Illinois Hair School and Requirements
To become a hairdresser in Illinois, you need a state-issued full cosmetology license. However, unlike in many states, you can specialize in hairstyling. You could do this via an internship during your cosmetology program if your school offers the option.
Browse our directory of hair design schools in Illinois, or skip ahead to learn about the state's hair design licensing requirements and job outlook.
Browse All Hair Schools in Illinois
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1200 Harger Road Suite 100
Oak Brook, IL 60523
G Skin & Beauty Institute - Schaumburg – Accredited
Schaumburg, IL 60195
You must attend a school that meets any licensure requirements as defined by your state. Most states require that you graduate from an accredited or state-approved school.
Related Beauty Careers
Not sure this is the right fit for you? Learn more about other career options in the beauty industry. Related specializations include:
Hair School via a Cosmetology Program in Illinois
Illinois cosmetology programs, which allow you to become a hairdresser upon graduation, run for 1,500 clock hours or 50 credit hours (with one credit hour equaling 30 clock hours). Of that time, 500 hours are dedicated to hair treatments, and 475 are on hair styling. The state's cosmetology programs cover nails, skin, and business management. You graduate as a jack-of-all-trades in the beauty world!
READ MORE: Learn More About Cosmetology School in Illinois
If you're genuinely only interested in specializing in hair, you may be in luck! You can take up to 150 clock hours (five credit hours) as an internship if your school deems you qualified and offers this option. Internship topics may include hairdressing, hair treatments, hair braiding, and many non-hair-focused subjects like skincare. If you want to zero in on a career in hair design, consider schools offering hair internship possibilities.
Illinois Hairstylist Pay
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Illinois hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists averaged $44,490 per year as of 2022. However, salaries are significantly impacted by your location, workplace, years of experience, specialties, and more. Plus, this number only considers hairdressers employed by someone else; self-employed hairdressers' pay isn't included in the average.
To best figure out how much you could earn, talk to a hairdresser in the area you want to work in.
Contact the Illinois State Board of Cosmetology
- 100 West Randolph, 9th Floor Chicago, IL 60601
- Website: Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation
- Call: 888-473-4858