Are you passionate about personal care? Maryland cosmetologists can expect a growth in career prospects in the coming years, as the beauty industry continues to grow. If you’re interested in one of Maryland’s many beauty schools, there has never been a better time to start your new career. And it all starts with getting your license!
How Many School-Hours Do Cosmetologists Need In MD?
To qualify for a cosmetology license in Maryland, you must be at least 17 years old, and have completed the 9th grade or hold a GED. You have some options as to how you go about getting your education including beauty courses in high school or during nights and weekends. Maryland has several great cosmetology schools, with programs that tackle everything from perming, hair care, skin and nail care, as well as personal appearance and hygiene, customer service skills, and business ethics. Maryland’s many cosmetologist courses offer a well-rounded education for becoming a top beauty expert, and also to owning your own salon, and managing your career. They must be at least 1500 hours long which is similar to other states like California and Illinois.
You may also choose to take an apprenticeship program. Your apprenticeship should be at least 24 months long, and involve at least 20 hours of work per week. You’ll need to be supervised by a senior cosmetologist, who has an updated license in good standing, and can fill out your application for sponsorship.
Getting Your Maryland Cosmetology License
If you go the traditional education route, your instructors will let you know when you are able to take your Maryland State Board of Cosmetology Exam. While you are still in your program, you are eligible for the theory portion, which is a written exam. You may choose to do both the theory and practical exams after you graduate, which will save you money on the application.
Remember to bring your own kit and mannequin head to your practical exam. Once you’ve passed the exams with at least a 75%, you can apply for your first license.
Out-Of-State Licensees
If you are trying to apply for a license from another state, you will be required to prove you have a current license, and that your license requirements match or exceed Maryland’s licensing. You will also need to provide proof of your exam scores, and you may need to provide proof of your work experience, if you need to make up education hours in your home state.
How To Renew Your Maryland Cosmetology License
Your Maryland license is good for two years from the date of issue. Within those two years, you must track at least 16 hours of continuing education. CE is a great chance to keep up-to-date and refresh existing knowledge.
Employment As A Cosmetologist in MD
There are plenty of career opportunities for the enterprising cosmetologist. In the last ten years, Maryland has changed the laws, so that makeup artists do not require special licenses. So if you think a career in the glamourous world of a professional makeup artist is for you, it’s a great opportunity.
Once you’ve been working in Maryland’s salons and spas for two years, you can even apply to study and take the senior cosmetologist exam. This will boost your profile and your skill set, as well as allowing you to apprentice other young cosmetologists. Check out a Maryland job board for a glimpse into the kind of work you could be doing!
Some Cosmetology & Hair Schools in Maryland
| Name | Address | Tuition | Other Programs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baltimore Studio of Hair Design | 318 North Howard Street, Baltimore, 21201 | $21,000 | Nail Technician |
| Del-Mar-Va Beauty Academy | 111 Milford Street, Salisbury, 21804 | $16,200 | Nail Technology |
| Award Beauty School | 26 East Antietam Street, Hagerstown, 21740 | $20,400 | Barbering Program, Nail Technician |
| Blades School Of Hair Design | 22576 MacArthur Boulevard, California, 20619 | $22,500 | None |
| Hair Expressions, A Paul Mitchell Partner School | 12450 Parklawn Drive, Rockville, 20852 | $16,300 | Barbering, Esthetics |
| Frederick School of Cosmetology | 403 South Jefferson Street, Frederick, 21701 | $19,200 | None |
Other Maryland schools for nail technicians, estheticians, barbers and makeup artists.
Some School Websites:
beautyacademy.edu
aspenlaurel.com
awardbeautyschool.com
baltimorestudio.com
cosmopolitan.edu
delmarvabeautyacademy.com
hairex.com
baltimorestudio.com
montgomerybeautyschool.com
robertpaulacademy.com
pmthetemple.edu
Did we miss any cosmo/hair schools in MD in this list? Please let us know.