Hair, Grooming, and Looking Your Best for Your Headshot
A great headshot starts long before you step in front of the camera.
The goal isn’t to look like someone else. It isn’t to look younger, trendier, or more polished than you really are. The goal is to look like you on your best day: confident, professional, approachable, and authentic.
A little preparation goes a long way.
Hair
Plan to wash your hair the day of your session or the night before so it looks fresh and healthy.
I recommend wearing your hair the way you normally would in a professional setting. Your headshot should look like the person people will actually meet, not a completely different version of you.
If you’re getting a haircut or color treatment, try to schedule it a few days before your session rather than the day before. Fresh cuts sometimes need a little time to settle, and color treatments look more natural after a few washes.
If you regularly fight frizz, flyaways, or dryness, bring the products you normally use. I keep an eye on details during the session, but it’s always easier to tame hair before the photo than after.
For those with longer hair, consider bringing a brush or comb for quick touch-ups between looks.
Facial Hair
If you wear a beard or mustache, give it a fresh trim and shape before your session.
If you’re usually clean-shaven, shave shortly before your appointment. Using a sharp razor and taking your time can help reduce irritation and redness.
Don’t forget to check your neckline, sideburns, and any stray hairs that may have been overlooked.
And while we’re talking about details, take a quick look for nose and ear hair. High-resolution cameras see everything.
Skin Care
You don’t need perfect skin for a great headshot.
In fact, it’s usually easier for me to retouch the occasional blemish than it is to fix heavy makeup or overly processed skin.
In the days leading up to your session, focus on the basics:
- Stay hydrated
- Moisturize regularly
- Get a good night’s sleep
- Avoid trying new skincare treatments right before your shoot
Facials, chemical peels, waxing, and other treatments can sometimes leave redness or irritation. If you’re planning any of these, schedule them several days in advance.
If your lips tend to get dry, use a little lip balm before your session. Dry lips are surprisingly noticeable in professional photographs.
Eyebrows
Your eyebrows frame your eyes, which are often the first thing people notice in a headshot.
A little grooming can help, but avoid over-shaping or making dramatic changes right before your session. Natural always photographs best.
Glasses
If you wear glasses every day, bring them.
In fact, if you have multiple pairs, bring options. Sometimes one pair photographs better than another.
Be sure your lenses are clean and free of smudges. If your glasses have transition lenses, keep in mind they can sometimes create challenges under studio lighting.
Clothing Matters Too
Even the best grooming can be undermined by clothing that doesn’t fit well.
Make sure your clothing is clean, pressed, and fits properly, especially around the collar and shoulders.
For men wearing dress shirts, pay special attention to the collar. A collar that’s too loose can be difficult to make look neat in a photograph.
For women, avoid tops with oversized ruffles, very puffy sleeves, or dramatic shoulder padding. These styles can draw attention away from your face and make your proportions appear larger on camera than they do in person.
Solid colors generally photograph best. Rich, punchy colors often work beautifully and help you stand out. Off-white and very pale beige can sometimes wash people out, especially against lighter backgrounds.
Get Some Rest
This may be the most overlooked preparation tip of all.
A good night’s sleep can make a tremendous difference in how you look and feel. When you’re rested, your eyes appear brighter, your skin looks healthier, and you simply project more energy and confidence.
The Most Important Thing: Relax
The truth is that most of my clients don’t love being photographed.
Many arrive convinced they’re not photogenic.
The good news is that being photogenic isn’t a requirement for a great headshot.
My job is to guide you through the entire process, help you feel comfortable, watch for every little detail, and create images that look like you at your best.
When you feel confident, it shows. And confidence is far more important than perfect hair, perfect skin, or a perfect outfit.
A little preparation helps, but you don’t have to do this alone. If you’re unsure about what to wear, how to style your hair, or whether something will photograph well, just ask. I’m always happy to help.