Maryland Hair School and Requirements
If you want to become a hairstylist in Maryland, you need a license. The state offers three pathways, each serving different goals: cosmetology, limited hairstylist, and limited blow dry stylist.
If you're at least 17 years old, have a minimum of a 9th-grade education or G.E.D., complete one of the above hair school programs, and pass your tests, you could begin a career as a hairstylist.
Read on to learn more about the different hair school options available to Maryland hairdressers, including requirements, what programs allow you to do, and what you could earn after graduation. Browse our directory of hair design schools in Maryland, or skip ahead to learn about the state's hair design licensing requirements and job outlook.
Browse All Hair Schools in Maryland
For School Owners
Don't see your school listed? Want to discuss becoming a featured school in the directory? Contact us to learn more.
You must attend a school that meets any licensure requirements as defined by your state. Most states require that you graduate from an accredited or state-approved school.
Related Beauty Careers
Not sure this is the right fit for you? Learn more about other career options in the beauty industry. Related specializations include:
Hair School and License Options in Maryland
When choosing which Maryland hair school and license type to pursue, you need to know what you want to do with your career and how much time you want to spend studying. The cost could also factor in, with longer programs often running higher than shorter options.
No option is better than another for every single person. It's all about finding the best Maryland hair school path for you.
Maryland Limited Blow Dry Stylist School and Licensure
Don't let the name fool you—as a blow dry stylist in Maryland, you won't spend your days strictly washing and drying hair. This limited license takes 350 hours of study at an approved cosmetology school to complete.
After earning your blow dry license, you may provide hair services that don't affect the hair in a long-term way. This means you can cleanse, blow dry, curl, arrange, and provide other services not requiring scissors, clippers, or reactive chemicals.
Maryland Limited Hair Stylist License
Hairstylists in Maryland go to hair school for 1,200 hours or attend a 15-month apprenticeship. They learn about all things hair, including (but not limited to):
This could be your path if you want to be a hair specialist and focus on that for your entire career. However, if you're going to expand into skincare and nails, cosmetology—which doesn't take much more time in school—may be the better choice.
Maryland Cosmetology License
Maryland cosmetologists attend 1,500 hours of school or go through a 24-month apprenticeship. In this program, you learn everything covered by the state's hair licenses, plus makeup, skincare, nails, and more.
Maryland Hair Tests and Licensure
To earn any hair license in Maryland, you must take theory (written) and practical (hands-on) tests. Your written exam includes answering questions about the topics you studied in hair school. The practical test means showing off your skills. You need to pay $77 to take both tests.
Tests are available in English, Spanish, and Vietnamese.
Just entering the Maryland hair exam space has a lot of requirements. The state says all candidates must:
While there's overlap between the specific licensure tests, there are some differences. Luckily, the testing company, PSI, has created a candidate information bulletin detailing the state's blow drying, hair styling, and cosmetology exams. Let's dig into the main points provided by PSI and the state.
Maryland Limited Blow Dry License Exams
The Maryland blow dry stylist exams cover everything you should have learned in your program. The theory exam lasts one hour and has 50 scored questions (plus five unscored). You need at least 75% to pass. The practical test lasts 59 minutes, has 41 points, and you again need 75% to get your license.
Here's what to expect on the Maryland blow-dry tests:
Maryland Blow Dry Theory Exam Only
Maryland Blow Drying Theory and Practical Exams
Maryland Hair Stylist Test
Since Maryland hair stylists can do everything blow dry stylists can do and more, their tests are a bit more extensive.
Maryland Hair Stylist Theory Exam
Maryland Hair Stylist Practical Exam
Maryland Cosmetology Test
Your cosmetology test includes everything on the other two tests, plus essentially anything else you may learn in your Maryland cosmetology program. If this is your chosen path, check out our Maryland cosmetology page for all the details.
Maryland Hair Tests Language and ADA Accommodations
If you speak English as an additional language, you can use a Board-approved interpreter with a "word-for-word bilingual dictionary" when taking the written test. You may also use the services of an approved ASL interpreter during any part of the test.
Of course, the tests also allow ADA accommodations. Maryland says those who need assistance with reading can have a reader help them during any part of the tests.
Maryland Hair License Applications and Fees
The Maryland Board of Cosmetology requires fees and applications before being granted your hair license. You apply for your hair license online, with all necessary identification, exam scores, and other paperwork ready. Hair stylists, blow dryers, and cosmetologists all owe $25 fees for their licenses.
As time passes, the state will send you renewal applications every two years—so be sure to keep your contact information up-to-date.
How Much Hair Stylists in Maryland Make
How much money you could earn as a hairstylist in Maryland depends on several factors. These include the type of work you do, how long you've been in the field, your workplace, and where you live, to just name a few. However, there are a few estimates out there.
Salary.com reports that as of October 25, 2023, hairdressers and stylists average $24,708 to $36,539 annually. But if we look at ZipRecruiter, the average from the same month is $39,426, and the Bureau of Labor Statistics says the mean salary is $42,210 (including cosmetologists) as of 2022!
So, what's the best way to determine how much you could earn? Talk to other hairstylists, especially in the type of work and location you want to be involved with. This could also be a great way to network and learn more about your career.
Contact the Maryland State Board of Cosmetology
- 500 North Calvert Street 3rd Floor, Baltimore, Maryland 21202
- Website: Maryland Department of Labor
- Email: barbers.cos@maryland.gov
- Call: 410-230-6190
- Fax: 410-333-6314