Do You Need Hair & Makeup for Headshots? (Guide for Men & Women)
Congrats — you booked your headshot session! Whether it’s for your LinkedIn page, your business website, or just in time for an update on your personal branding, you’re already ahead of the game in showing up online with a polished and professional image.
Now it’s time to think about…hair and makeup!
Should I hire a professional? And if so, where can I find someone who won’t over-do it? While the answer may vary depending on who you ask, I break it down for EVERY client —based on gender, lifestyle, and photography goals. So, you can decide if hair/makeup is right forYOU.
First, a few thoughts on why hair and makeup matter for headshots.
The Headshot Makeup & Hair Lowdown
OK, before we dive into who should or shouldn’t get their hair and makeup done. Let’s discuss HOW hair and makeup can enhance your headshots.
Minimizes/deadens shine from studio lights
Brings out your eyes and helps convey emotion (hello expressive headshots!)
Controls flyway’s/frizz – we hate Cleveland humidity too
Helps you feel confident going into your session
When done right, hair and makeup on set doesn’t make you “look like someone else.” It helps you show up as the best version of you. Authentic, confident, and ready for your closeup.
Do Women Need Hair & Makeup for Headshots?
Yes! With a few exceptions (read below), female clients overwhelmingly choose to add hair and makeup services to their headshot session package.
Why? Here are a few of the most common reasons my Cleveland area and Ohio clients hire a professional stylist:
They know how to prep skin and hair to look it’s best under studio lights
It’ll feel good to be pampered before your session
You’ll look polished and put-together in every angle and expression
If you’ve chosen to work with professional photographers in Cleveland, you already know the importance of looking your best in photos. Adding hair and makeup is no different. How do you know what “your best” looks like? By working with a trusted local makeup artist or hair stylist who understands your personal style and goals.
Best Type of Makeup for Headshots
As with any makeup application, less is more. Natural. Simplistic. Enhanced – not changed. That means if you typically wear bold eye shadow or lips to work, you can leave that look at home! (Unless that’s your brand).
Instead, focus on:
Error on the natural side of your normal makeup routine
Concealer to help cover blemishes, dark circles and/or redness
Neutral lip colors – or leave your lips entirely bare!
Matching eyeshadow to your brow and eye color
If you’re a “no makeup” kind of woman. That’s fine too! Just be sure to mention that to your artist so they don’t try to prepare you with coverup or foundation.
Men: Do You Need Hair & Makeup for Your Headshot?
Are you a guy who thinks hair and makeup doesn’t apply to you? You’re not alone. But let’s clear something up… Men do not need to get their makeup done prior to a headshot session, but in the past, we have had clients that did. However, men DO need to be prepared.
Here’s what I suggest for male clients, whether you’re going solo or with your band.
Must-Haves for Male Headshots
Recent haircut/style or shave (1-3 days prior is ideal)
Trimmed eyebrows/nose hair
Get your hair and skin looking its best by coming in fresh
Matte moisturizer or oil blotting papers if you tend to shine under the lights
Baby shoes over clean, moisturized skin.
Facial hair is totally cool, just make sure your eyebrows aren’t overlooked!
While many professional photographers won’t touch your makeup in post (yours truly included), some men do opt for very light coverage using only things like concealer or powder. This can be helpful for television/headshots used in public speaking. But for most headshots, you can leave the foundation at home.
Hair Tips for Every Man
As mentioned above, there are some basic hair rules EVERY man should know.
DON’T:
Get a haircut on the day of your session
Experiment with new products/shampoos
Use heavy SPF moisturizers right before session
DO:
Plan your haircut/style 2-5 days before session
Stick with hair products you know work for you
Moisturize the night before, but avoid getting shiny
Hydration IS important for your skin. So, if you’re worried about dry skin/flakes, take extra care to moisturize 1-2 days before your session.
Should I Do My Own Hair & Makeup?
Short answer? Yes – if you’re comfortable doing your own hair and makeup. Many of my clients prefer to DIY hair and makeup because they have a signature look that they love to wear, or because they don’t like wearing makeup at all.
If you fall into this category, that’s perfectly OK!
When it makes sense to do your own hair/makeup:
You’re comfortable with your hair/makeup game
You always wear minimal makeup
You know your style well and stick to it
If you’re unsure, want to try something new or simply don’t want to stress about your hair on photo day, hiring a professional can set your mind (and hair) at ease.
When I recommend professional hair & makeup:
Your headshots will be used for professional branding
You want that extra “camera ready” guarantee
You want to look AND feel fabulous going into your photoshoot
As your headshot photographer in Cleveland, I work with professional hair stylists and makeup artists that specialize in commercial headshots. They know how to prep skin and hair to look perfect under studio lights while still keeping your look authentic to you.
Touch-Ups?
Even if you hire a professional makeup artist, I always recommend bringing:
Lip balm/gloss or neutral lipstick
Hairbrush/comb (We have them in our Beauty Box)
Powder to reduce shine
Small mirror for quick touchups
We usually check in halfway through your session too, so don’t hesitate to let me know if you want to make adjustments along the way!
Hair & Makeup Tips for The Big Day
Here are a few insider tips that will help ANY client feel confident walking into their headshot session ready to shine!
Tip #1: Avoid New Products
Don’t stress yourself out trying new skincare products right before your session. Stick with what you know works for you.
Tip #2: Hydrate, Then Sleep
Yes, getting a good night’s sleep really can make your skin look better. And staying hydrated will help too!
Tip #3: Don’t DIY on Hair Cut Day
While a haircut isn’t a makeup tip, it’s important your hair looks its best too! Wait a few days after getting your haircut to do your session.
Want My Help Finding Cleveland Makeup Artists & Hair Stylists?
Got questions about finding the right hair stylist and makeup artist for your headshot session? Contact us today!
