The Maryland’s nationally-acclaimed beauty industry is booming. This is shown by the fact that the Maryland Division of Workforce Development expects over 6,200 new beauty professional job openings in Maryland between 2012 and 2022, which spells out great opportunity for aspiring beauty professionals.
 | How to Become a Cosmetologist in Maryland |
| Qualifications for Manicurists in Maryland |
| How to Become an Esthetician in Maryland |
| How to Become a Barber in Maryland |
Two Maryland salons have made it onto Elle Magazine’s “Top 100 Salons in the US.” One of those, Laboratorie Salon in Roland Park in Baltimore, has also been recognized in City Paper, Baltimore Magazine, and Baltimore Bride. Laboratorie’s name reflects its mission; the cosmetologists at Laboratorie are dedicated to advancing their passion for creative expression through creating new, cutting-edge styling trends—similar to mad scientists in a lab. Along with this, the stylists are dedicated to using only the most healthy and natural ingredients for their experiments, making Laboratorie Salon one of the best in the nation.
Voted as the “Best Nail Salon” in Crofton, John James Salon offers all types of nail services, including regular mani/pedis, spa mani/pedis, and shellac manicures, so that they are able to tailor their services to the needs of individual clients. Along with this, this salon also offers top-of-the-line hair, skin, and makeup services.
Estheticians at Alpha Studio in Baltimore are experts at relieving client’s of stress, worry, and anxiety through rejuvenating body treatments such as self-heated seaweed masques. Through these exotic facial and body services, estheticians make their client’s skin glow brighter and more radiant than ever.
Finally, The Quintessential Gentleman in Baltimore, which is home to many “Best of” and “Top Salon” awards, is reviving the classic, American art of men’s sophistication. To do this, QG offers not just barbering services, but also a spa, wet-bar, cigar room, retail store, and tailoring business, so that men can have total access to everything they could need for total sophistication—all in one place. Maryland barbershops like QG are truly setting the standard for modern men’s sophistication.
Whatever type of beauty professional you’d like to become, Maryland is the place for you. If you’re looking to become a cosmetologist, manicurist, or esthetician, you’ll start by becoming licensed with the Maryland Board of Cosmetologists. If you’d like to become a barber, you’ll start by getting a license from the Maryland Board of Barbers. Both of these Boards work to regulate the education and exam standards for cosmetologists, manicurists, estheticians, and barbers throughout Maryland.
How to Become a Cosmetologist in Maryland
Cosmetologists are the most well rounded beauty professionals. Though they focus mainly on haircutting, hairstyling, and hair coloring, they are also trained on manicuring, pedicuring, and facial skin care services.
Education Requirements for Maryland Cosmetologists
To begin pursuing a Maryland cosmetology license, start by enrolling in a 1500-hour cosmetology training program in a local, Maryland beauty school. Throughout your beauty school experience, you’ll get to learn all of the theory, science, and practices behind cosmetology perfection by taking courses such as the following:
- Infection Control and Bacteriology
- Salon Ethics and Safety
- Anatomy of Hair, Scalp, Skin, and Nails
- Shampoo and Rinsing
- Skin, Facials, and Temporary Hair Removal
- Chemical Waving and Relaxing
- Hair Coloring and Lightening
- Hair Cutting, Styling, and Shaping
- Wigs
- Maryland State Laws, Rules, and Regulations
Examination Requirements for License as a Maryland Cosmetologist
After graduating from your Maryland cosmetology school, you’ll take the following Maryland cosmetology licensing exams:
- Maryland Cosmetology Theory Exam administered by PSI
- Maryland Cosmetology Practical Exam administered by PSI
After passing these exams, you’ll be ready to receive your Maryland cosmetology license.
Job Opportunities for Cosmetologists
As a Maryland cosmetologist, you’ll be able to look for salaried, commission, or rental jobs in local salons, day spas, or hotels that offer salon services. To obtain some of the most competitive jobs, you’ll want to take advanced cosmetology courses, staying on the cutting-edge of cosmetology styles, techniques, and trends.
Another one of Elle’s “Top 100 Salons” is Uno the Salon. Located in Baltimore, Uno focuses on one thing and one thing alone—hair. Unlike other full-service salons that try to do it all, Uno’s “mane” mission is providing luxurious hair. With double-process color, hair gloss, and Brazilian hair straightening, it’s easy to see why Uno has been named one of the best in the country.
To find other top-notch salons in Maryland, consider some of the other options as follows:
- Alpha Studio: An Aveda Concept Salon –Baltimore
- Balance the Salon – Baltimore
- DMS Organic Salon – Ellicott City
Qualifications for Manicurists in Maryland
Manicurists are the beauty professionals who are specialized in the beautification of nails, hands, and feet through manicuring, pedicuring, and massaging.
Manicurist Education Requirements
To begin your career as a Maryland manicurist, start by enrolling in a 250-hour manicurist training program in a Maryland beauty college. Throughout your manicurist training program, you’ll get to take manicurist training courses, including, but not limited to, the following:
- Infection Control and Bacteriology
- Salon Ethics and Safety
- Anatomy of the Nails, Hands, and Feet
- Chemical Product Knowledge
- Ingredients and Usage
- EPA and OSHA Requirements
- Nail, Foot, and Hand Diseases
- Massages
- Manicures
- Pedicures
- Gal Nails
- Nail Art
- Nail Wraps
- Nail Tips
- Sculptured Nails
- Maryland State Laws, Rules, and Regulations
Manicurist Examination Requirements for a Maryland License
After graduating from your Maryland manicurist training program, you’ll take the following Maryland manicuring licensing exams:
- Maryland Manicurist Theory Exam administered by PSI
- Maryland Manicurist Practical Exam administered by PSI
After passing these exams, you can receive your Maryland manicuring license.
Job Opportunities for Manicurists
As a manicurist, you’ll be able to find hourly, commission, or booth rental jobs at nail salons, full-service salons, or day spas that offer nail services. If you’re working off of commission or as an independent booth renter, you’ll want to hone your marketing and sales skills, building a strong clientele. Along with this, you’ll want to stay on the cutting-edge of nail services, so you can always offer your clients the latest and greatest trends and techniques for nails.
As a beginning manicurist, it may help you to find a job in a full-service salon or spa, where you can receive overflow clients who are already there for other services. One such salon, Red Door Salon and Spa in Baltimore, offers top-notch skin, body and hair treatments, all with European-level sophistication. Along with this, the manicurists here offer a wide range of manicures and pedicures, including intensive healing, milk & honey, olive oil, orange pomegranate, warm cream, and more—mmm! Clearly, there’s a reason why this salon made it onto Baltimore Magazine’s “Top 30 Salons.”
For other great nail salons in Maryland, consider some of the following options:
- VIP Nail Studio – Annapolis
- Pleasant Nails & Spa – Hyattsville
- Koi Nails – Ellicott City
How to Become an Esthetician in Maryland
Estheticians are the beauty professionals who are specialized in the rejuvenation of skin through the means of facials, body wraps, masques, chemical treatments, and more.
Esthetician Educational Requirements
To begin your career as a Maryland esthetician, start by enrolling in a 600-hour esthetician training program, usually found as a specialized track in a Maryland beauty school. Throughout your esthetician training program, you’ll get to take skin care courses, including, but not limited to, the following:
- Bacteriology, Safety, and OSHA concepts
- Anatomy of the Skin
- Chemistry
- Facials
- Hair Removal
- Makeup
- Steaming and Massaging the Face
- Maryland State Laws and Regulations
Esthetician Examination Requirements
After graduating from your Maryland esthetician training program, you’ll get to take the following Maryland esthetician licensing exams, which lead to your Maryland esthetician license:
- Maryland Esthetician Theory Exam administered by PSI
- Maryland Esthetician Practical Exam administered by PSI
Esthetician Job Opportunities
As a licensed esthetician in Maryland, you can start looking for work at any of the many spas or salons around the area. Many estheticians will find part-time or full-time work with the following job titles: bridal or fashion makeup artist, waxing specialist, beauty advisor, skin care product salesperson, or skin care specialist in a spa, salon, medical spa, dermatology office, or resort spa.
FX Studio is a top-notch salon and spa in Baltimore, offering hair, nail, hand and foot, and skin care treatments. Along with this, FX even offers a fitness and wellness center, for all-around relaxation and health. The estheticians at FX are dedicated to organic skin care, offering Éminence skin care products to provide organic facials, organic back treatments, and customized facials for each client. All of this plus a complimentary glass of wine means you’ll never have to think again when choosing a salon or spa.
Other day spas and resort spas in Maryland include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Spa at Four Seasons – Baltimore
- Blu Water Day Spa & Salon – Kensington
- Tocar Spa – Columbia
How to Become a Barber in Maryland
Barbers are the beauty professionals dedicated to the classic art of men’s grooming, by learning the cutting, styling, and designing of men’s hair and facial hair.
Barber Education Requirements
To begin your career as a Maryland barber, start by enrolling in a 1200-hour barber training program. Throughout your barbering education, you’ll get to take men’s grooming courses, including, but not limited to, the following:
- Infection Control
- Bacteriology
- Sanitation
- Shop Safety
- Hair and Scalp Growth, Analysis, and Disorders
- Shampoo and Rinse
- Facials
- Shaving
- Hair Coloring
- Hair Cutting
- Hair Styling
- Blended, Tapered Haircuts
- Maryland Laws, Rules, and Regulations
Barber Examination Requirements
After graduating from your Maryland barber school, you’ll pass the following Maryland barber licensing exams:
- Maryland Barber Theory Exam administered by PSI
- Maryland Barber Practical Exam administered by PSI
After passing the barbering exams, you can receive your Maryland barber license.
Barber Job Options
In Maryland, you may look for hourly, commission, or rental jobs as a barber in local barbershops, or you may even work to open your own barbershop. As a barber, you’ll want to stay on the cutting-edge of barber services, techniques, and styles, and you’ll want to hone your marketing and sales skills. All of these combined can lead to you building a strong clientele, and allowing you to work independently as a renter or an owner of your own barbershop.
The Suite Barbershop in Silver Spring is dedicated to bringing back the community aspect of classic, American barbershops. These are real barbers, with no fake smiles, chatting, or enthusiasm. The conversation, cuts, and confidence you’ll have when you leave are all real. Along with perfect cuts, The Suite offers hot lather and straight razor shaves, mini facials, hair colors, and beard trims.
For some other top barbershops in Maryland, consider the following options:
- Traville Barber Shop – Rockville
- East Patrick Barber Shop – Frederick
- Laurel Barber Shop – Laurel