Illinois Cosmetology Law and Administrative Rules
The framework
Illinois regulates the industry under the Barber, Cosmetology, Esthetics, Hair Braiding, and Nail Technology Act of 1985 (225 ILCS 410), administered by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR), with sanitation rules in 68 Ill. Adm. Code 1175. Licensing is tiered: cosmetologist (hair, skin, and nails), esthetician (skin only), nail technician (nails of hands and feet only), hair braider (braiding only), and teacher.
Illinois training requirements are 1,500 hours for cosmetology, 750 for esthetics, 350 for nail technology, and 300 for hair braiding, followed by state examination. Every salon must hold a salon license, display the licenses of all practitioners, and have a licensed person in charge. Licenses renew on a biennial cycle and continuing education is required to renew. Licenses are not transferable and must be posted.
The traps
- Scope of practice questions. An esthetician may not cut, color, or permanently wave hair; a nail technician may not perform a facial; a hair braider may not shampoo-and-style for pay outside braiding.
- Students. Students may not serve the paying public; practice happens in a licensed school clinic under supervision.
- Diagnosis. Licensees may not diagnose or treat disease - referral is the correct answer.
- Location. Practicing in an unlicensed location (including a home) or on a lapsed license is a violation, even if the work is good.
- Sanitation duties are the licensee's legal obligation, not a suggestion.
Rule of thumb
If a requested service falls outside your license type, refuse politely and refer - the exam always rewards the referral answer over the 'I can do that too' answer.