Shaping the Future of Textured Hair.

 

Frequently Asked Questions


What is HB0788?

HB0788 is a proposed Illinois bill that establishes a new professional license for textured hair specialists under the title “Cirrologist.”

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A Cirrologist is a trained professional who specializes in the study and practice of textured hair care, including braiding, locs, natural styling, and protective styling, within a non-chemical scope of practice. The bill creates a clear, structured, and culturally relevant career pathway for professionals who have historically been underserved by existing licensing systems.

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What is Cirrology?

Cirrology is the professional field dedicated to the care, health, maintenance, and styling of textured hair using non-chemical methods.

It includes the study of:

• Hair braiding

• Loc care and maintenance

• Natural hair styling

• Protective hair styling (all methods)

• Scalp care (non-medical)

• Textured hair education and consultation

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Why is a standalone license needed?

Currently, textured hair professionals:

• Do not have a clearly defined professional identity

• Are often grouped into systems that do not reflect their actual work, like Cosmetology

• Face limited job opportunities and career mobility

• Lack access to structured education and workforce pathways

HB0788 solves this by:

✔ Naming the profession (Cirrology)
✔ Creating clear standards and scope of practice
✔ Opening career pathways and employment opportunities
✔ Supporting entrepreneurship and small business growth
✔ Aligning training with real-world practice

Without a defined field, braiders are often excluded from opportunities in:

• Major salon chains (e.g., Great Clips, franchised salons)

• Workforce programs

• Educational funding pipelines

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This bill creates legitimacy and access, providing a solution for Cosmetology programs that offer a limited overview and training in textured hair care and styling. In light of the Crown Act, this is needed to protect consumers seeking textured-hair options in commercial and private salon spaces across the hair care industry.

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How does this bill support hair braiders?

HB0788 does not eliminate braiding; it elevates it. Hair braiding becomes part of a larger, recognized field: CIRROLOGY

 

This allows braiders and natural hair stylists to:

• Expand their services within a defined scope

• Access better job opportunities

• Participate in apprenticeship programs

• Build long-term careers

• Gain recognition as professionals

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It brings all natural hair professionals under one license, allowing professionals to specialize in performing all types of textured hairstyles or specific methods under the license, such as hair braider, twist specialist, weavologist, or loctician.

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Will current hair braiders lose their ability to work or their licenses? No.

The bill includes:

✔ Transition provisions
✔ Grandfathering pathways
✔ Temporary licenses based on experience

Current braiders in good standing will be able to:

• Transition into the new system

• Continue working without interruption

• Meet any minimal transition requirements through grandfathering for active license holders

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What is the apprenticeship program?

HB0788 creates a paid, one-year apprenticeship pathway.

 

This allows individuals to:

• Earn income while training

• Gain real salon experience

• Learn under licensed professionals

• Reduce financial barriers to entering the field​

This is especially important for:

✔ Young adults
✔ Career changers
✔ Individuals who cannot afford full-time school

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This allows individuals to discover the field before making a significant investment in training.

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What is the difference between an internship and an apprenticeship?

Internship

• School-based

• Optional

• Unpaid

• Limited hours​

Paid Apprenticeship

• One-year structured program

• Wage-earning

• Supervised by a licensed professional

• Leads to licensure

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How does this bill support schools and education providers?

HB0788 allows:

• Community colleges

• High schools (CTE programs)

• Licensed schools

• Workforce training programs to become Approved Apprenticeship Partners

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This creates:

✔ New training programs
✔ Enrollment opportunities
✔ Workforce funding eligibility
✔ Career pathways for students

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How does this bill support workforce development?

The bill aligns with:

• Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA)

• Illinois workforce agencies

• Community college systems

• High school career pathways

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This means:

✔ Access to workforce funding
✔ Job training support
✔ Career placement opportunities
✔ Entrepreneurship pathways

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Who drafted HB0788?

HB0788 was developed in collaboration with:​

• Licensed natural hair educators and trainers from the NHPC (Natural Hair Professionals Coalition)

• Illinois policy and legal drafting support (Representative Carol Ammons Staff + Representatives from the IDPFR)

The bill reflects real-world experience from the textured-hair community and is designed to meet both professional and public-safety needs. It is a follow-up to developing an agreeable approach to addressing the barriers presented by lawmakers while preserving licenses for natural hair professionals.

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How are Board members appointed?

Board members are:

• Appointed by the Governor

• Confirmed as required by Illinois law

Appointments are based on:

✔ Experience
✔ Industry leadership
✔ Public representation
✔ Professional expertise

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What does self-governance mean?

Self-governance means:

The profession of Cirrology is guided by experts within the field, not controlled by unrelated professions.

This ensures:

✔ Standards reflect real practice
✔ Education is relevant
✔ Regulations are appropriate
✔ Cultural competency is respected

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What authority will the Cirrology Board have?

The Board will advise the Department on:

• Licensing standards

• Curriculum and education

• Apprenticeship programs

• Sanitation and safety standards

• Professional conduct

• Workforce pathways

The Department retains final regulatory authority, but the Board ensures decisions are informed by the profession.

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Will this bill affect cosmetologists or barbers? No.

HB0788:

✔ Does NOT take away from existing professions
✔ Does NOT change cosmetology or barber licenses
✔ Creates a separate, non-chemical field

This is about clarity and specialization, not competition.

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How does this bill create job opportunities?

By defining Cirrology as a recognized profession, this bill:

• Allows salons and chains to hire textured hair specialists

• Creates new job categories

• Opens doors for placement in:

  • Franchise salons

  • Retail environments

  • Media and education

  • Community-based programs

Right now, many braiders are excluded simply because the profession is not formally recognized.

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What happens after the bill passes the House?

After passing the House:

1. The bill moves to the Illinois Senate

2. It may be:

   • Reviewed

   • Debated

   • Amended

3. If passed by the Senate:

   • It goes to the Governor for signature​

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How do amendments work?

Amendments can:

• Clarify language

• Adjust requirements

• Add or remove provisions

Amendments must:

✔ Be approved by legislators
✔ Go through the committee or floor process

The bill may go through multiple versions before becoming law.

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What does success look like for this bill?

Success means:

✔ A recognized profession (Cirrology)
✔ Clear career pathways
✔ Paid apprenticeships
✔ Access to jobs and funding
✔ Stronger small businesses
✔ Better consumer protection

Most importantly, a future where textured hair professionals have a name, a path, and an opportunity. We are grateful for the regulators who agree that natural hair professionals need a solid path and are committed to paving a way for success in this industry.