New Illinois Bill Aims to Deregulate Hair Braiding Industry

A new piece of Illinois legislation (HB 5421) aims to fully exempt hair braiders from state licensing requirements, eliminating the 300-hour education requirement and formal training currently in place to offer braiding services professionally.

Supporters of HB 5421 argue that current licensure requirements create unnecessary barriers, especially for Black and Brown entrepreneurs practicing a cultural art form that’s often passed down through generations. They view deregulation as a way to expand economic opportunity, create jobs and remove government overreach from a historically marginalized craft.

But for licensed hair…