Cosmetology Licensure
Program Summary
Barbers and cosmetologists, also called hairdressers and hairstylists, help people look neat and well-groomed. Other personal appearance workers, such as manicurists and pedicurists, shampooers, and skin care specialists provide specialized services that help clients look and feel their best.
Barbers cut, trim, shampoo, and style hair. Also, they fit hairpieces and offer scalp treatments and facial massages. In many States, barbers are licensed to color, bleach, or highlight hair and offer permanent-wave services. Many barbers also provide skin care and nail treatments.
Hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists provide beauty services, such as shampooing, cutting, coloring, and styling hair. They may advise clients on how to care for their hair, straighten hair or give it a permanent wave, or lighten or darken hair color. Additionally, cosmetologists may train to give manicures, pedicures, and scalp and facial treatments; provide makeup analysis; and clean and style wigs and hairpieces.
A number of workers offer specialized services. Manicurists and pedicurists, called nail technicians in some States, work exclusively on nails and provide manicures, pedicures, coloring, and nail extensions to clients. Another group of specialists is skin care specialists, or estheticians, who cleanse and beautify the skin by giving facials, full-body treatments, and head and neck massages and by removing hair through waxing. Electrologists use an electrolysis machine to remove hair. Finally, in some larger salons, shampooers specialize in shampooing and conditioning clients’ hair.
Employment Trends
- Job opportunities generally should be good, but competition is expected for jobs and clients at higher paying salons; opportunities will be best for those licensed to provide a broad range of services.
- Barbers, cosmetologists, and most other personal appearance workers must be licensed.
- Almost half of all barbers, cosmetologists, and other personal appearance workers are self-employed; many also work flexible schedules.
Program Curriculum
- Successful completion of each course earns a Certificate of Completion
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Crs #
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Course Name
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Hrs
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OCC394
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Preparation for Maryland State Cosmetology Licensure Exam
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36
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Program Total
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36
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Frequently Asked Questions
- What textbook will I need?
The textbook for the course is Miladys Standard Textbook of Cosmetology. The college bookstore does not carry the textbook, because most students have a copy through their cosmetology school. If you need a copy, there are a variety of online retailers which sell the textbook (i.e. amazon.com.)
- What if I can’t find my proof of eligibility (i.e., hours earned, apprentice license, etc.)?
Please contact the school you attended and request copies of the transcript or license.
- What are the requirements to take the State Board Exam?
The specific details can be located at www.dllr.state.md.us. As of 2/24/05, the requirements are: must be at least 17 years of age and have completed 9th grade or G.E.D. Applicant must submit proof of completion of 1500 hours of training in a cosmetology school or 24 months as a registered apprentice in a licensed beauty salon.