Natural Hair & Braiding

Beauty & Braids Course

In Illinois, it is mandatory for individuals to obtain a license in natural hair and braiding before providing services for a fee. Next Level is pioneering by introducing the Natural Hair and Braiding Course in Springfield. Our Beauty and Braids course spans 300 clock hours and emphasizes all aspects of natural hair. Participants will gain knowledge in innovative techniques for natural hairstyles, braiding, loc styles, and extension styles, in addition to exploring the history of natural hair, career prospects, infection control, professional consultations, entrepreneurship skills, and much more.

Hair braiding involves various techniques such as braiding, cornrowing, extending, lacing, locking, sewing, twisting, weaving, or wrapping human hair, natural fibers, synthetic fibers, and hair extensions. It encompasses practices commonly referred to as “African-style hair braiding” or “natural hair care,” including the creation of personalized wigs. Hair braiding specifically excludes the use of chemical treatments, coloring agents, straightening agents, joining agents, permanent wave styles, or bleaching agents on natural hair. It does not encompass cutting or altering the growth of human hair but may involve trimming hair extensions or sewn weave-in extensions as necessary for the braiding process. (225 ILCS 410/3E-1)

License Natural Hair and Braiding License Requirements:

At least 16 years of age with a GED or Diploma or is beyond the age of compulsory school attendance age.
Complete 300 clock hours of Natural Hair and Braiding course:
- Basic training consisting of 35 hours of classroom instruction in general theory, practical application, and technical application in the following subject areas: history of hair braiding, personal hygiene and public health, professional ethics, disinfection and sanitation, bacteriology, disorders and diseases of the hair and scalp, OSHA standards relating to material safety data sheets (MSDS) on chemicals, hair analysis and scalp care, and technical procedures.
- Related concepts consisting of 35 hours of classroom instruction in the following subject areas: Braid removal and scalp care; basic styling knowledge; tools and equipment; growth patterns, styles, and sectioning; client consultation and face shapes; and client education, pre-care, post-care, home care and follow-up services.
- Practices and procedures consisting of 200 hours of instruction, which shall be a combination of classroom instruction and clinical practical application, in the following subject areas: single braids with and without extensions; cornrows with and without extensions; twists and knots; multiple strands; hair locking; weaving/sewn-in; other procedures as they relate to hair-braiding; and product knowledge as it relates to hair braiding; and Business practices consisting of 30 hours of classroom instruction in the following subject areas: Illinois Barber, Cosmetology, Esthetics, Hair Braiding, and Nail Technology Act of 1985 and Rules; salon management; human relations and salesmanship; and Workers’ Compensation Act. (225 ILCS 410/3E-2)
Pass Final State Board Test with a testing score of 75% or more. (Next Level Mastery Center LLC is your testing site.)
Submit Natural Hair and Braiding state application with all appropriate licensing fees. (All fees are included in your tuition cost.)

We provide two schedule options: part-time (requiring a minimum of 12 hours per week) and full-time (requiring a minimum of 20 hours per week). The part-time coursework is expected to last around 25 weeks, while the full-time coursework is anticipated to be completed in approximately 15 weeks. The duration of both schedules is influenced by your dedication, commitment, and attendance. Students can customize their schedules within our school’s operating hours, ensuring they meet the required weekly hours.