Shave the way you normally prefer to be seen professionally. If you are usually clean-shaven, shave the morning of your session or the night before, depending on how quickly your skin gets irritated. If shaving gives you redness or razor burn, it may be better to shave the night before and let your skin calm down.

Yes. If you wear a beard, mustache, or stubble, give it a clean trim before your session. You do not need to change your look — just make sure it looks intentional, neat, and shaped. Pay special attention to the neckline, cheek line, and any uneven or stray hairs.

Yes, but try not to get it the same day unless you know and trust your haircut. For most men, a haircut 3–7 days before the session gives the hair a little time to settle while still looking fresh. If you keep a very short or faded cut, closer to the session may work better.

Not usually, but light grooming can make a big difference. The goal is not to look made up — it is to reduce shine, even out redness, and help you look rested and polished on camera. If you tend to get shiny, have redness, or want a little extra refinement, professional grooming can be helpful.

Keep it simple. Drink water, get rest if possible, and avoid trying new skincare products right before your session. A light moisturizer can help with dryness, and blotting papers or a little powder can help reduce shine. Minor skin texture, blemishes, redness, and under-eye shadows can also be softened naturally in retouching.

Dry or cracked lips can show on camera, so keeping them hydrated helps your headshot look cleaner and more polished. Use lip balm regularly in the days leading up to your session, especially the night before and morning of. Top Ways to Exfoliate Dry Lips DIY Sugar Scrub: Mix 1 teaspoon of honey with 2 teaspoons of sugar. Massage gently onto lips and rinse. Soft Toothbrush Method: Gently brush lips in circular motions using a clean, soft-bristled toothbrush to buff away flakes. Washcloth Method: Rub a damp washcloth gently over your lips after showering. Coffee Ground Scrub: Combine 1 tablespoon of finely ground coffee with 1/2 tablespoon of honey for a firmer scrub. Essential Tips Don't overdo it: Limit exfoliation to once or twice a week to avoid irritation. Moisturize immediately: Apply a thick layer of petroleum jelly, shea butter, or lip balm immediately after scrubbing to hydrate, as shown on Amazon or Aquaphor. Use gentle ingredients: Avoid harsh scrubs that can cause micro-tears. Avoid licking lips: Saliva breaks down skin and makes dryness worse.

Do not stress about it. Under-eye shadows are very common, and camera lighting plus natural retouching can help soften them. Try to hydrate, get rest if you can, and avoid extra alcohol or salty foods the night before if those tend to make you look puffy. The goal is not to erase your face — just to help you look like a rested version of yourself.

Before your headshot session, take a quick look at the small details that can show up in close-up portraits. Trim any visible ear hair, nose hair, neck hair, and overly bushy or unkempt eyebrows. These little things are easy to miss in daily life but can make a big difference in a polished professional headshot.