How to Prepare for Your Headshots: Women

Tips on Clothing, Makeup, and Hair

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 do your makeup, and how to prepare your hair so you look polished and professional.

What to Wear for Your Headshot

Choose Mid-Tone Colors

Stick with mid-tone colors like burgundy, navy, plum, and charcoal. Avoid pastels and neon colors like bright pink, bright orange, turquoise, mint green, coral, and other overly bright shades. Choose colors that complement your skin tone.

Wear Solid Colors

Solid colors photograph best. Large patterns can overpower your face and distract from you. Some prints can work if they're layered under a solid top, like a medium floral print under a solid blazer or cardigan. Avoid tight patterns like pinstripes, polka dots, or small checks.

Black and White Work Well

Black and white create a clean, classic look. A white button-up under a black sweater or jacket is a safe, professional choice.

Choose the Right Neckline

The best necklines for headshots are modest v-necks, boat necks, or crew necks. Avoid turtlenecks and tight scarves, which can make your neck look short. Also avoid low necklines that show too much skin. If you're wearing a buttoned shirt, make sure it fits comfortably around your neck without being too tight.

Avoid Tight Patterns and Textures

Avoid tweed and tight patterns like small polka dots, pinstripes, or checks. These can create visual distortions in photos, showing wavy lines that aren't actually there.

Make Sure Your Clothing Fits Well

Wear clothing that fits you properly. Avoid baggy clothes that can make you look larger, and avoid clingy or shiny fabrics like thin polyester or velvet, which show every wrinkle and bump. Stay away from silver, shiny gold, or anything too tight that might cause bulging. If you're wearing an untucked shirt, choose a longer length to elongate your torso. Skip the shoulder pads, which can make you look boxy.

Wear Layers

Layers add depth and interest to your headshot. Wear lighter colors underneath and darker colors on top. If you're self-conscious about your midsection, choose a jacket, sweater, or blazer that buttons up.

Glasses Without Reflective Coating

If you wear glasses, make sure they don't have reflective coating. The purple tint used for screen glare can ruin your photos. Bring a pair without coating if you have one, and make sure the lenses are clean before your session.

Look Put Together

Arrive in clean, wrinkle-free clothes. If your shirt wrinkles easily, hang it up and put it on right before your session. Wear a bra that matches your shirt color and won't show through. Don't wear logos unless it's your company logo.

Makeup for Headshots

Keep your makeup natural and polished. Go for an everyday look, but pay attention to these details:

Protect Your Skin Before Your Session

Use sunscreen in the weeks leading up to your shoot. Sunburn, raccoon eyes, or peeling skin is difficult to edit out. Drink plenty of water the week before your session. Avoid waxing or threading on the day of or the day before your session, as it can cause redness. Skip any major skincare treatments during the week of your photos.

Foundation

Use a matte foundation that matches your skin tone and blends with your neck and chest. Avoid anything shiny or with minerals or sunscreen. Apply it lightly to avoid caking, which can highlight wrinkles. For mature skin, use a thin liquid foundation instead of thick liquid or powder, which can settle into lines. Use translucent powder to reduce shine. Apply concealer generously to cover blemishes, but blend it well.

Lipstick

Choose a shade just slightly darker than your natural lip color. Avoid bold or very dark lipstick, which can make your lips look thinner. Pick a lipstick with a bit of shimmer or gloss. Matte finishes can also make lips appear thinner. Stay within your natural lip lines to avoid harsh outlines.

Eye Makeup

Use neutral eyeshadow colors. Apply a matte ivory or white shade under your brow to open up your eyes. Don't apply eyeliner on your lower lash line, as it makes your eyes look smaller and older. Avoid long fake lashes, which can create shadows. Skip shimmery eyeshadow, as it emphasizes creases. Use black mascara instead of brown, which is too light for photos.

Jewelry

Keep jewelry simple and tasteful. Avoid flashy or shiny pieces that could reflect light and distract from your face.

Hair for Headshots

Get Your Haircut a Few Weeks Early

Schedule your haircut a few weeks before your session so you have time to adjust if needed. This also gives your hair time to settle and look natural.

Keep Hair Shiny

Use products that add shine and avoid mattifying products like dry shampoo. Style your hair the way you usually do. Don't try anything new for your headshot.

Avoid Buns and Ponytails

Buns and ponytails can make your hair look thin or create uneven shapes. Wear your hair down or in a style that frames your face naturally.

Bring Touch-Up Tools

Bring a comb or brush and hairspray to your session in case you need to touch up.

Bottom Line

A little preparation makes a big difference. Wear mid-tone solid colors that fit well, keep your makeup natural and polished, and style your hair the way you normally would. Show up feeling confident and ready to look your best.

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