Complaints - Cosmetologists
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 us 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 our 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.