Maryland lash and brow rules
Do you need a license to do lashes in Maryland?
Yes. Lash extensions need a cosmetologist, senior cosmetologist or limited esthetician license, or the Temporary Eyelash Extension Technician License if you hold none of those, and that temporary license only allows work in a Board-permitted salon or shop. Below: lash lifts, tinting and brow lamination (license needed), waxing (license needed) and eyebrow threading (not stated), each answered from Maryland's own statutes, rules or board pages, read on October 23, 2026, with the state's own words.
- Lash extensions
- License needed
- Lifts and tints
- License needed
- Waxing
- License needed
- Threading
- Not stated
Licensed by the Maryland State Board of Cosmetologists.The board's site Hours and fees for each licenseThe state's own words
Lash extensions
Do you need a license to do lash extensions in Maryland?
Yes. Lash extensions need a cosmetologist, senior cosmetologist or limited esthetician license, or the Temporary Eyelash Extension Technician License if you hold none of those, and that temporary license only allows work in a Board-permitted salon or shop.
- License needed
- License needed
- Licenses that allow it
- Cosmetologist, Senior Cosmetologist, Limited Esthetician, Temporary Eyelash Extension Technician
- License for this work alone
- Temporary Eyelash Extension Technician License, $11
Maryland is one of 9 states with a license for lash extensions alone.
Lash lifts, tinting and brow lamination
Do you need a license to do lash lifts, tinting or brow lamination in Maryland?
Yes. Lash and brow tinting need a cosmetologist or limited esthetician license, and lash lifts and brow lamination fall under the same statutory beautification scope, since the Board's eyelash license covers only extension services.
- License needed
- License needed
- Licenses that allow it
- Cosmetologist, Limited Esthetician
- License for this work alone
- None
Waxing
Do you need a license to do waxing in Maryland?
Yes. Waxing needs a cosmetologist or limited esthetician license, and the Board lists waxing, including full body, as a permitted limited esthetician service.
- License needed
- License needed
- Licenses that allow it
- Limited Esthetician, Cosmetologist, Senior Cosmetologist
- License for this work alone
- None
Eyebrow threading
Do you need a license to do eyebrow threading in Maryland?
Not stated. Maryland's official pages we read do not say whether eyebrow threading needs a license. Ask the Maryland State Board of Cosmetologists before you offer it.
- License needed
- Not stated
Good to know
What else Maryland asks of lash and brow artists
- Temporary eyelash license holders may work only in a salon or barbershop that holds an active Board permit.
- Lash technicians without a temporary or standard license must stop providing extension services after December 31, 2026.
- Limited estheticians and cosmetologists may not perform any service that penetrates beyond the epidermis.
Sources
What Maryland's official pages say
Each answer above, in the words of Maryland's own statutes, rules or board pages, read on October 23, 2026. Rules change: confirm with the Maryland State Board of Cosmetologists before you start offering a service.
- Lash extensions
“Individuals who provide eyelash extension services in Maryland and do not currently hold a cosmetologist or esthetician license should apply for the Temporary Eyelash Extension Technician License.”
labor.maryland.gov ““Provide eyelash extension services” means to provide to an individual, for compensation, the service of:”
mgaleg.maryland.gov “providing eyelash extension services.”
mgaleg.maryland.gov “Individuals who hold a Limited Esthetician, Cosmetologist, or Senior Cosmetologist license would be grandfathered in, and are not required to obtain any additional licensure to provide eyelash extension services.”
labor.maryland.gov “a limited license to provide eyelash extension services.”
mgaleg.maryland.gov “The application for the temporary license is fairly straightforward, simply requiring personal identifying information and an $11 fee.”
labor.maryland.gov - Lash lifts, tinting and brow lamination
“arching or dyeing eyebrows;”
mgaleg.maryland.gov “dyeing eyelashes;”
mgaleg.maryland.gov “performing treatments for the relaxation, hydration, contouring, and beautification of the face, skin, body, eyelashes, or eyebrows”
mgaleg.maryland.gov “This document provides guidance on the scope of practice for Limited Estheticians licensed under the Maryland Board of Cosmetologists.”
labor.maryland.gov - Waxing
“removing superfluous hair by the use of electrical, mechanical, or any means other than by the use of a laser light–based device”
mgaleg.maryland.gov “Waxing, including full body”
labor.maryland.gov “providing esthetic services;”
mgaleg.maryland.gov “Permitted services listed in this document are also permitted for Senior Cosmetologists and Cosmetologists.”
labor.maryland.gov “This document provides guidance on the scope of practice for Limited Estheticians licensed under the Maryland Board of Cosmetologists.”
labor.maryland.gov - Also good to know
“Provide eyelash extension services only in a salon or barbershop that has an active permit issued by the Maryland Board of Cosmetologists or the Maryland Board of Barbers.”
labor.maryland.gov - Also good to know
“Individuals who do not obtain a temporary license by December 31, 2026 must cease providing eyelash extension services until they meet the requirements for the standard license.”
labor.maryland.gov - Also good to know
“Any service that penetrates beyond the epidermis is not permissible for Limited Estheticians or Cosmetologists.”
labor.maryland.gov
Questions
Maryland lash and brow licenses, answered
Do you need a license to do lash extensions in Maryland?
Do you need a license to do lash lifts, tinting or brow lamination in Maryland?
Do you need a license to do waxing in Maryland?
Do you need a license to do eyebrow threading in Maryland?
What do you need to open a lash or brow studio in Maryland?
Plan the rest
Licensed and ready to book clients
- Hours, exams and fees for each Maryland license
- What Maryland requires to open a studio of your own
- What Maryland inspectors check in a salon or studio
- Microblading or permanent makeup in Maryland: the license it needs
- Can estheticians do microneedling, peels or laser in Maryland?
- Renting a room or a chair? Start from a booth rental agreement
Lash and brow rules in other states
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