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As of 5:00 p.m. on March 12, 2021, barbershops, hair salons, nail services, esthetic services and other non-hair services are now able to resume operations at 100% capacity per Executive Order No. 29-03-09-01. Salons and shops must continue to adhere to social distancing and sanitation guidelines. A summary of best practices for reopening personal services can also be found online.
It is important to note that the state has continued to give local jurisdictions the authority to adopt more restrictive guidelines if necessary. Check the website of your local jurisdiction to obtain up-to-date information.
Let Us Reintroduce Ourselves
 Maryland Boards of Barbers and Cosmetologists staff members left to right: Corey Kennedy, Roxanne Poole, Leslie Braxton, Executive Director Erica Lewis-Thomas, Breona Scott and Nicole Fletcher
The Maryland Boards of Barbers and Cosmetologists are excited about our relationships with both the community and the industry concerning licensing. While we promote and support healthy relationships between consumers and practitioners, we must stress the importance of industry compliance with the boards. The boards’ main concern is community safety so we do not take licensing or sanitation guidelines lightly. Our goal is not to take away from business or profit, however, we do need to ensure that the industry is compliant with Maryland laws and regulations.
In this issue, we have prepared a refresher of definitions, criteria and guidelines for practitioners. We hope you find them helpful in your practice:
WHAT SERVICES FALL UNDER THE STATE OF MARYLAND'S JURISDICTION?
To determine if the service you plan to provide is regulated by the boards, please refer to the definitions contained in Maryland law. Md. Code Ann., Bus. Occ. And Prof. §5–101 (n) through (r) defines what services are considered cosmetology, esthetic services, hair services and nail technician services. All of those services are regulated by the Maryland Board of Cosmetologists. Md. Code Ann., Bus. Occ. And Prof. §4–101 (l) through (m) defines what services are considered barbering and barber-stylist services. Both of those services are regulated by the Maryland Board of Barbers.
HOW DO I OPEN A NEW SALON OR BARBERSHOP?
If you are relocating to a new building/address, or a new owner will be taking over, you will have to complete a new shop application. To obtain an original salon permit you must complete the following process:
- Obtain a use and occupancy permit for the exact location of the salon/shop from your local zoning board.
- Apply on our websites:
Salon
Barbershop
- Once the application has been submitted, send us an e-mail indicating that step (2) above has been completed. Attach a copy of the use and occupancy permit and include the name of the salon/shop, the owner's name and a contact phone number.
- Documents that require you to sign, date, and return will be forwarded to the e-mail address you supply on the application.
- Once we receive the completed documents, a temporary license will be forwarded via postal mail. A temporary license allows the salon/shop to begin operating until the inspection is conducted.
WHAT CAN I EXPECT AT MY FIRST INSPECTION?
The following is a general list of items we will look for during your new shop inspection:
- The board’s laws and regulations are posted in plain view (note: a copy will be provided at the time of your inspection)
- Business signage for the salon/shop is visible and apparent from the exterior
- Salon/shop station(s) are set up and ready for business
- The shop environment is well lit, heated, ventilated and sanitary
- All staff licenses are posted conspicuously at individual stations with photos affixed
- Restroom facilities are sanitary and well equipped
- Implements (all tools/brushes/combs/files) are properly stored and sanitized
- Clean towel storage is in an enclosed receptacle
- A soiled towel storage container is present
- EPA-registered disinfectant solution is in use (placement at each station is highly recommended)
- Equipment is operational and in sanitary condition
- All containers are covered, e.g., wax pots, hair products, manicure/pedicure products, etc.
- Hot and cold running water is available
Message from the Commissioner's Office
By Gregory J. Morgan, Commissioner, Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing, Maryland Department of Labor
This time last year the world was deep in the early stages of the COVID-19 Pandemic and the economy stalled as businesses were forced to close or drastically alter operations. Schools were closed and all of America was feeling the impact of this deadly virus. A year later we still are in the midst of the pandemic, however, in Maryland, we have adapted to the “current normal” and have shown the resiliency and determination that makes our state so great. Our economy is on the path to recovery, and while some industries never slowed down, many others adapted to the restrictions and challenges forced by the pandemic and continued to serve customers while protecting employees and the public they serve.
The Division of Occupational & Professional Licensing (O&P) supports 24 professions and occupations, and the resiliency I mentioned above is seen every day as we work with our licensees to ensure the safety of all Maryland residents. We have added thousands of new occupational and professional licenses since the onset of the pandemic and many Marylanders have taken the steps to secure gainful employment and support their families and the Maryland economy. Our Team at O&P has worked through the pandemic to provide the highest level of service to our licensees while protecting the health of our team. We will continue the mission of O&P “To help foster economic growth by assisting our customers in a timely, professional manner while protecting the health, safety and welfare of the public by assuring that our licensees have met a standard of expertise.”
I join all Marylanders in the hope and vision of an end to this pandemic and a return to the life we knew before its onset. It may take some time, but patience and determination will be the key to a successful return to normal life inclusive of a flourishing economy and our ability to enjoy time with family and friends.
Best wishes for a great summer of 2021 and Go O’s!
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 Gregory J. Morgan
Commissioner
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