Illinois Hair Braiding License – 300-Hour Program
A state-approved Illinois hair braiding licensure program focused on natural hair and protective styles for Type 3A–4C textures. Built around open enrollment so you can start when you're ready, with flexible, build-your-own schedules within school hours. Gain hands-on experience through our student salon and internship pathways.
Who This Program Is For
- •Career changers who want to build a professional path in natural hair.
- •Current braiders who want to become licensed in Illinois.
- •People who plan to open a salon, suite, or mobile business.
- •Stylists who want to specialize in braids, locs, and protective styles for Type 3A–4C hair.
- •People who need flexible scheduling and want to choose their own days within school hours.
Program Overview
300 Hours – State Requirements
Meets Illinois hair braiding licensure hour requirements and is significantly shorter than a full cosmetology program.
Open Enrollment & Flexible Scheduling
Start when you're ready—no waiting for fixed start dates. The school is open 9am–5pm, 7 days a week. Choose weekday and/or weekend days to build a schedule that fits around work, family, and other responsibilities.
Student Salon & Internship Pathways
Supervised, real-world practice in the student salon with opportunities for salon partnerships and internships.
What You'll Learn in the 300-Hour Curriculum
You'll complete 300 hours of training across four core areas: Foundations & Safety, Client Care, Technical Skills, and Business & Salon Readiness.
Internship Pathways & Student Salon Experience
Students may become eligible for internship pathways and student salon services after completing a minimum number of hours and achieving a minimum grade average. Exact requirements are reviewed with your instructor as you progress.
In the student salon, you'll work with real clients under supervision—applying what you've learned in a professional setting. Internships and salon collaborations may create hiring opportunities and real-world experience in professional environments.
Learn more about our salon partners and internship collaborations →Add a Locs Specialization to Your License
The 300-hour program includes locs foundations. Students who want deeper expertise can layer in a Locs Add-On Training to specialize further:
- • Starter locs and sectioning patterns
- • Maintenance and retightening
- • Basic repair and troubleshooting
- • Client education and long-term loc care
Pathway: Hair Braiding License → Locs Add-On → Advanced Locs / Master Loctician (future tiers).
Explore Locs Add-On TrainingTuition & Payment Options
Tuition for the 300-hour Hair Braiding License program is $2,100. Payment plans and split payment options may be available to help you manage the investment. Full details, including any current promotions, are reviewed with Admissions before enrollment.
Start Your Journey to Becoming a Licensed Hair Braider
Become a licensed hair braider in Illinois, specializing in natural hair and protective styles. With flexible scheduling and open enrollment, you can start when you're ready.