They are usually conducted by an industry expert
or a consumer.

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Review

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Activity 14:

As a group, highlight which parts of the book review are a summary of key
points and which are the author’s opinion.

On the following slide is a review of a book (taken from an online
retailer).

You will see that the author of the review has covered key points from
the book and given their own opinion on it.

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Activity 14 – Review

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I was very keen to read this book which focuses specifically on afro-textured hair and beauty, mainly because it’s written
from a British perspective. I wear my hair in its natural texture (type 4a for those in the know) so I was interested to see
what this book had to offer in terms of natural afro haircare. What I liked about the book was that it provides a good
source of information on quality hair products for natural afro hair and relaxed/texturised afro hair including ones which
can be purchased from regular high street stores. It debunks a lot of the myths which surround afro hair and explains in
detail the differences in hair types from straight - extremely curly/afro types and what ingredients/products benefit
curly-afro hair textures.

The book is packed full of tips and advice however I feel this book could have been made much better by adding
photographs/diagrams in the step-by-step sections which would have made following some of the hair methods
(i.e., detangling etc.) more enjoyable and easier to follow. Furthermore, a few example photographs/diagrams of
protective hairstyles would have been nice. I was also half-expecting to see a lot of natural afro hair models (judging by
the front cover), but unfortunately, this wasn't the case. The majority of the beauty models featured had long straight
hair - I think I only saw maybe two models with natural afro hairstyles.

About half the book is dedicated to haircare and the rest, to skincare and make-up. The skincare section didn't provide
me with anything I didn't know already. A lot of the tips on how to care for different skin-types can be found online
anyway. The make-up section was okay - it provides a very basic overview on how to apply make-up so it’s more geared
towards those who know little-nothing about make-up; again, there were very few pictures in this section too. Finally,
the section on body-care would be particularly useful for those who suffer from certain skin conditions such as
hyperpigmentation or eczema.

Overall, it's not bad but it would mostly benefit those who don't know a great deal about caring for afro hair and don't
mind a few make-up and body-care tips thrown in the mix.

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Select

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To ‘select’, you are being asked to carefully choose the most relevant answer.

This word is used within Multiple Choice Questions.

For example:

Select from the following the most suitable hairbrush for curling the hair
whilst blow-drying:

A: paddle brush

B: round brush – correct answer

C: vent brush

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Select

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Activity 15:

In pairs select the most appropriate response to the following question and
compare your results with another pair.

A hairdresser suspects the client they are about to perform a cutting service
on has head lice.

Select the action the hairdresser should take:
• Carry on with the service as normal, head lice is not an infectious
condition

• Tell the client they have head lice, carry on with the service and sterilise
the equipment afterwards

• Advise the client to visit a healthcare professional, they can return once
the condition has been treated

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Summarise

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To ‘summarise’, requires you to pick out the key points or main features.

Summarise – Sum up and put things into your own words; create a precis
of the information discussed.

Activity 16:

In pairs, summarise the key points of the scenario on the following slide.

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Activity 16 – Summarise

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At a beauty trade show a key speaker hosts a seminar on the latest beauty treatments in which the company they work
for is launching. The focus of the seminar is on a cutting-edge beauty treatment. This treatments is designed to improve
the appearance of acne scars. The key speaker, presents all the information and key points to the audience.

Introduction to – The speaker explains that the new treatment is a non-invasive laser which rejuvenates the skin and
reduces the appearance of scarring. This new treatment helps to enhance the natural radiance of the skin.

Innovative technology – The speaker details the use of the newest form of lasering which helps to stimulate the
production of collagen which helps to plump out the deep scarring present. This results in a rejuvenated skin texture
and appearance.

Individuality – This treatment can be tailored to the needs of the client dependent on their expected outcomes.
It can be used all over the skin but can also just be specifically used in problem areas.

Procedure – The procedure involves several steps which include; gentle cleansing and sanitising, application of the laser
followed by a soothing mask infused with serums which is designed to reduce the appearance of redness and reduce
the downtime experienced by the client.

Benefits – The audience is shown evidence of a variety of benefits, such as a reduction in the depth of scarring,
reduction of fine lines and wrinkles, an improvement in skin texture.

Aftercare – The speaker discusses the minimal downtime associated with the treatment but stressed to the audience
the importance of the clients using a suitable SPF and moisturising every morning and evening.

Clinical evidence – During the seminar the speaker shares evidence from clinical studies which showcase the
effectiveness and safety of the laser. This helps to reassure the audience of its effectiveness.

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Activity 16 – Feedback

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You may have included:

Beauty seminar

•The new treatment is an advanced laser used to target scarring on the skin

•The procedure is customisable based on the needs and expectations of
the client

•The new treatment has 3 achievable steps; cleansing, lasering and application
of a moisturising mask

•The benefits of the treatment are a reduction in the appearance of scarring,
reduction of fine lines and wrinkles, and improvement of skin texture

•A minimal amount of downtime and an achievable aftercare plan for the client

•Supported by clinical studies conducted by the company

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Use appropriate research methods

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Consider whether to use primary or secondary, qualitative or quantitative
evidence – or maybe a combination. Think about which type of research will
best-suit the brief.

What are the methods used by researchers to gain information?
•Primary – This method involves information being collected for the first
time by the researcher themselves

•Secondary – This method involves gathering existing data or research
and using it to prove their own points or observations

•Qualitative – This method looks into a person’s thoughts or feelings
regarding a subject and the researcher uses this information to draw
conclusions

•Quantitative – This method involves the use of numerical data to prove
a statistic or research aim

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Use appropriate research methods

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Activity 17:

Your employer has decided to stock a new range of products in the salon.
They do not have long to decide before the promotional offer runs out.

You have been asked to research the positive and negative effects of
using a beard oil.

What research methods would you use to gather this information?

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Use a range of appropriate sources

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Using a range of sources allows the researcher to be able to verify that what they
are researching is accurate.

If you were planning on changing your favourite skincare product you would not just
accept the information from the first source, you find. Choosing a range of sources allows
you to make an informed decision and look at the facts, positive and negative points and
people's opinions.

To ensure sources are appropriate, consider the following three points:

•Relevance – does the information address the brief, helping to respond to
the task set?

•Quality – is the information communicated in a way that meets the needs of
the user? Is the information accurate and easy to understand?

•Reliability – is your information from a trusted and recommended source?
For example, Wikipedia can be edited by anyone at any time. Is the source
one-sided or biased in any way? This will not make it of no use but this factor
should be considered

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Use a range of appropriate sources

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Activity 18: 2-minute quick fire round

Using a range of sources find out:
•How many barbers are in your local area

•The name of the shampoo another member of the group washed their
hair with most recently

You will have used two different sources of information to gain the results
for this quick fire round.
•

The internet to search how many barbers are in your local area

•

The person you questioned to find out what they washed
their hair with

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Consequences of not meeting the command verb
requirements

•Insufficient depth or detail being provided in your response

•Not being able to access the full range of marks available for a question

•This may lead to you not achieving your full potential in terms of grading for
the qualification

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Round up

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1.

Outline two command verbs used for CO2A5 Non-exam Assessment
(NEA) or Assessment by Examination

2.

Describe the importance of understanding the requirements of a
command verb

3.

Explain the consequences if you do not follow the instruction of the
command verb in an assessment