Headshot Photography Preparation Guide

For Everyone:

• Make sure your hair is neat and styled as you’d wear it professionally.

• If getting a haircut, do it a few days in advance so it looks natural.

• Bring a brush or comb for quick touch-ups before shooting.
  
  

For Men:

• A clean shave or neatly trimmed beard/mustache.
• If shaving, do it at least an hour before to reduce skin redness.
• Consider a light moisturizer to avoid dry skin.
  
  

For Women:

• Apply makeup as you would for an important meeting – clean, natural, and balanced.
• Matte foundation or powder can reduce shine from studio lights.
• Avoid glitter or overly shimmery makeup – it can look harsh in photos.
• Neutral lipstick or a shade slightly deeper than your natural lip color works best. 
  
  

Before the Shoot

• Get a trim a few days to a week before the shoot to freshen up ends and remove split hairs.
• Avoid big style changes (new cut, drastic color) right before your session—you want time to adjust and make sure you like it.
• Color touch-ups for roots should ideally be done 3–5 days prior so color looks natural and fresh without being too “just done.”
• Deep condition the day before for shine and smoothness, but avoid heavy products that can weigh hair down. 
  
  

Day of the Shoot

• Style your hair in your normal everyday look—this is how people recognize you.
• Avoid over-styling with gels, waxes, or sprays that create stiff, unnatural shapes—hair should still have movement.
• Watch the frizz and flyaways—a light mist of flexible-hold hairspray or a smoothing serum can help.
• If using hot tools, keep curls/waves loose and natural; tight curls can sometimes look dated in a headshot.
• Part your hair as you normally do—changing your part for the shoot can make you look less like yourself.
• Length & Style Specifics
• Long hair: Consider lightly tucking one side behind the ear to keep your face open to the camera.
• Medium length hair: Make sure ends aren’t flipping out awkwardly—quick touch-ups with a straightener or curling iron can help.
• Short hair: Add a little volume so it doesn’t lie too flat under studio lighting. 
  
  

Additional Pointers

• Avoid last-minute wet hair styling—wet or damp hair can appear stringy or darker in photos.
• If you have bangs, make sure they’re styled to sit where you want them in the final image; sometimes a little extra hairspray keeps them from separating.
• Bring a small brush or comb to the shoot for quick touch-ups.
• If outdoors, be mindful of wind—light pins or clips can help keep hair in place.