Illinois License Requirements for Beauty Careers: FAQs

Illinois offers 13 licenses in the beauty industry. Each profession has different training requirements and varying times to earn each license:

• Barber: 1,500 hours
• Barber Teacher: 500 hours + 3 years of experience / 1,000 hours
• Cosmetologist: 1,500 hours
• Cosmetology Teacher: 500 hours + 2 years of experience / 1,000 hours
• Cosmetology Clinic Teacher: 500 hours + 2 years of experience / 1,000 hours
• Electrologist: 600 hours
• Esthetician: 750 hours
• Esthetics Clinic Teacher: 500 hours + 2 years of experience / 750 hours
• Esthetics Teacher: 500 hours + 2 years of experience / 750 hours
• Hair Braider: 300 hours / 10 credit hours
• Hair Braiding Teacher: 600 hours/ 20 credit hours / 500 hours + 2 years of experience
• Nail Technician: 350 hours
• Nail Technology Teacher: 500 hours + 2 years of experience / 625 hours

Yes, you need a license to practice massage therapy in Illinois. But, Illinois doesn't consider massage therapy part of the beauty industry.

Consult the state's Massage Licensing Board if interested in this career.

Yes, you can perform laser hair removal in Illinois as an electrologist if delegated by a physician.

Yes, you can perform permanent makeup in Illinois. Permanent makeup is regulated by the state's Department of Public Health. Only establishments need licenses, not individuals.

Yes, you can earn your crossover barber license if you complete 500 more hours of barber training.

The approved cosmetology curriculum in Illinois includes a combination of 1,500 hours of theoretical and practical training:

• Basic Training (150 hours): tools, shampoo, chemicals, types of hair, sanitation, hygiene, skin conditions, anatomy and physiology, electricity, ethics, nails, esthetics, eyelash extensions, tabs and strips, and the Barber, Cosmetology, Esthetics, Hair Braiding, and Nail Technology Act
• Practical Chemical Application/Hair Treatment (500 hours): chemical safety, perms, coloring, tinting and bleaching, relaxing, hair and scalp conditioning, shampooing, toning, rinsing
• Hair Styling/Hair Dressing (475 hours): cutting, thinning, shaping, trimming, electrical/mechanical equipment, curling, hair treatments, blow drying
• Shop Management (200 hours): labor law, workers' compensation, client relations, bookkeeping, marketing and merchandising, first aid, local laws and rules, business ethics, sanitation, electrical devices, personal grooming and hygiene, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards
• Esthetics (85 hours): non-therapeutic massage, excluding the scalp, skin nutrition and health, skin analysis, cleansing, mask and facial treatments with and without machines, hair removal, makeup
• Nail Technology (55 hours): fabric procedures, sculpting procedures, gels, machines or apparatus used in nail technology, manicures, pedicures, relevant massage, other techniques and products
• Electives (35 hours)

No, Illinois doesn't offer apprenticeships for cosmetology. But, you can take part in an internship program after 750 hours of training with a minimum average grade of 80.

You can only complete 150 of your 1,500 hours in an internship program.

The documents you need to submit to become a cosmetologist are:

• A completed application
• Original cosmetology school transcript
• Test scores
• Government identification such as a driver's license, state ID, consular ID, passport, or military active-duty ID

The approved esthetics curriculum in Illinois encompasses 750 hours of theoretical and practical coursework:

• Basic Training (75 hours): skincare history, hygiene, public health, ethics, sanitation, skin analysis, skincare, facial treatments, eyelash extensions
• Scientific Concepts (150 hours): relevant chemistry, biology, physiology, histology, chemistry
• Practices and Procedures (500 hours): non-therapeutic massage, excluding the scalp, skin health and nutrition, analysis, cleansing, mask and facial treatments, facial treatments with and without machines, hair removal, makeup techniques
• Business Practices (25 hours): the Barber, Cosmetology, Esthetics, Hair Braiding, and Nail Technology Act, including sanitary standards, management, OSHA standards relating to chemical use, Workers' Compensation Act

No, Illinois doesn't offer apprenticeships for esthetics. But, you can take part in an internship program after 375 hours of training with a minimum average grade of 80.

You can only take 75 of your 750 hours in an internship program.

You need to submit:

• A completed license application
• Official school transcripts
• Exam scores

Yes, you can become a cosmetologist after completing an esthetician program in Illinois. The esthetics training hours are credited toward your cosmetology education.

No, Illinois doesn't offer barber apprenticeships. But, you can undergo an internship after 750 hours of training with a minimum average grade of 80.

You can complete 150 of your 1,500 hours doing an internship.

The barber curriculum consists of 1,500 hours of theoretical and practical training:

• Basic Training: barber history, bacteriology, infection control, safe work practices, implements, tools and equipment, anatomy and physiology, chemistry, electricity and light therapy, properties and disorders of the skin, properties and conditions of the hair and scalp, treatment of the hair and scalp, facial and scalp massage, Barber, Cosmetology, Esthetics, Hair Braiding, and Nail Technology Act
• Shaving and Facial Hair Design
• Haircutting and Styling: cutting, thinning, shaping, trimming, application of electrical/mechanical equipment, curling, hair treatments, blow drying
• Chemical Texture Services: hair coloring and lightening, chemical safety, OSHA standards relating to chemical use, permanent waving, hair relaxing, hair and scalp conditioning, shampooing, toning, rinsing
• Barbershop Management: State and local laws and rules, Workers' Compensation Act, labor law, client relations, bookkeeping, business ethics
• Workers' Compensation Act: labor law, client relations, bookkeeping, business ethics

To become a licensed barber in Illinois, you must:

• Fulfill the required 1,500 hours of training
• Complete an application
• Pass the written exam
• Pay the $30 licensure fee

You need to submit:

• A completed application
• Original barber school transcript
• Test scores
• Government identification such as a driver's license, state ID, consular ID, passport, or military active-duty ID

Yes, a barber can earn a cosmetology license by completing 500 more hours of training. 

No, Illinois doesn't offer hair braider apprenticeships. But, you can complete an internship after 150 hours of training with a minimum average grade of 80. 

You can only spend 30 of the 300 hours taking part in an internship.

The hair braiding curriculum consists of 300 hours of training:

• Basic Training (35 hours): history of hair braiding, disinfection, sanitation, bacteriology, disorders and diseases of the hair and scalp, personal hygiene, public health, professional ethics
• Related Concepts (35 hours): tools and equipment, basic styling knowledge, client consultation, face shapes, growth patterns, braid removal, scalp care, styles and sectioning, client education, pre-care, post-care, home care, follow-up services
• Practices and Procedures (200 hours): single braids, cornrows, twists and knots, multiple strands, hair locking, weaving/sewn-in, extensions, other relevant procedures and products
• Business Practices (30 hours): Barber, Cosmetology, Esthetics, Hair Braiding, and Nail Technology Act, including sanitary standards, salon management, human relations and salesmanship, Workers' Compensation Act

To become a licensed hair braider in Illinois, you must:

• Complete 300 training hours
• Submit an application
• Pay the $30 licensure fee

You must submit:

• A completed application
• Official school transcripts

No, a hair braider can’t transfer hair braiding training hours to a cosmetology license.

Illinois requires a curriculum consisting of 350 training hours for nail technicians:

• Basic Training (50 hours): history of nail care, hygiene and public health, ethics, sterilization, bacteriology, disorders of the nails, OSHA standards relating to chemicals
• Related Concepts (15 hours): relevant biology, people skills
• Practices and Procedures (255 hours): fabric and sculpting procedures, gels, machines or apparatus, manicures, pedicures, hand, arm and foot massage, other techniques and products
• Business Practices (30 hours): Barber, Cosmetology, Esthetics, Hair Braiding, and Nail Technology Act, including sanitary standards, management, OSHA standards relating to chemical use, Workers' Compensation Act

No, you can't apprentice as a nail technician in Illinois. But, you can take part in an internship after completing 175 hours with a minimum average grade of 80.

You can only substitute 35 of the 350 hours for an internship.

• Completed application
• Test scores
• Official school transcripts

Yes, you can credit your nail technician training hours to your cosmetology education.

There is no required coursework to become a salon owner. In addition, you don't need to be a licensed beauty professional to own a salon.

To become a salon owner in Illinois, you must complete an application to obtain a registration certificate.

You will need a completed registration application.

No, Illinois doesn't offer electrologist apprenticeships.

A standard electrology curriculum includes 600 hours of training. Coursework includes hygiene, sanitation, and infection control. You also learn about the skin, how it works, and how electrolysis affects it.

To become an electrologist in Illinois, you need to:

• Apply and pay the $125 application fee
• Complete 600 training hours
• Pass the International Board of Electrology Certification examination

You need to submit:

• A completed application
• Certificate of Education or school transcripts
• Exam scores

No. Cosmetology and electrology in Illinois are regulated by separate legislative acts. Therefore, they have different educational requirements with no crossover or credit for hours taken.

A massage therapist must undergo 600 hours of training consisting of:

• Human anatomy, physiology, pathology, kinesiology
• Massage theory, technique, and practice
• Contraindications, benefits, universal precautions, body mechanics, history, client data collection, documentation, ethics, business and legalities, professional standards, therapeutic relationships, communications

To practice massage therapy as a licensed professional in Illinois, you need to:

• Submit an application
• Complete 600 training hours
• Have fingerprints taken
• Pay the $175 license fee
• Pass the Massage & Bodywork Licensing Exam

• A completed application
• Fingerprints
• Exam scores
• School transcripts
• Criminal history, if applicable

No, the professions are regulated by different boards. They have different requirements, with no crossover or credit for training hours from one to another.

Illinois cosmetology instructor candidates undergo 500 training hours and have two years of experience or 1,000 training hours. In addition, candidates must pass a written exam.

Illinois Cosmetology Instructor Credit Hours

If undergoing the full 1,000 hours, courses must break down as follows:

• Post-Graduate School Training: 500 hours
• Educational Psychology: 20 hours
• Teaching Methods (Theory): 20 hours
• Application of Teaching Methods: 150 hours
• Business Methods: 50 hours
• Student Teaching: 260 hours

Illinois Cosmetology Instructor Exams

• Cosmetology Teacher Written Exam: $107

Illinois esthetician instructor candidates undergo 500 training hours and have two years of experience or undergo 750 training hours. In addition, candidates must pass a theory exam.

Illinois Esthetician Instructor Curriculum by Credit Hours

• Post-Graduate School Training: 250 hours
• Educational Psychology: 20 hours
• Teaching Methods (Theory): 20 hours
• Application of Teaching Methods: 150 hours
• Business Methods: 50 hours
• Student Teaching: 260 hours

Illinois Esthetician Instructor Exams

• Esthetics Theory Exam: $50

Illinois barber instructor candidates undergo 500 training hours and have three years of experience or undergo 1,000 hours of training hours. In addition, candidates must pass a theory exam.

Illinois Barber Instructor Curriculum by Credit Hours

• Post-Graduate School Training: 500 hours
• Educational Psychology: 20 hours
• Teaching Methods (Theory): 20 hours
• Application of Teaching Methods: 150 hours
• Business Methods: 50 hours
• Student Teaching: 260 hours

Illinois Barber Instructor Exams

• Barber Theory Exam: $50

Illinois nail technician instructor candidates undergo 500 training hours and have two years of experience or 625 training hours. In addition, candidates must pass a theory exam.

Illinois Nail Technician Instructor Curriculum by Credit Hours

• Post-Graduate School Training: 125 hours
• Educational Psychology: 20 hours
• Teaching Methods (Theory): 20 hours
• Application of Teaching Methods: 150 hours
• Business Methods: 50 hours
• Student Teaching: 260 hours

Illinois Nail Technician Instructor Exams

• Nail Technology Theory Exam: $50

You need to submit:

• A completed application
• Exam scores
• School transcripts
• Employment verification forms, if applicable
• License number

No, Illinois doesn't offer beauty apprenticeships.

Illinois cosmetology schools can only supply online education in theory classes. In addition, online learning hours can't exceed 10% of the required hours for each module.

After completing your education, submit an application and pay the necessary fees. Some licenses require exams.

After finishing your education, apply for an examination online through Continental Testing.

Each Illinois beauty exam has its own set of instructions:

• Cosmetologist
• Cosmetology Teacher
• Barber
• Barber Teacher
• Esthetician
• Esthetics Teacher
• Electrologist
• Nail Technician
• Nail Technology Teacher

Yes, the barber and cosmetology exams can be taken in Spanish. The exams can also be taken in Chinese using a paper/pencil format.

Yes, you can apply for test accommodations in Illinois.

You must submit a request form, documentation verifying your disability from a medical professional, documentation of testing accommodations you received in school, and a letter describing your disability and accommodations.

Yes, military members and spouses on active duty or whose active-duty service concluded within the preceding two years can have their application reviewed within 30 days.

Cosmetologist Exam
Written Only: $195

Cosmetology Teacher Exam
Written Only: $107

Barber Exam
Written Only: $107

Barber Teacher Exam, Esthetics Teacher Exam, Nail Technology Teacher Exam
Written Only: $50

Esthetician Exam
Written Only: $170

Nail Technician Exam
Written Only: $185

If you're a cosmetologist in another state moving to Illinois, you can get a cosmetologist license in Illinois through endorsement.

To qualify for the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation endorsement, you must have graduated from a cosmetology program that meets or exceeds Illinois' requirements for cosmetology training (1,500 hours) and have your transcript and diploma ready to send.

You also need three references attesting that you practiced cosmetology for 3 years in another jurisdiction.

In addition, you need to submit proof of your original and current licensure, a completed application, and a $45 fee.

You must disclose past convictions when applying for a beauty license in Illinois, but a criminal conviction in your past is unlikely to prevent you from obtaining a license in cosmetology, barbering, esthetics, hair braiding, or nail technology.

The licensing department makes determinations based on the nature of the conviction. It reports that 99% of applicants with a conviction who also disclose accurately were able to receive a license.

Illinois doesn't require licensure for shampooers.

You can begin working once you receive your license.

Some beauty professions require continuing education.

• Cosmetologists must undergo 14 hours of continuing education.
• Cosmetology teachers must complete 24 hours of continuing education.
• Esthetics, nail technology, and hair braiding teachers must undergo 20 hours. Ten of the hours must be teaching courses.
• Estheticians, hair braiders, and nail technicians must complete 10 hours of continuing education.
• All cosmetologists, estheticians, hair braiders, and nail technicians must complete one hour of domestic violence and sexual assault training upon first

Generally, yes, all license holders need complete continuing education hours. But, in some circumstances, the Illinois licensing department may grant exemptions. Those who may be granted waivers on the continuing education requirement include those who:

• Live in an area where completing continuing education would interfere with their services;
• Would undergo substantial financial hardship if they took continuing education hours;
• Are serving in the U.S. military; or
• Are incapacitated because of illness

You can reinstate an expired license by submitting an application along with the relevant documentation and paying the $50 fee and all lapsed renewal fees. The fees can't exceed $200.

The approved continuing education (CE) providers for cosmetology can be found on the department's website. If you take CE courses out of state, you can apply to have the credits accepted within 90 days of completion.

Illinois Association of Cosmetology Schools
Trade association for beauty schools, with information on cosmetology education for teachers and students