Maine hair braiding rules
Do you need a license to braid hair in Maine?
No license needed. Hair braiding services do not need a Maine barbering or cosmetology license. Below: locs (not stated), hair extensions and sew-ins (not stated) and wig installs (license needed), each answered from Maine's own statutes, rules or board pages, read on October 29, 2026, with the state's own words.
- Braiding
- No license needed
- Locs
- Not stated
- Extensions
- Not stated
- Wig installs
- License needed
Licensed by OPOR.The board's site Hours and fees for each licenseThe state's own words
Hair braiding
Do you need a license to braid hair in Maine?
No license needed. Hair braiding services do not need a Maine barbering or cosmetology license.
- License needed
- No license needed
- Exemption
- Hair braiding services need no license under the barbering and cosmetology chapter (32 M.R.S. §14203(1-A)(A)).
Maine is one of 35 states whose official pages exempt hair braiding from licensing.
Locs
Do you need a license to do locs in Maine?
Not stated. Maine's official pages we read do not say whether starting and maintaining locs need a license. Ask OPOR before you offer them.
- License needed
- Not stated
Hair extensions and sew-ins
Do you need a license to do hair extensions or sew-ins in Maine?
Not stated. Maine's official pages we read do not say whether hair extensions and sew-ins need a license. Ask OPOR before you offer them.
- License needed
- Not stated
Wig installs
Do you need a license to install wigs in Maine?
Yes. Cutting, fitting or styling wigs for pay requires a Barber Hair Stylist or Hair Designer license.
- License needed
- License needed
- Licenses that allow it
- Barber Hair Stylist, Hair Designer
- License for this work alone
- None
Good to know
What else Maine asks of braiders
- Under the statutory definition, a premises counts as an establishment only if an activity licensed under the chapter is practiced there, and an establishment must be licensed by the director.
- A Hair Designer license requires a 1,200-hour course of instruction in hair design over at least 7 months at a licensed school (or 2,000 trainee hours over at least 12 months), plus an approved exam.
Sources
What Maine's official pages say
Each answer above, in the words of Maine's own statutes, rules or board pages, read on October 29, 2026. Rules change: confirm with OPOR before you start charging for a service.
- Hair braiding
“A license under this chapter is not required for the following activities:”
legislature.maine.gov “Hair braiding services;”
legislature.maine.gov - Wig installs
“Cutting, fitting or styling hairpieces or wigs.”
legislature.maine.gov “A person is eligible to obtain a license under this chapter for the practice of hair design if that person:”
legislature.maine.gov “A person is eligible to obtain a license under this chapter for the practice of barber hair styling if that person:”
legislature.maine.gov “Renewal fees and information - Aesthetician, Barber Hair Stylist, Cosmetologist, Hair Designer or Nail Technician”
maine.gov - Also good to know
“any premises, structure, building or part of a building where any activity licensed under this chapter is practiced”
legislature.maine.gov - Also good to know
“Has satisfactorily completed a course of instruction in the practice of hair design of 1,200 hours in not less than 7 months in a school licensed by the director”
legislature.maine.gov
Questions
Maine hair braiding licenses, answered
Do you need a license to braid hair in Maine?
Do you need a license to do locs in Maine?
Do you need a license to do hair extensions or sew-ins in Maine?
Do you need a license to install wigs in Maine?
What do you need to open a braiding salon in Maine?
Plan the rest
Ready to fill your book
- Hours, exams and fees for each Maine cosmetology and barber license
- What Maine requires to open a salon or shop of your own
- What Maine inspectors check in a salon
- Renewing a Maine cosmetology or barber license
- Renting a chair or a suite? Start from a booth rental agreement
- A deposit and cancellation policy for long appointments
Hair braiding rules in other states
Ready when you are
Braiding legally? Fill the book next
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