Men's Headshots: A Fail-Proof Guide ๐ธ
"Women have makeup, but what are men supposed to do?"
As a hair and makeup professional, and having run a photo studio for over 10 years,
This is what I hear most from male clients. It's understandable to feel lost.
There's an abundance of information on women's headshots, but not so much for men.
So today, I'm going to break down everything you need to know about men's headshots.
From hair and clothing to expressions and skincare โ I'll share helpful tips based on my studio experience.
๐โโ๏ธ Hair โ The First Thing People Notice in a Headshot
In a headshot, hair is undoubtedly what shapes a man's first impression.
Regardless of face shape, a well-groomed hairstyle alone can make you look "polished" and "prepared."
Do This โ
It's best to slightly reveal your forehead or naturally sweep your bangs to the side.
Covering your forehead completely can make you look stuffy and gloomy.
And I don't recommend this hairstyle because it looks like a student and it's not neat.
Your sideburns and the back of your hair should be neatly trimmed. Overlapping the ears or looking messy at the nape of the neck will count against you.
Ideally, get a haircut 1-2 weeks before the shoot.
Cutting it too close to the date can make it look awkward, and waiting too long can make it look unkempt. The same goes for job interviews.
For interviews, hair that's about a week old is at its most manageable and ideal, so keep that in mind.
Avoid This โ
Avoid overly styled hair (like slicked-back hair with too much wax), grown-out hair dye roots, wet hair, and bangs that cover your eyes.
๐ Clothing โ Simplicity is Key
The answer to men's headshot attire is simple. A white shirt + a dark jacket (or suit) works in almost any situation.
Shirt
A white or light blue shirt is the standard.
It must be a collared shirt. T-shirts or polo shirts without collars are not suitable for headshots.
The shirt should be well-ironed. A wrinkled shirt detracts from your overall impression.
Jacket/Suit
Dark navy, charcoal gray, and black are the safest and most polished choices.
Avoid checkered or striped patterns, as they can distract from your face in the photo. Solid colors are the way to go.
Tie
A tie isn't essential, but it makes you look much more put-together.
Choose a solid color or a subtle pattern that isn't too flashy. Tie the knot neatly โ crooked or too loose knots are counterproductive.
๐ Expression โ "No Expression" Isn't the Answer
Many people think you should have a blank expression in a headshot,
But a relaxed and composed expression is much better than a completely frozen one.
Slightly upturned corners of the mouth โ not quite a smile, but not tense either.
Look at the camera naturally and tuck your chin in slightly. Tucking your chin will make your jawline appear more defined.
Take a deep breath right before the shoot, and try slightly opening and closing your mouth.
This will help you achieve a natural expression. I always tell my clients to do this before shooting.
๐งด Skin โ Even Without Makeup, Preparation is Key
Just because you're a man doesn't mean you can skip skincare.
The difference in skin condition management, not makeup, is very noticeable in photos.
Until the Day Before the Shoot
Getting enough sleep is the most important thing. Puffiness and dark circles will show up in the photo.
Refrain from drinking alcohol at least 2-3 days beforehand, and stay hydrated to prevent dry skin.
Day-of Care
Always cleanse and do your basic skincare routine (toner + lotion) after washing your face. If your skin is too dry, it will look dull in the photo.
If you have oily skin, gently blot your face with a paper towel before the shoot.
Shine is more noticeable in photos. Lightly using a basic BB cream or concealer is also a good idea.
When applied naturally, it won't be noticeable at all and will even out your skin tone.
And people often ask if I can Photoshop their faces if they don't shave, but
While it's possible, it's best not to. Photos look best when the original is in top condition before editing,
And it's best because artificial modifications are not made. Please be sure to shave before visiting, and the same goes for interviews.
๐ค Studio vs. AI Headshots: Which is Better for Men?
To be honest, AI headshots tend to produce more consistent results for men than for women.
Because there are fewer variables in hair and makeup, it's easier for AI to process.
If you take a good selfie and upload it, you can often get results that are almost indistinguishable from a studio shot.
I recommend a studio for important applications, but for general applications, Monkos.ai can provide satisfactory results.
Based on 20 years of studio experience, Monkos.ai's biggest advantage is that it offers natural retouching and easy shooting methods,
Which eliminates the need to book a studio and travel.
From taking a selfie โ AI conversion โ size adjustment, everything is done in one go, saving you time and money. ๐
๐ monkos.ai
