State regulators to issue hair braiding licenses

Hair braiders in Illinois can now apply for a newly created state license.

A law creating the licenses took effect earlier this month.

The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation will issue the licenses to both new and existing hair braiders.

New braiders will be able to get the license with 300 hours of classroom and practical experience.

Existing braiders can apply for a license based on their experience. Applications for existing braiders must be postmarked no later than Dec. 31, 2012.

The previous Illinois law required hair braiders to get a cosmetology degree, which can take 1,500 hours and cost $15,000.

The new law was passed after braiders lobbied for a special license more relevant to their industry.