Illinois

The state of Illinois regulates several beauty services under the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation.

Regulated professions in beauty are as follows:

Regulated Beauty Services in Illinois, USA:

• Barber
• Facialist
• Makeup Artist
• Waxing Technician
• Lash Technician (Lash extensions, Lash & Brow Tinting)
• Nail Technician
• Hairstylist
• Massage Therapist

Non-Regulated Beauty Services in Illinois, USA:

• Lash Technician (Lash Lifts)
• Spray Tanning Technician 

Training for these professions must be done at any licensed or accredited school by the department.

Regulated Beauty Services in Illinois, USA

Barber

Barbers in Illinois are expected to finish 1,500 training hours to take the examination. Those who completed cosmetology training can be credited 1,000 hours and must finish 500 additional hours of barbering.

Facialist / Makeup Artist / Waxing Technician / Lash Technician (Lash Extensions, Lash & Brow Tinting)

These beauty professions require an esthetician license or a cosmetologist license to practice in the state. They need to finish 750 training hours to qualify for the licensure exam for estheticians.

Nail Technician

Nail techs in the state need to complete 350 training hours to be eligible for the examination. Aside from manicures and pedicures, they also decorate the nails and apply artificial nails.

Hairstylist

Hairstylists need a cosmetologist license to legally earn in the state. They must finish 1,500 training hours to challenge the examination. Individuals who finished barbering can be credited 1,000 training hours if interested in the cosmetologist license. They should then finish 500 additional training hours in cosmetology.

Massage Therapist

Massage therapists are expected to finish 600 training hours and must pass any competency examination that’s approved by the department.

Non-Regulated Beauty Services in Illinois, USA

Lash Technician (Lash Lift)

Lash techs providing lash lifts only are not regulated in the state. Aspirants can choose the training they want to master the necessary skills.

Spray Tanning Technician

Like many states in the US, spray tanning technicians in Illinois don’t have licensing regulations. Online learning from any training provider is acceptable to learn the skills.