Cosmetology

Cosmetology involves the study and practice of beauty treatments, including hairstyling, nail care, skin care and makeup. Depending on his or her interest, a cosmetologist can choose to specialize in one or more of these areas. Cosmetologists must complete some formal training to enter this career field, and all states have licensing requirements for cosmetologists.

These are the minimum standards recognized and agreed upon by the Maine Department of Education (DOE), the Office of Professional and Occupational Regulation (OPOR), Barbering and Licensing Program (“Program”) and postsecondary partners for purposes of satisfying one of the cosmetology course of study criteria for a CTE School.  

The Maine Department of Education must approve the CTE program and the teacher must be certified by their regulations. The Maine Department of Professional and Financial Regulation, Office of Professional and Occupational Regulation (“OPOR”), Barbering and Cosmetology Licensing Program is responsible for licensing and regulating all schools that offer any of the cosmetology courses of study, such as: cosmetology, barbering, nail technology and aesthetics.  A person who teaches any of these courses of study must hold an instructor license issued by the Program.  

All Program licensing requirements to obtain a Barbering and Cosmetology Licensing Program School License must be fulfilled as required by 32 MRS Chapter 126 and related rules, including but not limited to: practice and clinic lab requirements, course outlines, standards, daily lesson plans, and other requirements for approval to operate a Cosmetology CTE School and course offerings.  The rules can be accessed at:

Barbering and Cosmetology Licensing Program: Ch. (All) (All current rule chapters cosolidated into one file)

Please direct all questions relating to the licensing, operation and regulatory school (cosmetology, barbering, nail technology or aesthetic) requirements to the Office of Professional and Occupational Regulation, Barbering and Cosmetology Licensing Program: