Become a Licensed Natural Hair Braider in Illinois
300-hour IDFPR-approved program in Chicago. Flexible schedules, open enrollment, and real experience on real clients in our student salon.
- 300 hours vs. 1,500+ hours in cosmetology school
- Specializing in Type 3A–4C textures and protective styles
- Open enrollment with morning, evening, and weekend options
- Designed for future salon & suite owners
IDFPR-Approved
Illinois State Licensed Program
Natural Hair-Focused
Type 3A-4C Specialized Curriculum
Chicago-Based
Community-Centered School
Is the LYS Hair Braiding License Right for You?
This program is designed for people who are serious about turning natural hair skills into long-term income and ownership.
You'll feel at home at LYS if you:
- Want to legally offer braiding and natural hair services in Illinois
- Dream of opening your own salon or suite (or expanding the one you already have)
- Are tired of watching others profit from a culture you live and love
- Prefer a focused, 300-hour program instead of a 1,500+ hour cosmetology track
- Need flexible scheduling to balance work, kids, and life
Not sure yet?
Take our 2-minute "Is Licensure Right For Me?" QuizWhat You'll Learn in the 300-Hour Program
Foundations & Safety
- •State laws & IDFPR licensure requirements
- •Sanitation, infection control, and client safety
- •Professional ethics & client communication
Braiding, Weaving & Locs Fundamentals
- •Cornrows, box braids, knotless braids, feed-in techniques
- •Twists, loc starts, basic maintenance
- •Basic sew-in and weaving techniques
Advanced Natural Hair Techniques
- •Protective styling for Type 3A–4C textures
- •Children's hair care and tender-headed clients
- •Scalp care basics and when to refer to medical professionals
Business, Branding & Client Experience
- •Pricing, consultation and upselling
- •Booking systems and client management
- •How to build a loyal client base in Chicago
Real Client Experience
You won't just practice on mannequins. You'll work with real clients in our student salon, supervised by licensed instructors.
How Fast Can You Become Licensed?
With open enrollment and flexible schedules, you don't have to wait for a once-a-year start date. Most LYS students complete the 300-hour program in 4–8 months, depending on how many days per week they attend.
~4 months
4-5 days/week
Full-time schedule
~5-6 months
3 days/week
Part-time schedule
~6-8 months
Evenings/weekends
Flexible schedule
Like your timeline? Reserve Your Spot in the Next Starting Group
Tuition, Investment & Payment Options
Total Tuition
$2,325
Registration and kit fees included. Most students pay using a down payment + monthly plan.
Instead of a big lump sum:
Most students start with a down payment and then make manageable monthly payments while they train.
Can I Really Afford This?
We know the #1 reason students delay school is money. That's why we offer:
- Flexible payment options that work with your budget
- The ability to start earning with your skills sooner than a 1,500-hour program
- Guidance on how to turn your license into real income once you graduate
Train on Real Clients in the LYS Student Salon
At LYS, you won't just practice on mannequins. You'll work on real people in our on-site student salon, supervised by licensed instructors.
This is where you:
- Build speed and confidence
- Learn how to manage real-life client expectations
- Start building the mindset of a future salon or suite owner
Not ready to enroll yet?
Book a discounted appointment in our student salon, see our students in action, and ask questions about the program while you're in the chair.
Book a Student Salon AppointmentFrom Student to Salon or Suite Owner
When you complete the 300-hour program and pass your state exam, you'll be licensed to:
Offer Services
Natural hair braiding and protective styling services legally
Work Anywhere
In salons, suites, or mobile businesses across Illinois
Build Your Base
A client list that follows you when you open your own space
Future Pathway
Many LYS graduates go on to:
- Add advanced locs, wig-making, or business training
- Transition from stylist → suite owner → employer
- Come back for teacher licensure to train the next generation
Student Stories from LYS
4.9 stars on Google
“I'm so glad I chose LYS School to start my journey in natural hair care. Ms. Yolande is incredibly knowledgeable and supportive. She encourages creativity while ensuring a solid foundation in technique. The curriculum was well-rounded, covering everything from the history of natural hair care to client communication and business basics. I graduated fully equipped and excited to launch my career. I highly recommend LYS to anyone thinking about pursuing their license.”
“I graduated from LYS School and I must say, it is a wonderful place. Yolande is very disciplined and manages the school beautifully. Before LYS I was an experienced braider, but I still learned better technique, client consultation, and so much more. I will be recommending LYS to everyone.”
“I'm currently attending and I love this school. The teachers are helpful, encouraging, knowledgeable, and understanding of our schedules. They make sure we understand everything and answer every question. I am so happy I chose LYS and I cannot wait to graduate.”
Ready to Become a Licensed Natural Hair Braider?
Your future salon or suite doesn't have to stay in your imagination. Let's get you licensed and earning with your skills.
Not ready yet? Book a Student Salon Appointment and experience LYS first.