Maine Hair School and Requirements

You can become a licensed hairdresser in Maine by attending hair school or completing a trainee program, with both followed by an exam. Maine's schools train hair designers in some areas that other states' hair programs—or even cosmetology programs—don't. However, if you want to venture outside the realm of hair, you need a cosmetology license.

Let's dive into the world of hair design in Maine, including what the state's hair professionals can do, what hair school looks like, and how much money you could earn in this field. Browse our directory of hair design schools in Maine, or skip ahead to learn about the state's hair design licensing requirements and job outlook.

What Maine Hairdressers Can Do

Hairdressers in Maine can perform pretty much every type of hair treatment. These include, but may not be limited to:

• Scalp, face, and neck massage
• Facial and scalp treatments using hands or appliances that don't involve electric stimulation or currents
• Washing, conditioning, and applying hair tonics
• Providing hair treatments like:
• Arranging
• Bleaching or coloring
• Cleansing
• Curling or waving
• Cutting, trimming, or removing
• Dressing
• Relaxing, perming, or providing other chemical treatments
• Singeing

In addition, your Maine hair school should teach about hairpieces, wigs, shaving, and facial hair treatments. In many states, these tasks are reserved for barbers! If you head to another state that doesn't have a hairdressing license, you could find yourself a leg up if you want to attend school for barbering or cosmetology.

What to Expect in Maine Hair School

Your hair school in Maine should provide 1,200 hours of instruction over at least seven months. Your classwork and training should cover everything you'd encounter on your state hair design exams, including, but not limited to:

• Scientific Concepts: Infection Control and Safety Practices; Human Anatomy and Physiology; Basic Chemistry of Hair Design Products
• Hair Care and Services: Client Consultation, Analysis, and Documentation; Tools; Hair Care; Hair Design; Chemical Services

That state doesn't dictate precisely how many hours you spend on each subject, so research which school is best for your goals before enrolling.

You could opt for a trainee program—also known as an apprenticeship—if you don't want to go to a Maine hair school. Those last for at least 12 months and comprise 2,000 hours. You should learn all the topics you would in hair school.  

Hair Design Exam in Maine

Maine requires passing scores on the NIC practical and theory exams before you can become a hairdresser.

The NIC theory (written) test breaks down as follows:

• Scientific Concepts: 45%
• Hair Care and Services: 50%

Meanwhile, the practical (hands-on) exam includes:

• Work Area, Client Preparation, and Set Up of Supplies: 15 minutes
• Thermal Curling: 10 minutes
• Haircutting: 30 minutes
• Work Area, New Client Preparation, and Set Up of Supplies: 15 minutes
• Chemical Waving: 20 minutes
• Predisposition Test and Strand Test: 10 minutes
• Highlighting with Foil, Virgin Application: 15 minutes
• Hair Color Retouch: 10 minutes
• Virgin Hair Relaxer Application: Untimed
• Blood Exposure Procedure: 10 minutes

The nice thing about NIC exams is that they're used by more than half of the states, so if you move to a new location, you may have an easier time transitioning into a new license.

If this doesn't sound quite like what you wanted, particularly if you also want to do nails and skincare, consider a Maine cosmetology license.

READ MORE: Learn More About Cosmetology School in Maine

Maine Hair Design Licensing

After you complete hair school and pass your hair design test, you can apply for your Maine hair design license. Applications can be submitted on paper or online with a $41 non-refundable fee. Be prepared to undergo a background check that includes your criminal record and discuss anything that comes back.

After your initial license, you must apply for renewal by October 31^st every year. You need to submit an online renewal application and a $20 fee.

Maine Hairdresser Salary

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) says as of 2022, Maine hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists average $47,300 per year ($22.74 per hour). However, the BLS doesn't include self-employed hairdressers in its data, so if you want to work for yourself, this number could not be quite right.

To figure out a more accurate salary estimate, the best thing you could do is talk to an existing hairdresser in the part of Maine and the type of workplace you want to provide services in. Remember, though, your years of experience can affect your pay.

Contact the Maine State Board of Cosmetology