New Measure Requires Hairdressers, Nail Technicians to Receive Domestic Violence Training

CHICAGO, IL -- Hairdressers, nail technicians, hair braiders, cosmetologists and estheticians throughout Illinois will now be trained to detect signs of domestic violence or sexual assault and provide clients with resources to get the help they need thanks to a new bill that was signed into law last Friday. Sen. Bill Cunningham (18th District) and Rep. Fran Hurley (35th District) were among the bill’s sponsors.

"My wife used to work as a hairdresser and she frequently heard stories from her clients who were victims of domestic violence," Cunningham said in a news release. "Unfortunately, she didn't have the knowledge or resources needed to help them. This new law will ensure that hairdressers will be trained to assist their clients who reach out to them for help."

House Bill 4264 amends the Barber, Cosmetology, Esthetics, Hair Braiding, and Nail Technology Act of 1985. The bill requires licensed hairdressers and other licensed technicians working in the beauty service industry to take a one-hour continuing education class about domestic violence and sexual assault awareness. The class also provides them with resources to pass to their clients.

The bill, which goes into effect Jan. 1, 2017, would require the one-hour class when hairdressers, cosmetologists, estheticians, hair braiders, or nail technicians apply for new or renew their state licenses, as determined by the Illinois Department of Finance and Professional Regulation.

“I was proud to stand with activists like Chicago Says No More to say enough is enough,” Cunningham said. “Illinois took a proactive step in ensuring that domestic violence and sexual assault is not tolerated in this state.”

Cunningham represents portions of Worth, Orland and Palos Townships in the southwest suburbs and the neighborhoods of Mt. Greenwood, Beverly, Morgan Park and Auburn-Gresham in Chicago.