Your hairstyle can make or break a first impression—especially when it comes to professional headshots that live on LinkedIn profiles, company websites, and marketing materials. Below, we’ll explore why your hair matters so much, how to align it with your personal brand, and specific styling tips for women and men. We’ll also cover common mistakes to avoid and how to prepare for your photo session so you’ll look and feel confident.

1. Why Hair Matters More Than You Might Think

Your clothing definitely counts, but it’s your face—and by extension, your hair—that draws the most attention in headshots. A well-chosen hairstyle can:

Reflect your personal brand: Someone working in a creative field might choose a slightly bolder look, while those in traditional industries might opt for a polished, classic style.
Highlight your features: The right cut, part, or styling technique frames your face in a flattering way.
Show authenticity: When your headshot truly looks like you, it helps people recognize you in person and builds trust.

2. Key Considerations Before You Style

2.1 Stick to Your Usual Look

If you’re normally wearing your hair curly, don’t suddenly straighten it for your headshots. If you’ve got a short pixie, avoid adding hair extensions or elaborate accessories. The point of a headshot is to represent the real you, so keep it authentic.

2.2 Align With Your Brand Colors

If your brand or company color is a prominent shade, consider how your hair color or styling might complement—or clash with—other design elements in the photo. For instance, a bold lip color that clashes with a bright corporate logo can distract from your overall image.

2.3 Coordinate With Your Outfit

While hair is the star, you still want harmony between what you wear and how you style your hair. Avoid extreme contrasts or patterns that pull attention away from your face.

3. Best Hairstyles for Female Professional Headshots

Whether you’re going for a “female professional headshots example” look or something more relaxed, these tips will help you strike the right note:

3.1 Embrace Your Natural Texture

Straight or Wavy Hair: Keep it sleek but not stiff. You can use light styling products to maintain shine and reduce frizz. Loose waves or a smooth blowout often photograph well.
Curly or Coily Hair: Define your curls with a suitable styling cream or gel. If you typically wear your hair curly, don’t feel pressured to straighten it. Authenticity is key.

3.2 Tie-Back vs. Down

Tie-Back: A low chignon or ponytail can look polished, especially for more formal industries. Make sure it’s not too tight or severe—some softness around the face keeps things approachable.
Hair Down: Loose waves or straight hair framing your face can appear more relaxed. If you have layers, ensure they’re neatly brushed or styled so they don’t cover your eyes.

3.3 Avoid Overly Busy Looks

Heavy Accessories: Large headbands or flashy clips can pull focus.
Extreme Volume: If you have thick hair, consider slight layering to keep it controlled. Using a light hairspray can help maintain shape without looking stiff.

4. Best Hairstyles for Male Professional Headshots

A “male professional headshots example” typically emphasizes a neat, confident appearance. Here’s how to nail it:

4.1 Classic, Clean Cut

Short Hair: Trimming around the edges keeps the look crisp. A little styling product can manage flyaways or give a slight lift if you want more volume on top.
Longer Hair: If you wear your hair a bit longer, ensure it’s well-groomed and out of your eyes. Sweep it back or to the side to keep focus on your face.

4.2 Facial Hair Management

Beards or Mustaches: Keep them trimmed and shaped so they complement your face rather than overwhelm it.
Clean Shaven: If this is your usual style, a fresh shave right before the shoot helps achieve a polished look.

4.3 Polished vs. Relaxed

Corporate Settings: A neatly combed side part or a slight fade shows professionalism without being distracting.
Creative Fields: It’s fine to showcase your personal flair with a styled quiff or some well-kept waves—just be sure it’s still tidy.

5. How to Prepare Your Hair for Headshots

5.1 Get a Fresh Trim (But Not Too Fresh)

A haircut the day before can look too “new” or severe. Aim for a trim at least a week in advance, so the cut can settle in and look natural.

5.2 Focus on Hair Health

Hydration: Drink plenty of water the week leading up to your shoot for better hair and skin.
Conditioning: Use a nourishing conditioner or hair mask to keep strands smooth and free from dryness or frizz.

5.3 Style as You Normally Would

At-Home Routine: If you’re doing your own hair, follow the same process you would on a typical day—just with a bit more attention to detail.
Professional Help: Consider getting a blowout or scheduling a salon appointment if that’s in your budget. It can save you time and ensure a polished outcome.

5.4 Day-of Tips

Arrive With Dry Hair: Moist or wet hair can look flat and be harder to style.
Bring Touch-Up Tools: Keep a small comb, travel-size hairspray, or any product you rely on to manage flyaways.

6. Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overloading on Product: Too much gel or hairspray can make hair look oily or stiff.
Experimenting With a New Look: Now isn’t the time for a radical cut or dye job. Stick with what you know works.
Using Heavy Hair Oils: These can weigh down hair and create shine that reflects camera flash.
Ignoring Your Usual Style: If people see an unrecognizable version of you in your headshot, it can lead to confusion when you meet in person.

7. Final Thoughts

Your hairstyle should showcase who you are in a setting that feels authentically you, whether that means a sleek updo, controlled curls, or a sharply parted cut. By considering your industry, your personal style, and the practicalities of photo sessions (like lighting and camera angles), you’ll end up with headshots that capture both your professionalism and personality.

Key Takeaways:

Let your everyday look guide your headshot style.
Avoid last-minute extremes—fresh haircuts or drastic changes.
Keep your hair neat, polished, and reflective of your personal brand.

A great headshot hinges on more than just your outfit; your hair is a powerful tool to express credibility, warmth, and authenticity. Show up feeling confident in your look, and your photo will reflect that self-assurance—helping you leave a lasting impression on colleagues, recruiters, and clients alike.

What’s the Best Hair Style for Professional Headshots?