Maryland Hair Braiding School and Requirements

You don't need a beauty license to become a hair braider in Maryland. However, depending on your overall goals, you might want to consider a cosmetology license, limited hair stylist, or limited blow dry stylist license.

Let's dive into what you could do as a hair braider in Maryland, when you may want to consider a cosmetology or limited hair license, and the amount of money hair braiders in the state may earn. Browse our directory of hair braiding schools in Maryland, or skip ahead to learn about the state's hair braiding licensing requirements and job outlook.

What Hair Braiders in Maryland Can Do

Typically, hair braiders can perform treatments that don't involve changing clients' hair in a significant way by cutting, dyeing, or using other reactive chemicals. These offerings can include, but aren't limited to:

• Braiding
• Locking
• Extending without possibly damaging materials
• Placing beads or accessories
• Wig services

However, Maryland doesn't expressly spell this out. So be sure to check with the state before offering anything in a gray area or mentioned under one of the state's hair licenses.

Or, you could attend a hair braiding school in the state that doesn't lead to licensure but offers certification. Reputable hair braiding programs in Maryland should understand the state's laws and how to perform various services. If you go that route, you have a built-in resource!

When to Consider a Hair License to Braid in Maryland

Though you don't need a license to braid hair in Maryland, you might want to consider a license if you want to perform more extensive services. The options allowed by the state are limited hairstylist, limited blow dry stylist, and cosmetologist licenses. When deciding which way to go, you should consider what you want to do long-term and how much time you want to spend in school.

In the state, cosmetology school lasts 1,500 hours and covers hair, skincare, and nail treatments. If you aren't into going to a traditional school program but want to earn a cosmetology license, you could also choose to complete a cosmetology apprenticeship over 24 months.

READ MORE: Learn More About Maryland Cosmetology School

For shorter and more focused options, you could choose a hair school.

Maryland's limited hairstylist option lasts 1,200 hours or 15 months of an apprenticeship. It's similar to the cosmetology program without the nail or skincare possibilities.

Or, you could go for the state's limited blow dry stylist license path. This lasts for 350 hours, without an apprenticeship option. This option lets you perform services that make hair clean and nicely designed without cutting, dyeing, or using other chemicals.

READ MORE: Learn More About Maryland Hair School

Maryland Hair Braider Salary

ZipRecruiter found as of late 2023, the average Maryland hair braider earned $32,1515 per year (about $16 per hour). The site also discovered individuals working from home averaged $41,601 ($20).

The Bureau of Labor Statistics, meanwhile, found the average cosmetologist and hair professional made $42,210 ($20.29 per hour) in 2022.

Both reporting sites have their pluses and minuses. It's essential to remember hair braider pay is greatly affected by years of experience, whether or not you have certifications, where you live and work, and much more. To get more details about your potential earnings, talk to other braiders in the types of jobs and places you want to spend your Maryland hair braiding career.

Contact the Maryland State Board of Cosmetology