[Han Researcher Magazine vol.27] ID Photos, The Psychology of Hair and Makeup Before & After in Interviews — Why First Impressions Are Formed in 0.1 Seconds
###### How many minutes did you spend in front of the mirror this morning? 😊
That feeling of being concerned, even when you think, "It's okay to just be casual."
That intuition is scientifically accurate.
The moment our brain sees someone's face, it unconsciously judges "trustworthiness," "competence," and "friendliness" in just 0.1 seconds. (Willis & Todorov, Princeton University, 2006 — A foundational study in this field)
And the surprising thing is that this 0.1-second judgment doesn't change much, no matter how long you look afterward.
In other words, first impressions are already determined before consciousness kicks in.
Today, we'll talk about how difficult hair and makeup, which we always do but find challenging when taking ID photos or in interview situations, affects that 0.1 seconds, based on the latest research data.
#### Makeup is More Than Just Decoration
In 2024, a research team at the University of Edinburgh (Batres et al., University of Edinburgh, 2024) conducted an interesting experiment.
They analyzed how perceptions of others changed when the intensity and style of makeup were varied depending on the situation.
The results were clear. Faces with makeup received higher ratings in competence, trustworthiness, and social prestige.
But there's an important point. "Whether or not makeup was worn" was less significant than "whether the style was appropriate for the situation."
Excessively heavy makeup or a style that doesn't suit your image can be counterproductive.
Our brains detect it as "Hmm? That looks awkward?" 📸
###### Let me share a little about my experience. It was the day of an interview at a large company, and many people were interviewing, so I made a reservation at a hair and makeup shop with high expectations. However, the artist was not a regular employee but a temporary hair and makeup artist, so the makeup looked more like wedding makeup than interview makeup. I ended up removing it and redoing it myself before going into the interview.
Like this, we need to know and prepare the accuracy and expertise for [interview] rather than simply [hair and makeup] in advance.
Appearance Changes Transform First Impressions — Latest Research from 2025
Researchers at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (Jaeger et al., 2025) analyzed the impact of appearance changes on first impressions and interpersonal preferences.
###### The study found that changes in appearance—hairstyle, skin condition, and overall grooming—substantially changed how others perceived the person. The more the change "suited the individual," the greater the effect.
This isn't just about "looking pretty." Suitable hair and makeup convey a person's strengths more quickly and accurately. 💡
The Reality of Hiring and Interviews — Appearance Does Matter
We want to believe that "appearance doesn't matter in interviews," but reality is different.
A research team at the University of Nottingham (Thoma et al., 2024) conducted a hiring experiment by modifying the appearance of the same person using deepfake technology. The results were shocking. Hiring evaluations differed based solely on appearance.
Of course, ability is the top priority. But appearance affects "how" that ability is perceived. In particular, a single ID photo plays that role in the initial application stage. Interviewers spend at most 2-3 seconds looking at the photo, and within that time, trustworthiness, competence, and friendliness must be conveyed.
Hair and Makeup Change You — The Power of Self-Efficacy
Appearance changes don't just change how others see you. According to research from the University of the Basque Country (Apaolaza et al., University of the Basque Country, 2022), makeup use directly affects self-efficacy and self-esteem.
###### As someone with 10 years of experience running a photo studio, a major in makeup, and experience running an actual shop, I have directly felt that self-efficacy creates tremendous confidence.
When operating the studio, I ask people who say, "I don't know how to go to the interview," the opposite question.
"Do you go on a blind date without any preparation?"
Like me, who carefully looked at the in-house models on the company's website and prepared by understanding the feeling that the company pursues—it's not that the photo has changed. It's that the way you look at yourself has changed. 😊
#### A Natural Photo That Suits You is Stronger Than a Perfect Photo
The studies all say one thing in common: "A natural style that suits you" creates the most powerful first impression.
Monkos.ai started with that philosophy.
Photography experts with 20 years of experience, program development experts, and experts in photo studios + hair and makeup shops like me came together to plan it.
Using AI, but neatly and like yourself, not just like a job seeker. A place where you can have a photo studio wherever you are 👉 Start right now at monkos.ai.
Referenced Papers
- Willis, J. & Todorov, A., First Impressions: Making Up Your Mind After a 100-Ms Exposure to a Face, Princeton University, 2006
- Batres, C. et al., To Enhance, or not to Enhance, University of Edinburgh, 2024
- Jaeger, B. et al., Face value: The effect of facial aesthetic treatment on first impressions, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, 2025
- Thoma, V. et al., Beauty pays, but not under all circumstances, University of Nottingham, 2024
- Apaolaza, V. et al., The contrasting effects of body image and self-esteem in makeup usage, University of the Basque Country, 2022