The Maryland Board Of Cosmetology is in charge of enforcing laws and regulations through inspections, investigation into complaints submitted by consumers and conducts hearings, imposes penalties and enforces actions when they deem necessary. Through education and the enforcement of the cosmetology laws in MD, the state board ensures the safety, welfare and public health by regulating the salons, schools and individuals who practice cosmetology. The list of the board members who are part of the Maryland Board of Cosmetologists are listed below:

State Board Members

Member Position
Barbers Cos General Assistance (License Verifications)
Matthew Dudzic Board Specialist
Michelle Macer Inspector Supervisor
Yvette Williams Apprentice Coordinator
Roxanne Poole Salon Permits
Erica Lewis Acting Executive Director

They also issue licenses for to individuals who qualify for reciprocity or through the state boards administration of a written and practical examination to schools and salons. To find out how to apply for a new license, renew an existing one or find out how many hours for cosmetology license in Maryland, check out the Maryland Cosmetology License page for additional information. The list of categories the state board issues licenses for are below:

  • Available License Categories
  • Cosmetologist
  • Apprentice Cosmetologist
  • Senior Cosmetologist
  • Electrologist
  • Esthetician
  • Apprentice Esthetician
  • Nail Technician
  • Apprentice Nail Technician
  • Makeup Artist

If you need to obtain a cosmetology license, renew an existing one, or want to open up a salon or go to school, then in most cases there are fees involved. We list all available fees for this state below. We recommend to call the Maryland State Board Of Cosmetology if you cannot find the fee information you are looking for below, or if you need to know how to pay your fees and what type of payments they accept.

Cosmetology
Original $25
Renewal $25
Late Fee $25
Esthetician
Original $25
Renewal $25
Late Fee $25
Nail Technician
Original $25
Renewal $25
Late Fee $25
Senior Cosmetologist
Original $25
Renewal $25
Late Fee $25
Owner Salon
Original $200
Renewal $50
Late Fee $50
Owner Limited Practice
Original $200
Renewal $50
Late Fee $50
Cosmetology Apprentice
Original $10
Renewal $10
Late Fee n/a
Nail Technician Apprentice
Original $10
Renewal $10
Late Fee n/a
Esthetician Apprentice
Original $10
Renewal $10
Late Fee n/a

To reinstate an expired beauty salon permit and avoid paying $150 new shop inspection fee, a permit holder must apply to the respective board within 45 days after the permit expires to meet renewal requirements and pay both a renewal fee and a reinstatement fee.

Maryland Cosmetology License Lookup

If you are planning to setup an appointment with a local salon, it is recommended that you first verify the professional or business license. You can do that online for the state of Maryland by visiting www.dllr.state.md.us. From there you can search for the person or business and see if there are any disciplinary actions on record. This will allow you to make an informed decision about the person and or business providing your service.

Filing a Complaint

Part of the duties of the Maryland Board of Cosmetologists is receiving and investigating consumer complaints involving unlawful acts which may include:

  • False advertisement
  • Violations of health
  • Deceptive statements
  • Sanitation regulations
  • Unlicensed person
  • Malpractice or incompetence

If you feel like you have experienced one of these issues listed above, or have information about a specific incident, then you would need to submit your complaint. If you have issues or questions about the complaint process outlined below, then it is recommended you contact the state board for assistance.

A complaint can be filed against a licensee or salon by writing to the State Board of Cosmetologists. Your complaint must include your name and current address. If you have a complaint about a salon, please e-mail them at barbers.cos@maryland.gov. Include in your e-mail the following information:

  • Your Name
  • Your Address
  • Your Telephone Number
  • Name of the Salon
  • Street Address
  • City and Zip Code
  • Name of the Person who Provided Service
  • Nature of the Complaint (sanitation, unlicensed, or other)

Complaint forms may be obtained by calling 410-230-6320 or online. Complaints may involve unethical conduct, incompetence, unlicensed practice, misrepresentation, or a number of other practice allegations. Please be aware that the Board does not have jurisdiction over a consumer's dissatisfaction with services or monetary conflicts and cannot make monetary awards. In both of those cases, the Board recommends that you seek the advice of an attorney to determine if you have a case to pursue for damages or injuries.

The Board uses a common complaint form which can be obtained from their office or online. It is mandatory that a completed and signed complaint form be submitted, as anonymous complaints are not accepted. An acknowledgment letter will be sent to the complainant with a copy to the respondent.

Complaints are reviewed by a Complaint Committee comprised of two members of the Board. The Complaint Committee may refer a complaint for investigation if more information is needed to make a determination about the complaint. If the Board determines, based on the Complaint Committee's recommendations, that a violation of the law has occurred, a hearing will be scheduled before the Board or an Administrative Law Judge. A final order can be appealed to the Circuit Court.

Here are some tips on preparing your complaint. Make a list of things you want to say. Try your best to separate your feelings from the facts. Present the events in the order of which they happened, use dates and times if possible. When submitting your complaint, please make sure to provide copies of documents, for example contracts, letters, advertisements, sakes slips, cancelled checks, warranties and any other documentation that can support your claim. Only provide copies, keep the original copies for your own record. Please remember, the complaint should describe the event or practice which misled you. If you can, please also state why the practice was misleading.

If you still have questions or issues about your complaint or about cosmetology, then use the contact information listed below. We provide the Maryland Board Of Cosmetology phone number, office address and how to access their departments website.

  • State Board Office Location
  • Maryland Board of Cosmetologists
    500 N. Calvert Street 3rd Floor
    Baltimore, MD 21202

  • State Board Office Phone
  • You can reach the office by calling the Maryland State Board of Cosmetology phone number 410-230-6320. Their fax number is 410-333-6314.

  • State Board Website
  • You can acccess the Maryland state board online by going to www.dllr.state.md.us.