HB5581 104TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

LRB104 18522 AAS 31964 b

104TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY
State of Illinois
2025 and 2026
HB5581

Introduced 2/13/2026, by Rep. Christopher "C.D." Davidsmeyer

SYNOPSIS AS INTRODUCED:

225 ILCS 410/2-2	from Ch. 111, par. 1702-2
225 ILCS 410/2-3	from Ch. 111, par. 1702-3
225 ILCS 410/2-4	from Ch. 111, par. 1702-4
225 ILCS 410/2-7	from Ch. 111, par. 1702-7
225 ILCS 410/2-10
225 ILCS 410/3-2	from Ch. 111, par. 1703-2
225 ILCS 410/3-3	from Ch. 111, par. 1703-3
225 ILCS 410/3-4	from Ch. 111, par. 1703-4
225 ILCS 410/3-6	from Ch. 111, par. 1703-6
225 ILCS 410/3-9
225 ILCS 410/3A-2	from Ch. 111, par. 1703A-2
225 ILCS 410/3A-3	from Ch. 111, par. 1703A-3
225 ILCS 410/3A-5	from Ch. 111, par. 1703A-5
225 ILCS 410/3C-2	from Ch. 111, par. 1703C-2
225 ILCS 410/3C-3	from Ch. 111, par. 1703C-3
225 ILCS 410/3C-7	from Ch. 111, par. 1703C-7
225 ILCS 410/3E-2
225 ILCS 410/3E-3

Amends the Barber, Cosmetology, Esthetics, Hair Braiding, and Nail Technology Act of 1985. Reduces the hours or credit hours required of education or training for various licenses under the Act. Makes conforming changes.

A BILL FOR

AN ACT concerning regulation.

Be it enacted by the People of the State of Illinois, represented in the General Assembly:

Section 5. The Barber, Cosmetology, Esthetics, Hair Braiding, and Nail Technology Act of 1985 is amended by changing Sections 2-2, 2-3, 2-4, 2-7, 2-10, 3-2, 3-3, 3-4, 3-6, 3-9, 3A-2, 3A-3, 3A-5, 3C-2, 3C-3, 3C-7, 3E-2, and 3E-3 as follows:

(225 ILCS 410/2-2) (from Ch. 111, par. 1702-2)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2031)

Sec. 2-2. Licensure as a barber; qualifications. A person is qualified to receive a license as a barber if that person has applied in writing or electronically on forms provided by the Department, has paid the required fees, and:

a. Is at least 16 years of age; and

b. Has a certificate of graduation from a school providing secondary education, or the recognized equivalent of such a certificate, or persons who are beyond the age of compulsory school attendance; and

c. Has graduated from a licensed school of barbering or school of cosmetology, having completed a total of 1,200 1500 hours in the study of barbering extending over a period of not less than 9 months. A licensed school of barbering may, at its discretion, consistent with the rules of the Department, accept up to 800 1,000 hours of cosmetology school training at a licensed cosmetology school toward the 1,200 1500 hour course requirement of barbering. Time spent in such study under the laws of another state or territory of the United States or of a foreign country or province shall be credited toward the period of study required by the provisions of this paragraph; and

d. Has passed an examination caused to be conducted by the Department or its designated testing service to determine fitness to receive a license as a barber; and

e. Has met all other requirements of this Act or by rule.

(Source: P.A. 104-153, eff. 1-1-26.)

(225 ILCS 410/2-3) (from Ch. 111, par. 1702-3)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2031)

Sec. 2-3. Licensure as a barber by a cosmetology school graduate. A person is qualified to receive a license as a barber if that person has applied in writing or electronically on forms provided by the Department, paid the required fees, and:

a. Is at least 16 years of age; and

b. Has a certificate of graduation from a school providing secondary education, or the recognized equivalent of such a certificate, or persons who are beyond the age of compulsory school attendance; and

c. Has graduated from a cosmetology school approved by the Department having completed a minimum of 1,200 1500 hours in the study of cosmetology; and

d. Has graduated from a licensed school of barbering or cosmetology having completed a minimum of 400 500 additional hours in the study of barbering extending over a period of no less than 3 months. Time spent in such study under the laws of another state or territory of the United States or of a foreign country or province shall be credited toward the period of study required by the provisions of this paragraph; and

e. Has passed an examination caused to be conducted by the Department, or its designated testing service, to determine fitness to receive a license as a barber; and

f. Has met any other requirements set forth in this Act or by rule.

(Source: P.A. 104-153, eff. 1-1-26.)

(225 ILCS 410/2-4) (from Ch. 111, par. 1702-4)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2031)

Sec. 2-4. Licensure as a barber teacher; qualifications. A person is qualified to receive a license as a barber teacher if that person files an application electronically on forms provided by the Department, pays the required fee, and:

a. Is at least 18 years of age;

b. Has graduated from high school or its equivalent;

c. Has a current license as a barber or cosmetologist;

d. Has graduated from a licensed barber school or school of cosmetology having:

(1) completed a total of 400 500 hours in barber teacher training extending over a period of not less than 3 months nor more than 2 years and has had 3 years of practical experience as a licensed barber;

(2) completed a total of 800 1,000 hours of barber teacher training extending over a period of not less than 6 months nor more than 2 years; or

(3) completed the cosmetology teacher training as specified in paragraph (4) of subsection (a) of Section 3-4 of this Act and completed a supplemental barbering course as established by rule;

e. Has passed an examination authorized by the Department to determine fitness to receive a license as a barber teacher or a cosmetology teacher; and

f. Has met any other requirements set forth in this Act or by rule.

An applicant who is issued a license as a barber teacher is not required to maintain a barber license in order to practice barbering as defined in this Act.

(Source: P.A. 104-153, eff. 1-1-26.)

(225 ILCS 410/2-7) (from Ch. 111, par. 1702-7)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2031)

Sec. 2-7. Examination of applicants. The Department shall hold examinations of applicants for licensure as barbers and barber teachers at such times and places as it may determine. Upon request, the examinations shall be administered in Spanish and any other language as determined by the Department to be necessary pursuant to the Language Equity and Access Act.

Each applicant shall be given an examination testing both theoretical and practical knowledge of the following subjects insofar as they are related and applicable to the practice of barber science and art: (1) anatomy, (2) physiology, (3) skin diseases, (4) hygiene and sanitation, (5) barber history, (6) this Act and the rules for the administration of this Act, (7) hair cutting and styling, (8) shaving, shampooing, and permanent waving, (9) massaging, (10) bleaching, tinting, and coloring, and (11) implements.

The examination of applicants for licensure as a barber teacher shall include: (a) practice of barbering and styling, (b) theory of barbering, (c) methods of teaching, and (d) school management.

An applicant for licensure as a barber who has completed 960 1,200 hours in the study of barbering may take the examination. If an applicant for licensure as a barber fails to pass 3 examinations conducted by the Department, the applicant shall, before taking a subsequent examination, furnish evidence of not less than 100 hours of additional study of barbering in a licensed school of barbering or cosmetology since the applicant last took the examination. If an applicant for licensure as a barber teacher fails to pass 3 examinations conducted by the Department, the applicant shall, before taking a subsequent examination, furnish evidence of not less than 64 80 hours of additional study in teaching methodology and educational psychology in a licensed school of barbering or cosmetology since the applicant last took the examination. The requirements for remedial training set forth in this Section may be waived in whole or in part by the Department upon proof to the Department that the applicant has demonstrated competence to again sit for the examination or if the Department otherwise determines a waiver is appropriate. The Department shall adopt rules establishing standards by which this determination shall be made.

(Source: P.A. 104-153, eff. 1-1-26.)

(225 ILCS 410/2-10)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2031)

Sec. 2-10. Licensed cosmetologist seeking license as a barber. A licensed cosmetologist who submits to the Department an application for licensure as a barber must meet all requirements of this Act for licensure as a barber, except that such applicant shall be given credit for hours of instruction completed for the applicant's cosmetologist license in subjects that are common to both barbering and cosmetology and shall complete an additional 400 500 hours of instruction in subjects not within the scope of practice of a cosmetologist. The Department shall provide for the implementation of this provision by rule.

(Source: P.A. 104-153, eff. 1-1-26.)

(225 ILCS 410/3-2) (from Ch. 111, par. 1703-2)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2031)

Sec. 3-2. Licensure; qualifications.

(1) A person is qualified to receive a license as a cosmetologist who has filed an application in writing or electronically on forms provided by the Department, pays the required fees, and:

a. Is at least 16 years of age; and

b. Is beyond the age of compulsory school attendance or has received a certificate of graduation from a school providing secondary education, or the recognized equivalent of that certificate; and

c. Has graduated from a licensed school of cosmetology, having completed a program of 1,200 1,500 hours in the study of cosmetology extending over a period of not less than 8 months. A licensed school of cosmetology may, at its discretion, consistent with the rules of the Department, accept up to 800 1,000 hours of barber school training at a licensed barber school toward the 1,200 1,500 hour program requirement of cosmetology. Time spent in such study under the laws of another state or territory of the United States or of a foreign country or province shall be credited toward the period of study required by the provisions of this paragraph; and

d. Has passed an examination authorized by the Department to determine eligibility to receive a license as a cosmetologist; and

e. Has met any other requirements set forth in this Act or by rule.

(2) (Blank).

(Source: P.A. 104-153, eff. 1-1-26.)

(225 ILCS 410/3-3) (from Ch. 111, par. 1703-3)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2031)

Sec. 3-3. Licensure as a cosmetologist by a barber school graduate. A person is qualified to receive a license as a cosmetologist if that person has filed an application in writing or electronically on forms provided by the Department, has paid the required fees, and:

a. Is at least 16 years of age; and

b. Has a certificate of graduation from a school providing secondary education, or the recognized equivalent of such a certificate, or is beyond the age of compulsory school attendance; and

c. Has graduated from a licensed school of barbering having completed 1,200 1500 hours in the study of barbering, and a minimum of 400 500 additional hours in the study of cosmetology extending over a period of no less than 3 months. Time spent in such study under the laws of another state or territory of the United States or of a foreign country or province shall be credited toward the period of study required by the provisions of this paragraph; and

d. Has passed an examination authorized by the Department to determine fitness to receive a license as a cosmetologist; and

e. Has met any other requirements of this Act and rules.

(Source: P.A. 104-153, eff. 1-1-26.)

(225 ILCS 410/3-4) (from Ch. 111, par. 1703-4)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2031)

Sec. 3-4. Licensure as cosmetology teacher or cosmetology clinic teacher; qualifications.

(a) A person is qualified to receive license as a cosmetology teacher if that person has applied in writing or electronically on forms provided by the Department, has paid the required fees, and:

(1) is at least 18 years of age;

(2) has graduated from high school or its equivalent;

(3) has a current license as a cosmetologist;

(4) has either: (i) completed a program of 400 500 hours of teacher training in a licensed school of cosmetology and had 2 years of practical experience as a licensed cosmetologist within 5 years preceding the examination; (ii) completed a program of 800 1,000 hours of teacher training in a licensed school of cosmetology; or (iii) completed the barber teacher training as specified in subsection (d) of Section 2-4 of this Act and completed a supplemental cosmetology course as established by rule;

(5) has passed an examination authorized by the Department to determine eligibility to receive a license as a cosmetology teacher or barber teacher; and

(6) has met any other requirements of this Act and rules.

An individual who receives a license as a cosmetology teacher shall not be required to maintain an active cosmetology license in order to practice cosmetology as defined in this Act.

(b) A person is qualified to receive a license as a cosmetology clinic teacher if he or she has applied in writing or electronically on forms provided by the Department, has paid the required fees, and:

(1) is at least 18 years of age;

(2) has graduated from high school or its equivalent;

(3) has a current license as a cosmetologist;

(4) has (i) completed a program of 200 250 hours of clinic teacher training in a licensed school of cosmetology or (ii) within 5 years preceding the examination, has obtained a minimum of 2 years of practical experience working at least 30 full-time hours per week as a licensed cosmetologist and has completed an instructor's institute of 16 20 hours, as prescribed by the Department, prior to submitting an application for examination;

(5) has passed an examination authorized by the Department to determine eligibility to receive a license as a cosmetology teacher; and

(6) has met any other requirements of this Act and rules.

The Department shall not issue any new cosmetology clinic teacher licenses after January 1, 2009. Any person issued a license as a cosmetology clinic teacher before January 1, 2009, may renew the license after that date under this Act and that person may continue to renew the license or have the license restored during the person's lifetime, subject only to the renewal or restoration requirements for the license under this Act; however, such licensee and license shall remain subject to the provisions of this Act, including, but not limited to, provisions concerning renewal, restoration, fees, continuing education, discipline, administration, and enforcement.

(Source: P.A. 104-153, eff. 1-1-26.)

(225 ILCS 410/3-6) (from Ch. 111, par. 1703-6)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2031)

Sec. 3-6. Examination. The Department shall authorize examinations of applicants for licensure as cosmetologists and teachers of cosmetology at the times and places it may determine. Upon request, the examinations shall be administered in Spanish and any other language as may be determined by the Department to be necessary pursuant to the Language Equity and Access Act. The Department may provide by rule for the administration of the examination prior to the completion of the applicant's program of training as required in Section 3-2, 3-3, or 3-4. Notwithstanding Section 3-2, 3-3, or 3-4, an applicant for licensure as a cosmetologist who has completed 960 1,200 hours in the study of cosmetology may take the examination. If an applicant for licensure as a cosmetologist fails to pass 3 examinations conducted by the Department, the applicant shall, before taking a subsequent examination, furnish evidence of not less than 100 hours of additional study of cosmetology in a licensed school of cosmetology since the applicant last took the examination. If an applicant for licensure as a cosmetology teacher fails to pass 3 examinations conducted by the Department, the applicant shall, before taking a subsequent examination, furnish evidence of not less than 64 80 hours of additional study in teaching methodology and educational psychology in a licensed school of cosmetology since the applicant last took the examination. The requirements for remedial training set forth in this Section may be waived in whole or in part by the Department upon proof to the Department that the applicant has demonstrated competence to again sit for the examination or if the Department otherwise determines a waiver is appropriate. The Department shall adopt rules establishing the standards by which this determination shall be made. Each cosmetology applicant shall be given an examination testing both theoretical and practical knowledge, which shall include, but not be limited to, questions that determine the applicant's knowledge of product chemistry, sanitary rules, sanitary procedures, chemical service procedures, hazardous chemicals and exposure minimization, knowledge of the anatomy of the skin, scalp, hair, and nails as they relate to applicable services under this Act and labor and compensation laws.

The examination of applicants for licensure as a cosmetology, esthetics, or nail technology teacher may include all of the elements of the exam for licensure as a cosmetologist, esthetician, or nail technician and also include teaching methodology, classroom management, record keeping, and any other related subjects that the Department in its discretion may deem necessary to ensure competent performance.

(Source: P.A. 104-153, eff. 1-1-26.)

(225 ILCS 410/3-9)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2031)

Sec. 3-9. Licensed barber seeking license as cosmetologist. A licensed barber who submits to the Department an application for licensure as a cosmetologist must meet all requirements of this Act for licensure as a cosmetologist, except that such applicant shall be given credit for hours of instruction completed for the applicant's barber license in subjects that are common to both barbering and cosmetology and shall complete an additional 400 500 hours of instruction in subjects not within the scope of practice of a barber. The Department shall provide for the implementation of this provision by rule.

(Source: P.A. 104-153, eff. 1-1-26.)

(225 ILCS 410/3A-2) (from Ch. 111, par. 1703A-2)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2031)

Sec. 3A-2. Licensure as an esthetician; qualifications. A person is qualified to receive a license as a licensed esthetician if that person has applied in writing or electronically on forms provided by the Department, paid any required fees, and:

a. Is at least 16 years of age; and

b. Has a certificate of graduation from a school providing secondary education, or the recognized equivalent of such a certificate, or a person who is beyond the age of compulsory school attendance; and

c. Has graduated from a school of cosmetology or esthetics licensed by the Department, having completed a program of 600 750 hours in the study of esthetics extending over a period of not less than 18 weeks. Time spent in such study under the laws of another state or territory of the United States or of a foreign country or province shall be credited toward the period of study required by the provisions of this paragraph; and

d. Has passed an examination authorized by the Department to determine fitness to receive a license as a licensed esthetician; and

e. Has met any other requirements of this Act and rules.

(Source: P.A. 104-153, eff. 1-1-26.)

(225 ILCS 410/3A-3) (from Ch. 111, par. 1703A-3)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2031)

Sec. 3A-3. Licensure as an esthetics teacher; qualifications.

(a) A person is qualified to receive a license as an esthetics teacher if that person has applied in writing or electronically on forms supplied by the Department, paid the required fees, and:

(1) is at least 18 years of age;

(2) has graduated from high school or its equivalent;

(3) has a current license as a licensed cosmetologist or esthetician;

(4) has either: (i) completed a program of 400 500 hours of teacher training in a licensed school of cosmetology or a licensed esthetics school and had 2 years of practical experience as a licensed cosmetologist or esthetician within 5 years preceding the examination; or (ii) completed a program of 600 750 hours of teacher training in a licensed school of cosmetology approved by the Department to teach esthetics or a licensed esthetics school;

(5) has passed an examination authorized by the Department to determine eligibility to receive a license as a licensed cosmetology or esthetics teacher;

(6) (blank); and

(7) has met any other requirements as required by this Act and any rules.

(b) (Blank).

(c) An applicant who is issued a license as an esthetics teacher is not required to maintain an esthetics license in order to practice as an esthetician as defined in this Act.

(Source: P.A. 104-153, eff. 1-1-26.)

(225 ILCS 410/3A-5) (from Ch. 111, par. 1703A-5)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2031)

Sec. 3A-5. Examination.

(a) The Department shall authorize examinations of applicants for a license as an esthetician or teacher of esthetics at such times and places as it may determine. Upon request, the examinations shall be administered in Spanish and any other language as may be determined by the Department to be necessary pursuant to the Language Equity and Access Act. The Department shall authorize no fewer than 4 examinations for a license as an esthetician or a teacher of esthetics in a calendar year. An applicant for licensure as an esthetician who has completed 480 600 hours in the study of esthetics may take the examination.

If an applicant neglects, fails without an approved excuse, or refuses to take the next available examination offered for licensure under this Act, the fee paid by the applicant shall be forfeited to the Department and the application denied. If an applicant fails to pass an examination for licensure under this Act within 3 years after filing his or her application, the application shall be denied. However, such applicant may thereafter make a new application for examination, accompanied by the required fee, if he or she meets the requirements in effect at the time of reapplication. If an applicant for licensure as an esthetician is unsuccessful at 3 examinations conducted by the Department, the applicant shall, before taking a subsequent examination, furnish evidence of not less than 40 50 hours of additional study of esthetics in a licensed school of cosmetology or esthetics since the applicant last took the examination. If an applicant for licensure as an esthetics teacher is unsuccessful at 3 examinations conducted by the Department, the applicant shall, before taking a subsequent examination, furnish evidence of not less than 40 50 hours of additional study in teaching methodology and educational psychology in a licensed school of cosmetology or esthetics since the applicant last took the examination. The requirements for remedial training set forth in this Section may be waived in whole or in part by the Department upon proof to the Department that the applicant has demonstrated competence to again sit for the examination or if the Department otherwise determines a waiver is appropriate. The Department shall adopt rules establishing the standards by which this determination shall be made.

(b) Each applicant shall be given a written examination testing both theoretical and practical knowledge which shall include, but not be limited to, questions that determine the applicant's knowledge, as provided by rule.

(c) The examination of applicants for licensure as an esthetics teacher may include:

(1) teaching methodology;

(2) classroom management; and

(3) record keeping and any other subjects that the Department may deem necessary to ensure competent performance.

(d) (Blank).

(Source: P.A. 104-153, eff. 1-1-26.)

(225 ILCS 410/3C-2) (from Ch. 111, par. 1703C-2)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2031)

Sec. 3C-2. License; qualifications. A person is qualified to receive a license as a nail technician if that person applies in writing or electronically on forms provided by the Department, pays the required fee, and:

(a) Is at least 16 years of age;

(b) Is beyond the age of compulsory school attendance or has a certificate of graduation from a school providing secondary education or the recognized equivalent of that certificate;

(c) Has graduated from a licensed school of cosmetology or school of nail technology, having completed a program of 280 350 hours in the study of nail technology extending over a period of not less than 8 weeks;

(d) Has passed an examination authorized by the Department to determine eligibility to receive a license as a nail technician; and

(e) Has met any other requirements of this Act or any applicable rules.

Time spent in the study of nail technology under the laws of another state or territory of the United States, or of a foreign country or province, shall be credited toward the period of study required by the provisions of subsection (c).

(Source: P.A. 104-153, eff. 1-1-26.)

(225 ILCS 410/3C-3) (from Ch. 111, par. 1703C-3)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2031)

Sec. 3C-3. Licensure as a nail technology teacher; qualifications.

(a) A person is qualified to receive a license as a nail technology teacher if that person has filed an application on forms provided by the Department, paid the required fee, and:

(1) is at least 18 years of age;

(2) has graduated from high school or its equivalent;

(3) has a current license as a cosmetologist or nail technician;

(4) has either: (1) completed a program of 400 500 hours of teacher training in a licensed school of nail technology or cosmetology, and had 2 years of practical experience as a nail technician; or (2) has completed a program of 600 625 hours of teacher training in a licensed school of cosmetology approved to teach nail technology or school of nail technology;

(5) who has passed an examination authorized by the Department to determine eligibility to receive a license as a cosmetology or nail technology teacher; and

(6) has met any other requirements of this Act and any applicable rules.

(b) An applicant who receives a license as a nail technology teacher shall not be required to maintain a license as a nail technician.

(Source: P.A. 104-153, eff. 1-1-26.)

(225 ILCS 410/3C-7) (from Ch. 111, par. 1703C-7)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2031)

Sec. 3C-7. Examinations; failure or refusal to take examination. The Department shall authorize examinations of applicants for licenses as nail technicians and teachers of nail technology at the times and places as it may determine. Upon request, the examinations shall be administered in Spanish and any other language as may be determined by the Department to be necessary pursuant to the Language Equity and Access Act. An applicant for licensure as a nail technician who has completed 224 280 hours in the study of nail technology may take the examination.

The Department shall authorize not less than 4 examinations for licenses as nail technicians, and nail technology teachers in a calendar year.

If an applicant neglects, fails without an approved excuse, or refuses to take the next available examination offered for licensure under this Act, the fee paid by the applicant shall be forfeited to the Department and the application denied. If an applicant fails to pass an examination for licensure under this Act within 3 years after filing an application, the application shall be denied. Nevertheless, the applicant may thereafter make a new application for examination, accompanied by the required fee, if he or she meets the requirements in effect at the time of reapplication. If an applicant for licensure as a nail technician or nail technology teacher is unsuccessful at 3 examinations conducted by the Department, the applicant shall, before taking a subsequent examination, furnish evidence of successfully completing (i) for a nail technician, not less than 24 hours of additional study of nail technology in a licensed school of cosmetology approved to teach nail technology or nail technology and (ii) for a nail technology teacher, not less than 64 80 hours of additional study in teaching methodology and educational psychology in a licensed school of cosmetology or nail technology since the applicant last took the examination. The requirements for remedial training set forth in this Section may be waived in whole or in part by the Department upon proof to the Department that the applicant has demonstrated competence to sit for the examination again or if the Department otherwise determines a waiver is appropriate. The Department shall adopt rules establishing the standards by which this determination shall be made.

Each applicant for licensure as a nail technician shall be given an examination testing both theoretical and practical knowledge, which shall include, but not be limited to, questions that determine the applicant's knowledge of product chemistry, sanitary rules, sanitary procedures, hazardous chemicals and exposure minimization, this Act, and labor and compensation laws.

The examination for licensure as a nail technology teacher may include knowledge of the subject matter, teaching methodology, classroom management, record keeping, and any other subjects that the Department in its discretion may deem necessary to ensure competent performance.

(Source: P.A. 104-153, eff. 1-1-26.)

(225 ILCS 410/3E-2)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2031)

Sec. 3E-2. Hair braider licensure; qualifications.

(a) A person is qualified to receive a license as a hair braider if he or she has filed an application in writing or electronically on forms provided by the Department, paid the required fees, and meets the following qualifications:

(1) Is at least 16 years of age;

(2) Is beyond the age of compulsory school attendance or has received a certificate of graduation from a school providing secondary education, or the recognized equivalent of that certificate;

(3) Has completed a program consisting of a minimum of 240 300 clock hours or an 8 a 10 credit hour equivalency of instruction, as defined by rule, in a licensed cosmetology school teaching a hair braiding curriculum or in a licensed hair braiding school as follows:

(A) Basic training consisting of 28 35 hours of classroom instruction in general theory, practical application, and technical application in the following subject areas: history of hair braiding, personal hygiene and public health, professional ethics, disinfection and sanitation, bacteriology, disorders and diseases of the hair and scalp, OSHA standards relating to material safety data sheets (MSDS) on chemicals, hair analysis and scalp care, and technical procedures;

(B) Related concepts consisting of 28 35 hours of classroom instruction in the following subject areas: Braid removal and scalp care; basic styling knowledge; tools and equipment; growth patterns, styles and sectioning; client consultation and face shapes; and client education, pre-care, post-care, home care and follow-up services;

(C) Practices and procedures consisting of 160 200 hours of instruction, which shall be a combination of classroom instruction and clinical practical application, in the following subject areas: single braids with and without extensions; cornrows with and without extensions; twists and knots; multiple strands; hair locking; weaving/sewn-in; other procedures as they relate to hair-braiding; and product knowledge as it relates to hair braiding; and

(D) Business practices consisting of 24 30 hours of classroom instruction in the following subject areas: Illinois Barber, Cosmetology, Esthetics, Hair Braiding, and Nail Technology Act of 1985 and Rules; salon management; human relations and salesmanship; and Workers' Compensation Act; and

(4) Has met any other requirements of this Act and any applicable rules.

(b) The expiration date and renewal period for each license issued under this Act shall be set by rule.

(c) Within 2 years after the effective date of this amendatory Act of the 96th General Assembly, the Department may issue a hair braider license to any applicant who does not meet the requirements of items (2) and (3) of subsection (a) of this Section if the applicant: (1) files an application in accordance with subsection (a), (2) pays the required fee, (3) has not committed an offense that would be grounds for discipline under this Act, and (4) is able to demonstrate to the Department through tax records or affidavits that he or she has practiced hair braiding for at least 2 consecutive years immediately prior to the date of his or her application.

A hair braider who obtains his or her license under this subsection (c) may renew his or her license if he or she applies to the Department for renewal and has completed at least 52 65 hours of relevant training in health, safety, hygiene, and business management in accordance with the requirements of this Section or any rule adopted pursuant to this Section. A hair braider who renews his or her license under this subsection (c) may thereafter only renew his or her license if he or she meets the requirements of Section 3E-5 of this Act.

(Source: P.A. 104-153, eff. 1-1-26.)

(225 ILCS 410/3E-3)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2031)

Sec. 3E-3. Hair braiding teacher licensure. A hair braiding teacher license shall be made available by the Department. The qualifications for a hair braiding teacher license shall be provided by rule, and shall include at least 600 clock hours or a 16 20 credit hour equivalency in relevant teaching methods and curriculum content, or at least 400 500 clock hours of hair braiding teacher training for an individual who is able to establish that he or she has had at least 2 years of practical experience.

(Source: P.A. 96-1246, eff. 1-1-11.)