Ammons Expands Pathway for Hair Braiding Professionals, Boots Licensing Fees

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Easing financial burdens for professional hair braiders, legislation introduced by state Rep. Carol Ammons, D-Urbana, successfully passed out of the House, making professional hair-braiding a more accessible career path for Illinois residents by removing it from the list of the cosmetology professions that require state licensure.

“Rolling back hair braiding licensing regulations restores opportunity for a handful of women and men, young and old, who have been hindered from growing their business professionally because of financial burdens when seeking licensure,” said Ammons. “This bill effectively removes that barrier by getting rid of the requirement that hair braiders have to be licensed to practice, opening a door that was previously closed for many residents.”

House Bill 3356 removes hair-braiding from the list of licensed cosmetology professions, allowing individuals to self-start in the hair braiding profession without having to pay the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) a licensing fee.

“Many brilliant individuals, predominantly women, throughout my community already offer braiding, installations, and other hair services in the comfort of their own homes,” said state
Representative Lisa Davis, D-Chicago, Chief Co-Sponsor of the bill. “I am proud of this measure, which will unshackle the creativity and ingenuity of the talented people who are longing to start or expand their hair care businesses.”

“Removing the financial burden of obtaining a license for hair braiding will promote robust entrepreneurship and economic opportunities, especially for those from disadvantaged backgrounds,” added Ammons. “I look forward to handing this off to the Senate to get this measure through the finish line.”

House Bill 3356 passed unanimously out of the House Chamber on Monday and awaits bicameral action.