Program Description
Professional hair braiders are part of the beauty industry. They work with individuals to provide services such as braiding and hair styling, recommending scalp treatments, or offering additional hair care products. This program features courses designed to help students understand how to build a customer base, develop a professional portfolio, and provide excellent customer service. Additionally, the program teaches students how to conduct client assessments, maintain client confidentiality, demonstrate personal integrity and professional standards, foster customer loyalty, and explore income opportunities. PDV320 Braiding Hair Basics is recommended for students, or alternatively, students should be able to demonstrate strong knowledge of techniques for cornrows, plaits, and braids. Professional hair braiders work in a variety of settings including beauty salons, hair salons, and spas. Some may also provide freelance services or operate their own independent businesses. Although Maryland does not currently require a license for hair braiders, the curriculum aligns with industry standards and meets societal needs by preparing students to deliver safe, professional, and client-centered services. The program integrates technical training, business skills, and ethical principles, reflecting the professional standards of hair braiding and addressing the expectations of both employers and clients within the beauty industry. Program Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this Continuing Education Workforce Certificate, students will be able to: - demonstrate the skills to function effectively as a hair braiding professional, providing styling, product recommendations, scalp care guidance, and services across multiple hair textures;
- identify and select tools and products, explaining their purpose in braiding and extension services;
- apply proper sanitation and safe handling of tools and products;
- demonstrate foundational hair care techniques, including shampooing, conditioning, blow-drying, and basic braiding styles such as three-strand plaits, traditional cornrows, two-strand twists, flat twists, French braids, and fishtail braids;
- perform braiding and extension styles with proper parting, tension, technique, and finishing, including advanced styles such as Senegalese braids, advanced cornrows, silky locs, boho twists, and faux locs;
- evaluate client needs to determine suitable styles and products; and
- implement professional practices, including salon readiness and portfolio development.
CCBC Pathway & Track
Business Pathway: Business Leadership Track - Pathways are designed to help you meet your academic and career goals by aligning related courses and programs. Pathway students participate in a variety of activities that help explore career opportunities in their field of study. You can meet with a CCBC advisor who help align — or realign — your educational plan with the Pathway that best supports you and your goals. Program Credentials
CCBC Credential: Students will be awarded a Continuing Education Workforce Certificate and have access to a Continuing Education academic record (transcript). Students must complete both classes to receive the certificate. There is currently no license required to become a hair braider in Maryland. Students who have completed program requirements should contact program staff to verify completion and request a certificate. Financial Aid and Payment Options
We offer financial aid by packaging public and private funding options to those who qualify, in select Continuing Education courses and programs. Additional opportunities for financial support include partial payment options through Nelnet Business Solutions and tuition waivers for those who qualify. Resources outside of CCBC may also be available through employer/sponsor paid tuition, the Department of Rehabilitation Services (DORS), and your local office of workforce development. Some CE Workforce Development Certificate Programs are eligible for early high school funding through Maryland Blueprint for qualifying BCPS high school students. Please check with your School Counseling Office to determine your eligibility for the BCPS Tuition Benefit Program. Length of Training
70 hours to complete the courses and written exams. Courses are offered at CCBC Catonsville and CCBC Essex. Program Requirements
PDV320 Braiding Hair Basics is recommended for students, or alternatively, students should be able to demonstrate strong knowledge of techniques for cornrows, plaits, and braids. Students are encouraged to self-assess their skills by reviewing the Basics class description and learning goals. Additionally, they may consult with the instructor for guidance. Ultimately, it is the student’s own choice to determine their readiness. Students should be computer literate and have Internet access. Recommended: High School Diploma or GED; prior experience and/or interest in the beauty industry. Minimum age: 16
Application Process
To apply, go to www.ccbcmd.edu/apply and complete the CCBC Continuing Education Workforce Certificate program application. Provisional Entry – demonstrated experience braiding hair. Prior Learning Assessment
Prior coursework or professional experience may be eligible as a waiver for PDV478 Natural Hair Care and Foundational Braiding (35 hours only). Transcript, certificate, or portfolio of relevant work must be submitted. Program Course Sequence
A stringent attendance policy will be enforced. Course Number | Course Title | Course Hours | Textbook Information
(approximate cost; subject to change) | Costs
T=Tuition/F=Fees | PDV478 | Nautral Hair Care & Foundational Braiding | 35 | Hair Braiding Kit that includes a mannequin head and stand, clips, and combs is provided if not already received in Hair Braiding Basics. Students provide their own brush and accessories. All other supplies, products, and print material will be provided. | $595
T-$179/F-$416 | PDV479 | Advanced Braiding & Professional Practices | 35 | The Hair Braiding Kit provided in Hair Braiding Basics or Natural Hair Care & Foundational Braiding will be used for this class. Students provide their own brush and accessories. All other supplies, products, and print material will be provided. | $595 T-$179/F-$416 | Program Series Totals: | | 70 |
| $1,190
T-$358/F-$832 |
There is currently no license required to become a braider in Maryland. Additional Information
Course Substitutions:
None available. Skills for Success:
Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience in hair braiding basics is required for these occupations. Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training. Detail-oriented, dependability, self-control, ability to follow safety rules, ability to follow directions, cooperation, integrity, persistence, manual dexterity, mechanical aptitude, mathematical aptitude, ability to stand for long periods of time, and ability to lift 35 pounds. Excellent communication and customer service skills. Career Coach
Research your career interests, explore live job postings, take a career assessment, discover which companies in the Baltimore region are hiring, and more. View a brief tutorial video on how to use Career Coach at https://youtu.be/C7KpznbPYfA. Explore career and training opportunities at https://ccbcmd.emsicc.com/. |