How to Prepare for Your Headshots: Men

Tips on Clothing, Hair, and Grooming

Your headshot is often the first impression potential clients or employers have of you. When people search for you online, they make quick decisions about whether they want to work with you based on what they see. A professional headshot builds trust and helps create that meaningful connection.

This guide covers what to wear, how to prepare your hair and grooming, and practical tips to help you look your best.

What to Wear for Your Headshot

Consider Your Profession

Your outfit should match your industry. Lawyers, government workers, and professionals in conservative fields should wear dark, formal clothing like suits or dress shirts. If you work in tech, startups, or creative industries, you can dress more casually. Artists and creatives have more flexibility, but your outfit shouldn't distract from your face.

Choose Solid Colors

Solid colors photograph best. Avoid stripes, checks, or small patterns, which can create visual issues in photos. Stick with simple, solid-colored shirts, polos, or jackets.

Make Sure Your Shirt Fits

If you don't wear dress shirts often, try yours on a few days before your session. You want to make sure it fits comfortably, especially around the neck and shoulders. A well-fitted shirt makes a big difference.

Skip the White Shirt (Unless You're Wearing a Jacket)

White shirts reflect a lot of light and can become the brightest part of your photo. Your face should be the focus, not your shirt. If you want to wear white, pair it with a darker jacket to balance it out.

Skip the Undershirt

Undershirts can show through your dress shirt or create visible lines. For your headshot, it's better to go without one. If you prefer to wear something underneath, a well-fitted, wrinkle-free t-shirt works.

Hair and Grooming

Get Your Haircut About a Week Before

Don't get your hair cut the day before your session. Fresh haircuts can look too sharp. Schedule your cut about a week before so your hair has time to settle and look natural.

If you shave your head daily, stick to your normal routine on the day of your session. If you shave less frequently, do it one to two days before.

Keep Your Hair Clean

Wash your hair as you normally would. If you wash it daily, keep doing that. Don't let it go more than a day or two without washing before your session.

Pay Attention to Facial Hair

Whether you're clean-shaven or have a beard, make sure everything is trimmed and neat. Pay special attention to nose and ear hair and trim them before your session.

If you shave, do it carefully to avoid razor burn. Use a good shaving cream and aftershave. If you do get razor burn, some of it can be corrected during editing, but it's better to avoid it altogether.

Bottom Line

A little preparation goes a long way. Wear solid colors that fit well and match your profession. Get your haircut about a week before, keep everything neat and trimmed, and show up feeling confident.

Ready to Schedule Your Headshot?

If you're in the Cincinnati or Northern Kentucky area and want a professional headshot that reflects your best self, I'd love to work with you.

Book Your Session or Contact Me with any questions.

Deborah Heinlen Photography | Professional Headshots in Cincinnati & Northern Kentucky