- Bacteriology, hygiene, infection prevention and control, first aid, and similar topics: 175 hours
- Business management: 130 hours
- Chemical texture services: 450 hours
- Cosmetology equipment, tools, implements, and devices: 175 hours
- General sciences: 175 hours
- Hair coloring, tinting, and bleaching: 235 hours
- Hair replacement systems (wigs, hair pieces, etc.): 40 hours
- Haircutting: 325 hours
- Hairstyling: 420 hours
- Nail technology: 150 hours
- Shampooing, conditioning, and scalp care: 65 hours
- Skin care: 160 hours
How to Get Your Cosmetology License in Maine
Cosmetology licensure requirements in Maine go beyond completing a program and passing your exams. You must also:
- Be at least 16 years old
- Have an acceptable criminal record
Maine Cosmetology License Exams
You need to pass written and practical National-Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology (NIC) tests to earn your Maine cosmetology license. The tests cover just about everything you should have learned in cosmetology school and require you to prove your knowledge in writing and via skills demonstrations.
The written cosmetology exam, which costs $99, can be taken in-person or remotely. No matter where you take the test, it will occur on a computer. Before you decide to test remotely, make sure you have the required technology (a relatively new computer with Chrome or Firefox, a webcam, and a solid internet connection) and space (quiet, distraction-free, sans technology, and with a totally clear desk, table, or counter). If you don't have 100% of that available, plan to arrange an in-person exam at a testing center. As of 2026, the centers can be found at CMCC in Auburn, the United Technologies Center in Hogan, and NMCC in Presque Isle.
After logging in for your exam, you'll begin your 110-question test (100 of which count toward your score), which you must complete in 90 minutes. The test breaks down as follows:
- Scientific Concepts: 35%
- Hair Care and Services: 45%
- Skin Care and Services: 10%
- Nail Care and Services: 10%
The written exam is available in English, Korean, Spanish, and Vietnamese. However, the practical test is only available in English, so practice and plan accordingly if that isn't your primary language.
You may only take the practical test ($149) remotely. This test includes 10 Core Domain Sections, plus two additional portions (eyebrow hair removal and sculptured nail). When demonstrating your skills from a clean, well-lit workspace in front of a functioning webcam and microphone, you can expect to spend your time doing the following:
- Work Area and Client Preparation, and Set Up of Supplies: 15 minutes
- Thermal Curling: 10 minutes
- Hair Cutting : 35 minutes
- Work Area and New Client Preparation, and Set Up of Supplies: 15 minutes
- Chemical Waving: 20 minutes
- Predisposition Test and Strand Test with
Simulated Product: 10 minutes
- Highlighting with Foil, Virgin Application
with Colored Simulated Product: 15 minutes
- Hair Color Retouch with Colored Simulated Product: 10 minutes
- Virgin Hair Relaxer (No Base) Application with Colored Simulated Product: 15 minutes
- Blood Exposure Procedure: 10 minutes
- Eyebrow Hair Removal (Tweezing and Simulated Hot Wax): Untimed
- Sculptured Nail: 20 minutes
You're responsible for ensuring you have everything you need for this exam as well. This includes a kit that's no more than 30" by 30", a thermal curling iron, and a full-sized mannequin head, among other essentials. The technology and space requirements are the same as those for the written exam.
Maine Cosmetology Licensure Reciprocity
While Maine doesn't have reciprocity with any other state, you could be able to take the Maine cosmetology exam if one of the following is true:
- You are currently licensed and in good standing in another state or jurisdiction (or other country with substantially similar or more rigorous standards for cosmetologists).
- You don't have a current license but have completed cosmetology school or training that's substantially similar to or more rigorous than what's required in Maine.
Cosmetology Specialties in Maine
A cosmetology career may be right for those who want to offer a wide variety of services, but if you're interested in one or two narrower areas, you may want to consider another beauty field. Maine requires licensure for some beauty professions, but not all. Some popular cosmetology specialities in Maine are:
- Barber Hairstyling: 800 hours (5 months)
- Esthetics: 600 hours (3 months)
- Facial Hair Threading: No license required
- Hair Braiding: No license required
- Hair Design:1200 hours (7 months)
- Nail Technology: 200 hours (5 weeks)
Cosmetology License Renewal in Maine
1 Year
License renewal period
0 Hours
Continuing education required
To keep your Maine cosmetology license active, you need to renew by October 31 of each year. You don't need to complete any continuing education (though additional training is never a bad idea!). However, you do have to pay a $20 fee and make sure you meet all other requirements. The Board may not renew your license if you are under disciplinary action related to:
- Diagnosed addiction resulting in your inability to safely work in cosmetology
- Diagnosed "mental incompetence"
- Employing an unlicensed beauty professional
- Negligence or misconduct
You can renew your license for up to 90 days past the expiration date, though a $50 late fee will apply. If you pass that 90-day mark, you must pay the renewal and late fees, plus an additional $25. You may need to meet requirements for new applicants or pay a $50 late fee. If you go longer than four years without renewing your licence, you'll have to retake the test and pay your fee.
The exception is if you apply for renewal within 90 days of leaving the US Armed Forces. If you were in the military for more than four years, you may be allowed to skip the exam if you can prove you were legally required to serve for that length of time.
Cosmetologist Salary and Projected Job Growth in Maine
$48,480
Median Cosmetology Salary in Maine
