Should I Get a Haircut Before My Headshot Session?

I get it, you feel fresh after a nice haircut, I do too. I think it can be great to get a haircut before your headshot session. Avoid getting your haircut the day before your session, and aim for closer to a week before.

Timing Your Haircut

Why Timing Matters

If you are the type to wait a long time between haircuts (ie. Me) try to keep the haircut to a little trim before your shoot. This way your hair is left looking fresh and healthy but not too different from what you are used to. A bigger haircut can leave the hair not quite sure how it wants to be styled yet.

Expert Advice

I give more time they take to make sure their hair is settled before getting their headshot done the better. If for some reason you hate your new haircut this also leaves enough time to reschedule your headshot session.

Important Hair Considerations

Avoid Major Changes

This is not the time to get a completely new hairstyle! That will look strange to you, and I can usually tell when people come in with a completely new hair style before their shoot. You may not like the way the photos look just because it is something you are not used to seeing yet. Your hair is a big part of your headshot so we have to play this safe, hence don’t go too outside of the box when it comes to your hair.

Session Preparation

Come to your headshot session “hair ready”. If you would like, you can bring some hair product with you and we can experiment with it while shooting to fine tune the look. Hair is a very personal thing so a lot of the “look” of the hair falls on you to make happen. I don’t want to change the way you style your hair. This is your headshot after all.

Additional Hair Tips

Watch for Tan Lines

If you tend to get a tan in the summer, our hairline can form tan lines. Watch out for this when getting your haircut as this can easily show if you are getting it pretty short.

Avoid Trendy Styles

Avoid styling your hair for what is “in style” right now. This will change and possibly date your headshot. This is an image we want to be able to use for at least a year. If your hair style is something that isn’t cool anymore next year, we are in trouble.

Complete Your Preparation

Hair is just one part of preparing for your session. Get the complete picture with our session preparation guide and hair and makeup tips.

Also consider what you’ll wear - our clothing guide will help you make the best choices for your headshot session.

The Bottom Line on Hair Preparation

Your Best Look

The goal is to look like the best version of yourself - not someone completely different. Your headshot should represent how you typically look on a good day, with perhaps a bit more polish.

Professional Results

When you give yourself adequate time between your haircut and your session, you ensure:

• Your hair has settled into its natural pattern
• Any styling issues can be addressed
• You feel confident and comfortable with your appearance

Remember This

Your headshot is an investment in your professional image. Taking the time to properly prepare your hair is just one aspect of ensuring you get the best possible results from your session. When in doubt, stick with what you know works for you!