I remember going to my first headshot session as an actor—excited, nervous, and completely unprepared. No one had told me what to bring, what to wear, or how to prep. I didn’t know how important those details were.
I showed up in a leather jacket, smoky eye makeup, red lipstick, and hair I hadn’t even brushed. The photos themselves weren’t bad—but I never used them. They didn’t look like me, and they didn’t reflect my personality.
A good headshot should highlight you—your expression, versatility, and energy—not your makeup, wardrobe, or surroundings. The goal is to present an authentic, approachable version of yourself to casting directors, clients, or your LinkedIn network.
There is a way to show up prepared without overthinking it. Below, I’m breaking down simple, practical tips—what to do (and what to avoid) when it comes to hair, makeup, and clothing—so you can walk into your session confident, prepared, and feeling like yourself.
Makeup and Skincare
• DO apply your makeup in very thin layers. It is VITAL that your skin shows through in your final images
Note: If you struggle with breakouts, follow this video guide by Desi Perkins on covering blemishes and hyperpigmentation.
• DO apply a light layer of powder in areas that are a bit shiny (i.e. bridge of your nose, forehead, etc.)
• DO bring with natural lip colors and avoid brightly colored or matte lip products
• DO bring with your makeup bag to touch up your look as needed!
• DO emphasize moisturizing your skin properly and avoid mineral sunscreens
• DO apply a thick layer of lip balm as you are heading to your headshot session. Your photographer will thank you copiously for helping them avoid editing dry cracks in your lips in post!
Hair
• DO wash and condition / prep your hair the day of the session or the day before
• DO style your hair as you would for an in-person audition, in-person client meet-up, etc.
• DO bring with hairspray, styling products, and a hairbrush to tame flyaways and "zhuzh" your style between shots—especially if you are taking your shots outdoors!
• DO bring with hair accessories if you would like to wear your hair in more than one style
Styling
• DO bring outfits you feel your best in! If you're feeling yourself and feeling fierce, that confidence and energy radiate to your pictures as well!
• DO bring with several shirts, (and pants / skirts / dresses if you are seeking modeling shots) in various colors—avoid neons and bold colors if you can.
• DO dress for the part! If you are focusing on business headshots, avoid tank tops and loose T-shirts and focus on silhouettes.
Similarly, if you are focusing on audition and professional acting headshots, avoid suits, ties, and "formal" wear and instead focus on attire that makes you look the most approachable and personable!
• DO reach for solid colors without patterns, logos, or prominent graphics. Remember the focus should be on you and not your outfit!
• DO keep your look simple and avoid earrings, necklaces, and hair clips that take and divide our focus from your eyes. If you usually wear earrings, consider studs or simple hoops.
Actors—keep facial piercings to a minimum of one. Consider removable hoops that you can swap out between shots if you'd like to have pictures with and without piercings.