Whether you are updating your LinkedIn profile, launching a personal brand, or applying for a new role, your professional headshot is often the first impression you make before a single word is exchanged. And in that split second, the smallest details like an unruly beard, oily skin, a messy haircut can subtly influence how professional, reliable, or confident you appear.
In fact, it takes just a tenth of a second for someone to form an impression based on a photograph. That means your grooming does not just support your look, it shapes your professional identity.
For men, the challenge lies in striking the right balance -
- Polished, but not overdone.
- Clean, but not clinical.
You want to look like yourself - just the best-groomed, most camera-ready version of yourself.
In this post, we will break down everything men need to know about grooming for professional headshots.
Beard or Clean-Shaven - What Works Best for You?
One of the most important grooming decisions you will make before a headshot session is whether to keep your facial hair or shave it off entirely.
The right choice depends on a few key factors -
- Your personal brand
- The industry you work in
- How well-maintained your facial hair is
Think About the Image You Want to Project
Your headshot should reflect how you typically present yourself in a professional setting. If you usually wear a beard and it is part of your identity, there is no reason to shave it off for the photo. Make sure it is neat and well-groomed. On the other hand, if you are clean-shaven day to day, consistency matters more than experimentation.
- Corporate or conservative industries - Clean-shaven or very neatly trimmed facial hair often makes a more polished impression.
- Creative or tech industries - Well-groomed beards can add personality and authenticity. All you need to do is just keep the edges tidy.
- Job seekers or career pivoters - Go for a clean, neutral look that does not distract. A trimmed stubble or short beard often strikes the right balance.
Here are some quick tips you can follow before your shoot -
- Trim your beard or stubble the night before to avoid redness or irritation on the day of the shoot.
- Shape the neckline and cheek line carefully. These subtle lines can dramatically improve your jaw definition in photos.
- Use beard oil or balm to reduce frizz and make the hair look healthy. But, avoid anything too shiny.
- If you are shaving, do it several hours ahead of time, and use a soothing, alcohol-free aftershave to calm the skin.
- Studio lighting tends to emphasize stubble unevenly resulting in a patchy or shadowy look on camera. Make sure you avoid shadows wherever possible.
If you are truly undecided, take a selfie with both looks in natural light and compare. Alternatively, consider taking two headshots, one clean-shaven, one with a beard, and use them strategically across different platforms. There is no harm in keeping both for versatility.
Haircut Timing - When and What to Get Before a Headshot
While your face is the focal point in a professional headshot, your haircut plays a critical supporting role. A clean, well-groomed hairstyle enhances your overall look, frames your face better, and communicates that you care about details. But when it comes to timing your haircut, a lot of people get it wrong.
When Should You Get a Haircut?
The best time to get a haircut is 3–5 days before your photoshoot. This window gives the style enough time to ‘settle’ while still looking sharp and fresh. Right after a cut, hair can appear too stiff or freshly lined, which might look unnatural on camera. A few days of soft regrowth allows for a more natural finish while retaining that clean edge.
Avoid getting your haircut on the same day as the shoot. Aside from leaving behind small clippings or product buildup, same-day haircuts may not allow enough time to fix any surprises or minor touch-ups.
Stick to the style you are most comfortable with and that best reflects how you typically present yourself. Sudden changes like switching from longer hair to a buzz cut can throw off how you are perceived and may not align with your existing online presence.
If you have been meaning to try something new, do it well in advance, so you have time to adjust and decide if it is the look you want to represent you professionally.
- Use a light styling product to add structure, but avoid anything with high shine or a greasy finish as studio lighting can magnify it.
- Comb or style your hair in the direction you typically wear it. Consistency leads to authenticity.
- Tame any flyaways with a small amount of product or a quick mist of hairspray. If you have longer hair, consider pinning or tying it in a neat, low style that does not distract from your face.
Skincare Basics - Look Fresh Without Overdoing It
You do not need an elaborate 10-step skincare routine to look good in your headshot but a few intentional steps can dramatically improve how your skin looks on camera. Good skincare ensures your face appears clean, smooth, and refreshed rather than dull, oily, or irritated. Also, hydrate well the day before and get a full night’s sleep. It is the easiest and cheapest way to reduce puffiness and brighten your skin naturally.
Start with the Basics - Cleanse and Moisturize
In the 24–48 hours before your shoot, cleanse your face twice daily with a gentle, non-drying face wash. This removes oil, dirt, and dead skin that can build up and affect how light hits your face. Follow it up with a light, non-greasy moisturizer. This keeps your skin looking hydrated and healthy without adding unnecessary shine.
On the day of your shoot, wash your face a few hours beforehand and moisturize lightly. It must be just enough to keep your skin from looking dry or flaky.
Avoid Trying New Products Right Before the Shoot
It might be tempting to grab a face scrub or new serum the night before. But, resist the urge. New products can cause breakouts, redness, or irritation, especially if your skin is not used to them. Stick to products you already trust and that do not make your skin react.
If you want to do a deeper cleanse or exfoliation, do it at least 3–4 days before the shoot, not the night before.
Watch Out for Shine
Oily skin tends to reflect light especially under studio lighting. This can lead to glare or hotspots on your forehead, nose, or cheeks. To manage shine, blot your face with oil-absorbing sheets right before the shoot. You can also lightly dab on a translucent matte powder.
Should You Consider Makeup?
Minimal makeup is more common than you think in professional photography especially for men who want to reduce shine, cover up blemishes, or even out skin tone. You do not need to go full glam. Just a dab of concealer on a pimple or redness, or a little powder for the T-zone, to make a big difference.
If you are working with a professional photographer, do not hesitate to ask if basic touch-up products are available.
Eyebrows, Nose, and Ears - The Overlooked Details
When preparing for a headshot, it is easy to focus on big-picture grooming that is hair, beard, and skincare. But the smallest, most overlooked areas often show up the clearest on camera. Stray eyebrow hairs, visible nose hair, or tufts around the ears can become distractions in high-resolution headshots. That is why it is important to give these areas a little attention too.
Tame Those Brows
Eyebrows help define your expression and give structure to your face. While you do not need them sculpted like a runway model, a little tidying goes a long way. Use tweezers or a brow trimmer to remove stray hairs especially between the brows or along the upper eyelid.
Brush your eyebrows up with a spoolie or dry toothbrush to see their natural shape before trimming any long hairs. Do not over-pluck, just clean the area to keep things natural and masculine. A clean brow line makes your eyes stand out and that is the key for an engaging headshot.
Trim Nose Hair
Remember, your photographer cannot Photoshop out visible nose hair easily, and it often catches harsh lighting or shadow. Use a round-tip trimmer made specifically for nose hair. Do this a day before the shoot to avoid sensitivity or sneezing right before you are on camera.
Do not Forget the Ears
This is especially important for men with short hair or side fades. When your ears are fully exposed, so are any stray or fuzzy hairs around or inside them. Use a precision trimmer to remove visible ear hair and clean up the area around the edges. Also, gently wipe behind the ears. It is surprising how often this spot is overlooked but caught by sharp lenses.
Wrapping Up
Grooming for a professional headshot is not about vanity. You are taking ownership of how the world sees you in a single frame. Whether it is a crisp neckline, clear skin, or tidy eyebrows, these small details collectively create an image of someone who is prepared, confident, and put-together.
And the good news is that you do not need a glam squad or a luxury skincare routine to look your best. With a few practical steps that are planned and executed just a day or two in advance, you will be ready to step in front of the camera with complete confidence.
However, you can still look sharp, confident, and well-groomed without booking a studio. Headshot Photo transforms your regular selfies into professional-grade headshots using AI and expert retouching. It is fast and affordable.
Try Headshot Photo today to see how AI can groom your beard, skin tone, and hairstyle to generate the best version of you for your headshot.
FAQs
1. Should men be clean-shaven for a professional headshot?
Not necessarily. If a beard or stubble is part of your everyday look, it’s perfectly fine to keep it as long as it is well-groomed.
2. How soon before a headshot should I get a haircut?
The ideal window is 3 to 5 days before your photoshoot. This allows your haircut to settle naturally while still looking clean and fresh. Avoid getting a haircut on the day of the shoot to prevent sharp lines, scalp redness, or unexpected styling issues.
3. What skincare routine should men follow before a headshot?
Keep it simple. Cleanse and moisturize regularly in the days leading up to your shoot. On the day itself, wash your face, apply a light moisturizer, and blot away any excess oil. Avoid using any new or unfamiliar products right before the session to prevent unexpected irritation or breakouts.
