Your week-by-week plan for better headshots

A confident, camera-ready headshot starts well before you step into the studio. This checklist walks you through the week before to arrival, what to pack and wear, grooming (including men's grooming), and quick on-set touch-ups.

Follow simple, research-backed habits. Drink plenty of water in the week before, avoid new skincare or makeup products, and schedule haircuts about five to seven days before the shoot. Bring two to three well-fitting outfit options and a compact touch-up kit so you can fix shine, lips, or stray hairs between shots.

Professional styling delivers polished, camera-friendly results and saves time on set. For a practical prep plan tailored to corporate headshots, see Doris Lew's corporate headshot prep guide.

7‑Day to 24‑Hour Timeline for Camera-Ready Skin and Hair

Worried about last-minute skin or hair surprises on shoot day? A few simple choices in the week before will keep your skin plump and your hair settled, so the camera sees your best you.

Experts at Lumosia recommend drinking about eight glasses of water a day in the week before to boost skin radiance. Cut back on salty snacks and alcohol so you avoid puffiness, and aim for seven to eight hours of sleep nightly.

Hair and haircut timing

Schedule any haircut or trim about five to seven days before the shoot so the style has time to settle. If you plan color, do it at least a week ahead for predictable results and to avoid fresh-root surprises.

We recommend skipping new skincare or makeup products in the days before your session. Also avoid aggressive exfoliation, chemical peels, or deep facials right before the shoot so you don’t risk redness or irritation.

For a clean-shaven look, shave the night before or at least 24 hours earlier to reduce redness. Apply lip balm regularly during the week so lips stay smooth on camera.

Quick checklist: the week-to-day essentials

• 7 days out: Drink plenty of water each day and cut back on salty foods and alcohol.
• 5–7 days out: Get haircuts or trims and any color work so hair looks natural on camera.
• 3–4 days out: Keep your regular skincare routine and stop any experimental products.
• 1 week to 2 days out: Avoid aggressive facials, deep peels, or heavy exfoliation.
• Night before: If you want a clean shave, do it the night before to let irritation calm.
• Day of: Arrive with clean, dry hair and smooth, hydrated lips for quick on-set finishing.

Follow these simple steps and you’ll avoid most last-minute surprises. We’ll handle the camera-ready finish when you arrive.

Pack and Dress by Your Headshot Goal

Not sure what to bring or wear? Think about the impression you want to make first. Your outfit choices should boost your confidence and keep attention on your face.

Bring two to three well-fitting outfit options so you can test different colors and layers on set. Solid mid-tone and jewel colors photograph best and avoid distracting the camera.

We recommend classic, solid pieces and minimal patterns to keep the focus on you. Research-backed tips suggest avoiding busy prints and visible logos.

Outfit rules by headshot type

Corporate and LinkedIn: Choose tailored blazers, collared shirts, or a simple blouse in navy, charcoal, or burgundy. These colors convey authority and stay timeless for profiles and company sites.

Actor/model: Bring fitted basics and a few layered looks to show range. Neutral flats like black or gray work for digitals, and bold but not neon colors suit commercial vibes.

Creative or personal branding: Use one statement piece that reflects your personality. Keep textures subtle and accessories minimal so your face remains the focal point.

Necklines, glasses, and quick fixes

Choose V-necks, crew necks, or collared shirts to frame your face and elongate the neck. Avoid low-cut tops and tight turtlenecks that can shorten your neck in close crops.

If you wear glasses, bring them cleaned and consider anti-glare lenses to reduce reflections. Small changes like a lint roller and a safety pin can save a look on set.

Practical packing checklist

• Two to three outfit options on hangers so garments stay smooth.
• A blazer or jacket to add structure and quick variety between shots.
• Cleaned glasses, and an anti-glare pair if you have one.
• Compact touch-up kit with blotting papers, translucent powder, and a neutral lip color.
• Comb or brush and a small mirror for hair and makeup checks.
• Lint roller, safety pins, and a stain remover pen for fast fixes.

Want more tips for corporate looks and skin prep? See Doris Lew's corporate headshot prep guide.

Arrive calm and camera-ready: timing, posture, touch-ups, and quick fixes

Want to make the most of your headshot session without panicking on set? A little planning and a few on-set habits keep you looking fresh and confident for every frame.

Arrive with clean, dry hair and hydrated lips so finishing touches are quick. Sip water regularly and avoid salty or sugary drinks before going on camera to reduce puffiness and energy dips.

Posture and small facial moves that read well on camera

Stand or sit tall with a straight back and relaxed shoulders to look more confident. Shift your weight to one leg when standing and keep a little space between your arms and torso to avoid a stiff look.

Activate your expression with a tiny eye squint, sometimes called a "squinch," to make your eyes appear more engaged. For a natural smile, lightly rest the tip of your tongue behind your teeth so lips sit smoothly.

Fast touch-ups and the compact kit to bring with you

Control shine and freshness between sets with a few essentials. Pack travel-sized items so you can fix small issues without redoing makeup.

• Blotting papers to remove oil without disturbing makeup.
• Translucent or mattifying powder to lightly set the T-zone.
• A small concealer for quick spot corrections.
• Your exact lip color or a small sample for fast reapplication.
• A spoolie for brow grooming and a mini setting spray to revive the look.

These kit items match common on-set recommendations and save time between shots. For a full list of photo-ready touch-up essentials, see makeup touch-up essentials.

Quick troubleshooting: pimples, hair mishaps, and wardrobe fixes

Small emergencies happen. Quick, calm fixes keep the shoot moving.

• Pimples: apply ice for a few minutes or use a hydrocolloid pimple patch, then let your artist camouflage with color-correcting concealer.
• Hair: dry shampoo at the roots instantly absorbs oil, and bobby pins or anti-frizz serum tame flyaways.
• Wardrobe: fashion tape, safety pins, and a lint roller handle most small malfunctions on the spot.

For blemishes, these steps mirror dermatology-backed quick fixes and pro practices. Read more about fast pimple fixes from GoodRx's guide.

What your pro will handle — and simple things you can do between shots

Your makeup and hair pro will cover color-correcting, texture camouflage, root touch-ups, and quick restyles. They bring emergency kits with pins, products, and tools to fix most problems fast.

• You: blot shine lightly, mist setting spray, and reapply lip color so photos stay consistent.
• You: use a spoolie to neaten brows or smooth a stray hair with a bit of hairspray on a Q‑tip.
• Pro: conceal and blend texture, apply color correction, and touch up foundation for seamless close-ups.

Small habits on set protect your look and make the artist's touch even more effective. Stay hydrated, take short rest breaks, and trust your pro to handle the technical fixes so you can perform.

Plan, Communicate, and Arrive Camera Ready

Want your headshots to look effortless and polished? Simple, consistent prep wins: hydrate, avoid new products, time haircuts a few days before, and pack two to three outfit options with a compact touch-up kit.

Tell your photographer and stylist exactly what you want with reference photos and brand notes so everyone works toward the same result. Professional styling handles last-minute fixes and elevates the final images, while you focus on confident posture and expression.

Arrive about 15 minutes early with your kit and outfits so the team can make final adjustments. For more on timing and camera-ready makeup, see Doris Lew's corporate headshot prep guide. You'll walk out with photos that look like you, only better.