Core Skills Analysis
Mathematics
- Recognised the practical applications of mathematical concepts such as measurement, ratios, and proportions in hairdressing tasks.
- Understood how units of length and angles are essential when cutting hair to achieve desired styles accurately.
- Explored the role of decimals and percentages when mixing hair dye formulas to ensure correct colour results.
- Developed problem-solving skills by calculating quantities and timings required for treatments and scheduling.
Vocational Skills / Life Skills
- Gained awareness of how maths supports professional skills in a creative industry like hairdressing.
- Appreciated the importance of precision and accuracy in real-world work scenarios for client satisfaction.
- Connected theoretical maths learning to everyday tasks, enhancing relevance and motivation.
- Improved ability to manage tasks such as estimating costs and measuring product amounts responsibly.
Tips
To deepen understanding of maths in hairdressing, encourage exploring real-life measurements by practicing cutting or styling on mannequins or family members while using rulers or protractors. Incorporate exercises that require calculating dye ratios from various formula examples to connect decimals and fractions practically. Create budgeting exercises simulating salon product purchases to enhance financial literacy alongside maths. For experiential learning, visit a local salon to observe professionals and discuss the maths involved in their work, helping relate classroom concepts to career skills.
Book Recommendations
- Math on the Job: Careers in Hair and Beauty by S. L. Johnson: An engaging introduction to how maths is used daily in hairdressing and beauty professions with practical examples.
- Practical Maths for Hairdressing Students by Jeanetta Pappas: Offers clear explanations of mathematical concepts relevant to hairdressing, including measurements and proportions.
- Math in the Real World: Everyday Uses of Mathematics by Elizabeth Raum: Explores various careers and how maths applies, fostering appreciation of numerical skills beyond the classroom.
Learning Standards
- Maths - Measurement: Use appropriate units; understand ratio and proportion (UK NC Maths KS3: 3M2, 3M3).
- Maths - Number: Calculating with decimals and percentages in practical contexts (UK NC Maths KS3: 3N1, 3N2).
- PSHE / Vocational Skills: Developing practical life skills and understanding their application (UK PSHE Association KS3: R1, L3).
Try This Next
- Worksheet: Calculate the amount of hair dye needed for different hair lengths using given ratios and percentages.
- Drawing task: Sketch a haircut plan using measurements and angles to translate style instructions into a visual roadmap.