Hair Schools in Maine

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.

How to Become a Hair Designer in Maine

Consider channeling your creativity and artistic flair in a fun and exciting direction! Becoming a hair designer can mean a steady income in pleasant surroundings where you get to interact with a variety of different people who are all looking forward to what you can do for them, and how you will make them look and feel their best!

It is a marriage of the artistic and the practical in a way that can help you provide for your family and for your future. If this sounds appealing to you, consider becoming a hair designer in the state of Maine!

State License Requirements

In order to practice hair design in the state of Maine, you will need to become licensed. Licenses are issued by the Maine Office of Professional and Occupational Regulation's Barbering and Cosmetology Program. You will need to complete at least 1,500 hours of training at an accredited school, or complete a 2,500 hour apprenticeship to be eligible to take the licensing exam. The exam itself includes a written (theoretical), and a practical component. When you pass them, you will receive your license.

Education Details

All schools of cosmetology offer programs in hair design. There, you will learn not only about the design of different hair styles, but about all aspects of hair care. These will include how to shampoo and condition hair, cutting and styling, coloring and highlighting, perming and straightening, and possibly other skills such as applying hair extensions, and adding items like strings and feathers along with braiding. Of course, the basic structure of hair will be taught, and you will probably learn about skin and nails as well, and about diseases and conditions that affect all three. You will become familiar with the tools and products hair designers use and get some practice in using them. There will be sanitation and sterilization codes you need to become familiar with, and routines for following them you will need to learn. How to interact with customers is, of course, another important skill, and while it helps to be a "people person", there are interaction skills that can be taught and learned. Then there is the business of the beauty business - the nuts and bolts of running a beauty business, like taking care of financial obligations, advertising and marketing, hiring, motivating, and retaining staff, and more. In addition to cosmetology school, some community colleges offer two year Associate's degree programs in cosmetology. And there are vocational high schools that offer this training as well.

License Renewal

You must renew every year in October.

Maine Hair Design Careers

According to O*Net, the average yearly salary earned by cosmetologists, hair dressers, and hair stylists in 2019 was $25,490. Of course, what you may earn as a hair designer will vary based upon many factors. Your years of experience will affect your income, as well as where you work (e.g. a spa or salon, whether the spa or salon is upscale or in an affluent neighborhood). Some hair designers perform specialty services, such as hair designs for bridal parties, photo and fashion shoots, or for television performers, and may command a higher fee. It is expected that the demand for professional services by cosmetologists and hair designers will grow 4% from 2016 to 2026. There should be adequate jobs for individuals completing hair design school and those looking to move up within the industry.

As a new hair designer, you will probably start your career in a spa or salon, performing a wide variety of hair care and hair styling services such as cutting and styling, coloring and highlighting, perming and straightening, and more. You will most likely work with individual clients by appointment, although some spas and salons accept walk-ins. You should have at least some flexibility in your schedule to accommodate outside interests, although your spa or salon may have specific requirements regarding hours. As you gain experience and confidence, you may choose to branch into other areas of hair design. Some stylists specialize in doing hair for bridal parties. Others are drawn to photo and fashion shoots, creating specific looks for various purposes. Still others may design hair for individuals appearing on television or stage. All of these specialties usually require that you travel to another location to perform your services, and you may have to work early morning, late evening, or weekend hours. Hair design is a versatile career offering opportunity and the potential for a certain amount of income stability. If you have a creative side to your personality, and you would love to express it in the vibrant world of the beauty industry, consider a career as a hair designer in Maine!

Contact the Maine State Board of Cosmetology

Being a hair stylist is an accepted career path in Maine. The hair care industry is bolstered by state estimates that continue to rise year by year.;