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ILLINOIS POLICY

CONTACT: Micky Horstman (312) 607-4977

Gov. Pritzker can create new pathway to beauty careers by signing apprenticeship bill
Illinois is one of only five states without beauty apprenticeships for barbers, cosmetologists, nail technicians and hair braiders

CHICAGO (June 8, 2026) – A new report finds that Illinois is one of five states to offer only one pathway to licensure for barbers, cosmetologists, nail technicians and hair braiders.

Aspiring cosmetologists in Illinois must complete 1,500 hours of unpaid training at a registered institution before they can obtain a license, according to an Illinois Policy Institute analysis. That requirement is among the highest in the nation and triple what New York requires.

Gov. J.B. Pritzker can expand access to these beauty industry careers by signing House Bill 3460, legislation passed by the General Assembly that would create apprenticeship pathways to licensure.

Participants would gain hands-on training in state-approved programs while earning a paycheck, providing a lower-cost alternative to traditional cosmetology schooling, which can cost $20,000 or more.

“Apprenticeships are a proven path for career training for cosmetologists that have already been adopted by 28 states,” said Patrick Andriesen, senior writer at Illinois Policy.“This bill expands the opportunity for those with low-income backgrounds and a limited formal education. Current regulations are expensive and present unnecessary barriers to employment, not measures of quality control. Gov. Pritzker should sign this into law as soon as possible.”

Background on Illinois cosmetology licenses:

• Other professions require fewer hours of training than cosmetology. Emergency medical technicians need 150 hours. Other beauty fields such as tattoo artists do not require licensing at all.
• The 1,500-hour licensing training — which takes the average student 12 months to complete — is completely unpaid; trainees in school clinics are not even allowed to accept tips.
• 28 states offer alternative pathways to cosmetology licenses.

The legislation represents a step toward modernizing Illinois’ occupational licensing system and helping lift more individuals and families above the federal poverty line. If Pritzker takes no action, the bill will become a law 60 days after receiving it.

To read the full report, “Pathway to a profession: How apprenticeships could reshape Illinois’ beauty service industry,” visit illin.is/barberbill. 

For bookings or interviews, contact media@illinoispolicy.org or (312) 607-4977.