Maine salon inspections
Maine salon inspection checklist
The Maine Office of Professional and Occupational Regulation (OPOR) inspects Maine salons against the state's sanitation rules. Below are the 26 rules an inspector checks, from the state's own rules and inspection pages, each beside the rule's own words. Tick them off as you get ready, filter by the services you offer, and print the list.
- Inspected by
- OPOR
- Before opening
- Not stated
- Rules on this list
- 26
- Official form
- None found
- Foot spa log
- Required, keep 1 year
- MMA nail liquid
- Banned
Read from the official sources on October 19, 2026.The full rules Maine salon license
How it works
How Maine inspects salons
Inspections are done by the Maine Office of Professional and Occupational Regulation (OPOR).
A new establishment reports its compliance on a checklist, and what it reports is checked at its first inspection.
“The information reported on the checklist is subject to verification upon initial inspection.”
We found no inspection form published by OPOR, so this checklist is built from the state's rules themselves.
The checklist
What Maine inspectors check
Every rule below is from the state's own rules, beside its own words. An inspector can check anything in the rules, so read them in full once before you open.
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Maine salon inspection checklist
salonai.studio/salon-inspection-checklist/maine
Licenses on display
The first thing an inspector looks for: the salon's license and every working license, current and where clients can see them.
1.Each licensed practitioner must post their license in a conspicuous place where all clients can readily see and read it.
2.Show proof of your license right away when a client or the Director asks.
Other required postings
Some states also want their rules, a consumer notice or the last inspection report on the wall.
3.Display the state's consumer notice prominently in the public reception area.
4.Keep a copy of chapter 26 of the Program's rules, on paper or electronically.
The disinfectant
What the disinfectant must be, how it is mixed and how often it is changed.
5.Disinfect tools by complete immersion in an EPA-registered disinfectant that is effective against HIV-1 and hepatitis B.
6.Mix bleach disinfecting solution fresh every day, and do not store the bleach near other chemicals.
7.Label mixed solutions with their contents, percentage solution and the date mixed.
Cleaning tools between clients
How combs, shears, nippers and other reusable tools are cleaned and disinfected after each client.
8.Disinfect multi-use tools before using them on a client.
9.Clean and disinfect tools that cannot be immersed every day, or after they touch a client, as the manufacturer directs.
10.Disinfect shampoo bowls and tables that touch a client's skin before each new client.
Storing clean and used tools
Clean tools kept covered and apart from used ones, so nothing dirty touches the next client.
11.Store clean tools in a clean, dry, debris-free place such as drawers, cases, tool belts or rolling trays.
Single-use items
What must be thrown away after one client because it cannot be disinfected.
12.Throw single-use items in a waste container right after one use.
13.Never reuse wax on another client.Skin and waxing
Towels, capes and linens
Clean towels stored closed, used ones in a covered container until laundered.
14.Use a disposable neck strip or cloth towel whenever you put a service cape on a client.
15.Keep soiled linens in a covered or closed container.
Water, sinks and restroom
Hot and cold running water, sinks and a restroom with a place to wash hands.
16.Do not use communal linen.
Pedicure equipment
How foot spas and pedicure basins are cleaned after each client and at the end of the day, and the log some states require.
17.Keep the foot spa cleaning record for one year from its last entry, and show it to the Director on request.Pedicures
18.After each client, clean and disinfect each whirlpool foot spa in the order the rules set out.Pedicures
Banned products and tools
Products, tools and practices the state's rules forbid outright.
19.Do not use nail or other service products containing methyl methacrylate (MMA) liquid monomer.Nail services
20.Do not use or keep a credo blade or similar razor-type tool for removing corns and calluses.Pedicures
21.Do not allow rodents, reptiles or birds in the establishment.
The premises
Floors, walls, light, air, waste bins and keeping living space and food out of the work area.
22.Clean the floors every day.
23.Do not prepare food or drinks in any area of the establishment.
24.Empty waste containers at reasonable intervals during the workday.
First aid and safety
A first aid kit, what to do after a cut or blood exposure, and other safety rules.
25.Keep a written record fully describing any blood exposure event for at least one year.
26.Have an eye washing station or unit readily available for employees and clients; a sink with a spray hose, faucet-mount unit or eye wash cup is acceptable.
Questions
Maine salon inspections, answered
What do salon inspectors check in Maine?
How are salons inspected in Maine?
Does Maine have an official salon inspection checklist?
Do Maine nail salons need a foot spa cleaning log?
Is MMA banned in Maine nail salons?
Plan the rest
Get the rest of the salon ready
- Every step to opening a salon, as a checklist for your state
- The salon license, fees and who must be licensed
- Which services and products the state taxes, and the sales tax permit
- What it costs to open a salon, line by line
- A client intake and consultation form
- A cancellation and no-show policy
Salon inspection checklists for other states
Ready when you are
Pass the inspection, then fill the chairs
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