Become a Licensed Hair Braider in Illinois
A state-approved 300-hour program focused on natural hair and protective styles for Type 3A–4C textures. Open enrollment, flexible scheduling, and real-world salon experience.
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.
See the Transformation
From sectioned hair to finished knotless braids — this is what 300 hours of training prepares you to do.
Sectioning & Prep
Clean parts, proper tension, and client consultation.
Braiding Technique
Feed-in method, consistent sizing, and scalp safety.
Polished Result
Client-ready finish. This is student work.
What You'll Learn
You'll complete 300 hours of training across four core areas: Foundations & Safety, Client Care, Technical Skills, and Business & Salon Readiness.
Student Salon & Internship Pathways
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.
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 Training
Why Choose LYS for Your License?
State Approved
Licensed by the Illinois Department of Financial & Professional Regulation (IDFPR). Your credential is recognized statewide.
Flexible Scheduling
School is open 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, 7 days a week. Choose weekday and/or weekend days to build a schedule around work, family, and life.
Small Class Sizes
Personalized attention and hands-on practice time. You won't get lost in a crowd.
Career Pathways
Internship opportunities, salon partnerships, and job placement support to launch your career.
Community & Support
Join a tight-knit community of students and graduates. Mentorship, networking, and lifetime alumni support.
Real-World Training
Work with real clients in our student salon. Build your portfolio and confidence before you graduate.
Tuition & Payment Options
Required fees for the 300-hour Hair Braiding License program total $2,325 (tuition, application, registration, and technology fees). Multiple payment options are available to help you manage the investment.
- WIOA Funding — May cover 100% of tuition for eligible students
- Buy Now, Pay Later — Split payments with 0% interest options
- In-House Payment Plans — Low monthly payments that work for you
Start Your Journey to Becoming a Licensed Hair Braider
With flexible scheduling and open enrollment, you can start when you're ready. Join 200+ graduates who have launched careers in hair braiding.