Breaking Barriers: The Hair Braiding Opportunity Act and What It Means for Our Girls

In March 2024, Illinois State Senator Christopher Belt introduced the Hair Braiding Opportunity Act, a bill that could significantly change the landscape for aspiring hair braiders across the state. This legislation would allow individuals to braid hair for compensation without needing a state-issued cosmetology license—a move that directly addresses a long-standing barrier to entry for many, particularly Black women and girls.

At Ahead Academy, this is more than policy—it’s personal. Our programs are rooted in the belief that Black girls deserve access to wealth-building skills and entrepreneurial pathways that affirm their identity and culture. Braiding is not only an art form, it’s a cultural tradition and a legitimate source of income that has sustained generations.

Under current law, Illinois requires braiders to complete up to 1,500 hours of cosmetology training—a commitment that can cost tens of thousands of dollars and offers little, if any, instruction in natural hair or braiding techniques. This puts a profession that many young people already excel at—often through family and community knowledge—out of legal reach unless they can afford the time and financial burden.

The Hair Braiding Opportunity Act seeks to remove that barrier, recognizing that talent and tradition shouldn’t be blocked by bureaucracy. It would open doors for people—especially Black women and girls—to start businesses, earn income, and build generational wealth without needing to invest in unnecessary and unrelated certification.

For our students, this legislation matters. It tells them that the skills they’re learning through our programs like Braids & Brilliance are real, valuable, and respected. It means that a 12-year-old who learns to braid today can see a clear, tangible path to using that skill in her future—without red tape standing in the way.

How You Can Support This Bill:

• Contact your state legislators and urge them to support the Hair Braiding Opportunity Act (SB 3785).

• Share this story on social media to spread awareness and spark conversation.

• Join local advocacy groups working to support economic equity, natural hair rights, and entrepreneurship.

• Talk to your community—from your barber to your city council rep—about why this matters.

We’ll be following this bill closely and supporting efforts to make hair braiding accessible, equitable, and respected across Illinois.