The Blog

Hair…straight and sleek or curly and curvy?  Our hair offers us endless options, more than a wardrobe at times!  Some of us prefer classic styles while others push the envelope with edgy cuts and color.

Stacey (Model) Victoria Leigh Skelton Photography|Courtney Price Photography|SGK Photo|Hair by Alysia Nikole

Choosing the right style for your headshot is important.   I’ve seen many people agonize over every detail for their session only to neglect one of the most vital parts of their look.  Your hair has the potential to make or break your entire session.

Look at it like this…if your face is the photo, your hair is the frame!  There is nothing worse than a gorgeous photo with a sub par frame.  The right style or cut can truly take your headshot to the next level.

With headshots, you have to take your hair into consideration for things like the backdrop, your outfit, and accessories.  Will your curls or thinner hair bring too much attention to a light background peeking through?  Will your hair hide your earrings defeating the purpose of your mother’s pearls?  Will it clash with the top you chose?

Stacey (Model)|Photo by In Vogue Photography|Hair by Alysia Nikole

For fellas (and ladies with short cuts), do you have a fresh cut/shape up?  Is your beard neatly trimmed and when’s the last time you had it conditioned?  Bald?  You don’t want to get your head polished and shiny for your headshot, it will pick up every light in the room.  These are important things to keep in mind.  A professional, however, can take the stress away and handle all of those things for you so that you can just walk on set photo ready!  I highly recommend hiring a pro to take care of your hair needs for your headshot session.  One person I recommend all the time is Master Cosmetologist, Alysia Nikole (she also happens to be my personal hairstylist for each time I have to model as seen in the photos above).  I stopped by the salon to ask her a few questions, here’s what she had to say:

Alysia Nikole | Master Cosmetologist

I’ve been in the hair industry since 2012.  I really enjoy getting to know my clients and building a relationship with them. I love every minute I spend connecting with each client, from the consultation to the hug goodbye! Creating a plan with my clients and helping them achieve their hair goals fulfills me.

When you hire a professional to get you ready for your photoshoot you instantly get a second opinion, but not just that, you get what will work best for you.  A cosmetologist can help you find a hairstyle that enhances your features, compliments your outfit, and fits the occasion. When we do things for ourselves we tend to do our everyday look.  What works for an everyday look may not work for photo shoots.

Lesley|Hair by Alysia Nikole

Camera ready hair is polished, fresh, and full. Your hair for your headshot should represent your brand.  Everyday hair is functional, and what people are used to seeing day in and day out.  You have to go a step above for the camera because it picks up details you may not see with a glance in the mirror.

If you love your  hairstyle from your shoot and want to make it your everyday look, ask for a hairstyle that is easy to manage and fits your lifestyle. We all lead different lifestyles so you want to make sure you get a hairstyle that works for you!   To make sure it lasts, be sure to preserve your hairstyle by protecting it at night.  Satin pillow cases are highly recommended.  The most important thing to remember is that proper hair care at home and at the salon lead to healthy hair, and that always looks great on camera!
-Alysia

If you don’t go to the salon for anything else, make sure you go for the head massage you get from Alysia in the wash bowl!  It is so therapeutic!  You can visit Alysia’s site here to schedule a consultation with her (and you can check out her shop for the graphic body suit pictured above!)

In your headshot, your hair should be an asset, not a distraction.  Take the time to place focus on all three areas mentioned in this series: wardrobe, makeup, and hair!  With these three areas nailed down, you are set to have your best headshot session ever!

To book your headshot session with Smit’N Photography, click here!

Stacey Smith- Owner and Photographer| Photo by Shakhan Kelly