How to Become a Cosmetologist in Maine

Young people are more and more interested in achieving an ideal physical appearance.

They are not only concerned about being beautiful, but making others more attractive as well.

That is the reason why they often decide to try their luck with cosmetology, and put their creativity at work.

Job Description

Cosmetologists are people who care for the client’s hair, skin, and nails.

Popular Programs

Whether they are employees or even owners of a salon, their main aim is to make their clients satisfied so that he/she will recommend them further to his/her family and friends, thus enlarging their business.

The cosmetologist’s daily duty is to keep their work areas clean and disinfect tools after usage to keep all equipment sanitary.

Another daily activity includes answering phone calls and scheduling appointments.

To leave a good impression on the client, he/she needs to look great and have a professional appearance.

Their most frequent work settings include beauty salons, barbershops, spas, resorts, and hotels.

Cosmetologists’ work also involves the selling of beauty products.

Cosmetology Programs in Maine

Even though many people think that this is a profession that can be done by anyone, they are completely wrong.

It is not only about hair shampooing and cutting, but this occupation is also much more than that.

In order not to do harm and damage the client’s hair or skin, numerous states introduced legal education requirements for those who want to become cosmetologists.

First of all, they need to complete a cosmetology program.

They should involve a different number of hours for various specialties.

Cosmetologists and barber programs last 1500 hours, while aestheticians should have 600 hours or 1250 apprenticeship hours.

The electrologist will need to attend 600 hours and manicurist only 200 hours or 400 apprenticeship hours

A good program will prepare you for your state’s board exam and you can find them at Aveda Institute – Augusta or Spa Tech Institute School of Cosmetology – Westbrook.

The education usually lasts nine months, teaching you theoretical and practical knowledge, so that you can become an expert cosmetologist.

Courses are related to:

• Hair Design
• Hair Cutting
• Color and Texture
• Basic Skin Care
• Business and Retail Training
• Makeup

Another way of achieving education is through apprenticeship.

It lasts longer than a beauty school program and you will have to do more hours of instruction, at least 2500.

Cosmetology Exams in Maine

When the education is finished, no matter if it is done at school or as an apprentice, you will have to pass the National Interstate Council of State Boards Cosmetology written and practical exam, or the National NIC wrote and practical exams.

The positive score on the exams must be higher than 75% to become qualified for licensure.

The written exam lasts 90 minutes, while future cosmetologists have 3 hours to finish the practice exam through which they will be tested on:

• Client Protection
• Thermal Curling
• Haircutting
• Chemical Waving
• Virgin Hair Lightening
• Hair Color Retouch
• Virgin Relaxer Application
• Relaxer Retouch
• Candidate Summary
• Final Cleanup

You have only one year after the passing of the exam to apply for the license.

You are not required to pass the Maine cosmetology laws, rules, and regulations, but you will need to read and understand the rules, and to keep up to date on the Maine Barbering and Cosmetology Laws and Rules, the Department of Business Regulations Laws, and the Office of Professional and Occupational Regulation Rules.

License

The license can be gained either by examination or endorsement.

The prerequisites for application are 17 years of age, finished 10th grade and completion of a beauty school program.

The documentation that you need to submit is:

• application for Initial Licensure by Examination
• appropriate fee
• official examination scores

If you are asking for the license based on endorsement you will have to submit:

• application by Endorsement
• $41 application fee
• proof of age and completion of 10th grade
• original state licensure verification
• licensed work experience

The third way of getting the license is by firstly gaining a trainee license, and then getting the full one.

You must prove that you are at least 16 years old, have completed 10th grade, and submit:

• Trainee Application
• $10 application fee
• $21 background check fee

Trainee license lasts 18 months, and when this period passes, you must attain 2,500 hours of trainee instruction and pass the NIC exam before you can apply for full licensure.

All the previously mentioned documentation should be sent to:

Department of Professional and Financial Regulation
Office of Professional and Occupational Regulation
35 State House Station
Augusta, ME 04333

Keeping Your License Current in Maine

Every licensure expires on October 31st of each year, and the renewal is obligatory.

You can renew it online but you will have to pay the annual renewal fee of $20.

Continuing education courses are not mandatory, but it is your will to advance your skills and stay up to date on the newest trends and techniques to make your clients more satisfied.

Pleasing your clients, and keeping their needs and desires in mind is the core of your work and since your salary will include tips, you should want to make them more gratified.

Average Annual Cosmetologist Salary in Maine

Looking for employment is not an easy task for a novice licensed professional.

However, the number of beauty salons and centers is increasing, and cosmetologists should not be concerned about finding a suitable job.

There are wonderful, luxury salons that Maine that are looking for certified cosmetologist:

• Fringe Hair Art – Kennebunkport
• Salon Burke – Old Port, Portland
• CoCo Cheveux Salon – South Portland

All these salons are famous for offering the latest styles and trends to their team and their clients, and that is why they are looking for a person who will be equally devoted and passionate about this job as they are.

The need for cosmetologists in Maine is increasing and the cosmetology salary is also expected to become higher.

The average annual salary is estimated at $25,160, but it does not include tips that are very common in this profession.

Cosmetologists in Bangor earn $ 23 848 on average, while experienced cosmetologists in South Portland earn $ 26 069.

Regional Salary in Maine

Cosmetology by State