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Hairstyles for Headshots: Look Your Best inProfessional Photos
Hairstyles for professional headshots and LinkedIn photos: when to get a haircut, styles that photograph well for men and women, and how to avoid flyaways and flat hair.
Hairover Team
The best hairstyle for a headshot is a neat version of how you wear your hair every day, so people recognize you when they meet you. Get a haircut about a week before (three to five days for short men’s cuts and fades), smooth flyaways with a little cream or wax stick, and add some volume at the roots, since cameras flatten hair. Avoid trying a brand-new style on photo day.
Timing
| Task | When |
|---|---|
| Haircut | About a week before |
| Fade or line-up | Three to five days before |
| New color | Two weeks before, so tone settles |
| Wash | The night before or morning of, depending on your hair |
Women
Hair down, smooth. A round-brush blow-dry with some volume at the roots. See the 90s blowout for a bouncier version.
Soft waves. Loose waves look polished but natural. See how to use a curling wand.
Sleek low bun. Polished and modern. Leave a few soft pieces at the front. See how to do a chignon.
Natural curls or coils. Define them the day before so they settle. Wear them as you usually do.
Tucked behind one ear. Shows your face clearly, especially with a bob.
Men
Neat side part. Classic for corporate headshots. See side part vs. comb over.
Textured crop. Modern and relaxed. Use matte clay, not shiny product.
Fresh fade or taper. Book three to five days before.
Beard. Trim the neckline and cheek line a day or two before. See how to trim a beard.
Photo-day tips
- Bring a small kit: comb, hair ties, bobby pins, a wax stick, and dry shampoo.
- Use matte products. Shine can look greasy under lights.
- Add root volume. Cameras flatten hair.
- Check from the side. Flyaways show up against a plain background.
- Avoid heavy product right at the hairline.
Related guides
Decide on your look before the shoot
Hairover lets you upload a clear photo, get a hair analysis, and try hairstyles on your own face in Style Studio, so you can choose your headshot look without guessing.
FAQ
Should I get a haircut before a headshot?
Yes, about a week before. That gives the cut time to settle. For short men's cuts and fades, three to five days before keeps the lines sharp.
Should I wear my hair up or down for a headshot?
Wear it the way you usually do at work, so people recognize you. Down or softly styled hair usually looks warmer; a sleek low bun looks polished.
How do I stop flyaways in photos?
Smooth a tiny amount of cream or a wax stick over the surface, or spray hairspray onto a toothbrush and brush flyaways down.
What hairstyle looks best on LinkedIn?
A neat version of your everyday style. The goal is to look like yourself on a good day, so people recognize you when they meet you.
