Illinois Hair Braiding School and Requirements

To become a hair braider in Illinois, you must complete hair braiding school and pass a final exam. Only then can you get your license and begin to practice hair braiding in the state.

Read on to learn more about becoming a hair braider in Illinois, including what to expect in hair braiding school, what's on the braiding exams, how to apply for your license, your potential salary, and more. Browse our directory of hair braiding schools in Illinois, or skip ahead to learn about the state's hair braiding licensing requirements and job outlook.

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Cameo Beauty Academy – Accredited

9714 South Cicero Avenue
Oak Lawn, IL 60453

(708) 636‐ 4660

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Programs:

Cosmetology, Esthetics, Hair Braiding, Teacher Training

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Dudley Beauty College - Chicago – Accredited

8501 South Green Street 11
Chicago, IL 60620

Sandra Rossi Education Center – Accredited

264 West Rand Road
Arlington Heights, IL 60004

Trenz Beauty Academy - Calumet City – Accredited

695 Wentworth Avenue
Calumet City, IL 60409

Trenz Beauty Academy - Chicago – Accredited

2605 West 79th Street
Chicago, IL 60652

Your School of Beauty Culture – Accredited

116 East Pershing Road
Chicago, IL 60653

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Related Beauty Careers

Not sure this is the right fit for you? Learn more about other career options in the beauty industry. Related specializations include:

• Cosmetology in Illinois
• Esthetics in Illinois
• Hair Design in Illinois
• Nail Technology in Illinois

What to Expect in Illinois Hair Braiding School

Illinois requires hair braiding programs to be 300 clock hours or 10 credit hours, with a curriculum covering all hair braiding skills and theory topics. Don't let the seemingly significant difference fool you—one credit hour equals 30 clock hours! You can take up to 10% of your theory credit hours online, but all practical hours must be in person.

Your classes should be divided up as follows:

• Basic Training (35 hours): braiding history, disinfection and sanitation, bacteriology, relevant disorders and diseases, personal hygiene, public health, ethics
• Related Concepts (35 hours): tools and equipment, basic styling knowledge, client consultation, face shapes, growth patterns, braid removal, scalp care, styles, sectioning, client prep, pre- and post-care, home care, follow-ups
• Practices and Procedures (200 hours): single braids with and without extensions, cornrows with and without extensions, twists and knots, multiple strands, locking, weaves and sew-ins, other braiding procedures, braiding products
• Business Practices (30 hours): law, sanitation, salon management, HR, salesmanship, workers' comp

You can substitute an internship for no more than 30 credit hours after you've finished 150 training hours with an average of 80% or higher—unless your school raises the minimum score.

Hair braiding programs can occur at approved cosmetology schools, private hair braiding schools, or public hair braiding schools. Cosmetology schools can teach all cosmetology topics, while hair braiding schools may only teach about braiding.  

The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) keeps a list of approved public and private hair braiding schools. Double-check that the list you look at is the most recent version before deciding which school to attend. (Here's the 2023 version!)

Hair Braiding School Final Exam

Unlike other states and specialties, Illinois hair braiders take their licensure exam in school. Your school creates and administers this final test or set of tests.

The theory portion of the test covers all theory topics you should have learned in hair braiding school. The practical test needs to include the following:

• Client Preparation, Analysis and Consultation
• Single Braids With and Without Extensions
• Cornrows With and Without Extensions
• Double Strand Twisting
• Knots
• Locking
• Weaving and Styling
• Safety and Sanitation Procedures

You get three chances to take the test and must get at least 75% on each portion to pass.

Applying for Your Hair Braiding License in Illinois

Once you're done with your hair braiding education, it's time to apply for your Illinois hair braiding license. To do this, you need to submit:

• your license application
• your transcript
• name change proof (if relevant)
• a $30 fee

Regarding your criminal history, some convictions bar you from practicing, but many don't.

You need to renew your Illinois hair braiding license by October 31^st of every even-numbered year. Within the two years between renewals, you have to complete at least ten hours of continuing education. Nearly every Illinois beauty professional, including hair braiders, must take one continuing education hour in domestic violence and sexual assault awareness training. You also must pay a fee of $25 per year to keep an active hair braiding license.

Hair Braiding Through a Cosmetology License in Illinois

In Illinois, you can get specialized hair braiding training through a cosmetology program if you take a relevant internship during your training. If you decide to go this route, you can provide a wider variety of hair treatments, as well as nail and skin services.

READ MORE: Learn More About Cosmetology School in Illinois

Illinois Hair Braider Salary

As of October 2023, ZipRecruiter estimates the average yearly Illinois hair braider salary is $40,915. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, cosmetologists, hairdressers, and hairstylists make a bit more at $44,490 as of 2022. However, neither source factors in self-employed braiders. Plus, years of experience, location, number of clients, and more considerations can affect pay. Ask around to get a more solid idea of what to expect.

Contact the Illinois State Board of Cosmetology