How to Style Your Hair for a Photo Session
Owner of Wild West Hair and Kansas City-based hairstylist Rachel Morioni.
Tips and Tricks to Prepare and Care for Your Hair Before and During a Photoshoot
Preparing for a photoshoot with a professional photographer can be equally exciting and nerve-wracking, especially when ensuring your hair looks its best. After all, your hair plays a significant role in framing your face and completing your overall look for the portrait session, said the Owner of Wild West Hair and Kansas City-based hairstylist Rachel Morioni. A good bouncy blowout or some loose beach curls are incredibly hot right now, she said, so whether you're going for a sleek, polished style or loose, natural waves, follow these tips and tricks to help ensure your hair is photoshoot-ready and stays picture-perfect throughout the session.
Prep Your Hair the Night Before Your Professional Photos
The night before your photo shoot is crucial for setting the foundation for great hair. Start by washing your hair with a gentle, sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner. Avoid heavy conditioners or deep treatments that might weigh your hair down unless it is particularly dry and needs them.
"Always style dry, clean hair," Morioni said. "Don't style the hair if it's a few days dirty."
If you usually use a lot of products in your hair, try to use fewer styling products leading up to the shoot. Overuse can lead to buildup, making your hair look greasy or dull. Instead, focus on keeping your hair clean and moisturized.
Morioni said that whatever you do, don't make any drastic changes to your hair the day before your photo session.
Choose the Right Hair Products for Your Hair Type
Choosing the right products is critical to achieving the style you want for your photoshoot. A volumizing mousse or hair spray can add body and lift for those with fine hair. If your hair tends to frizz, a smoothing serum or anti-frizz spray will help keep it sleek and polished.
For curly-haired individuals, a curl-defining cream or gel can help enhance your natural curls and reduce frizz. Be careful not to overapply; too much product can weigh down curls and make them look crunchy.
Consider a Blowout or Professional Styling for Your Portrait
If you want your hair to look its absolute best, consider getting a professional blowout or booking a styling session on the day of your photoshoot. A blowout can add volume, shine, and smoothness, making your hair look effortlessly chic. Plus, a professional hair stylist will have the tools and expertise to achieve styles that might be difficult at home.
If you prefer to style your hair yourself, take your time and ensure each section is adequately dried and styled.
"Prep your wet hair with a good styling product with a flexible hold," Morioni said. "I love Zipper Multitasking Styling Lotion from R+Co, which helps give hold in the blow dry." Use a round brush for volume at the roots and a flat or curling iron for finishing touches.
Think About Your Hairstyle Alongside Your Outfit
When deciding on your hairstyle, consider the overall look you're going for in your photos. If you're wearing an outfit with a lot of detail around the neckline or shoulders, an updo or half-up style can keep your hair from covering up details and accessories. On the other hand, if your outfit is simple, wearing your hair down can add a touch of elegance and softness.
Think about the location and theme of your photoshoot. A loose, beachy wave might be perfect for an outdoor, casual shoot, while a sleek ponytail or bun might suit a more formal, urban setting.
Also, consider a style you can easily alter to match your outfit choices. "You can go from a down hairstyle to a fun, party pony or a quick half-up, half-down," Morioni said.
Touch-Up Essentials to Bring to Your Portrait Session
No matter how well you prepare, bringing a few touch-up essentials to your photoshoot is always a good idea. Pack a small bag with a brush or comb, bobby pins, hair ties, and a travel-sized hairspray. If your hair tends to get oily, dry shampoo can be a lifesaver, helping to absorb excess oil and add volume to the roots. Morioni recommends bringing along the KEVIN.MURPHY BEDROOM.HAIR if you need a good texture spray.
If your shoot will be outdoors, consider wearing a hat or scarf to protect your hair from the wind and sun between shots. And remember a mirror to check and adjust your hair as needed quickly.
Stay Hydrated and Take Care of Your Hair
Healthy hair is beautiful, so don't forget to take care of it from the inside out. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water, and consider taking a break from heat styling in the days leading up to your shoot to give your hair a rest.
If you color your hair, ensure it's touched up and looks fresh for the shoot, but don't go to the salon the night before! Instead, Morioni said, opt for a color and trim two weeks before the shoot. For those with longer hair, a simple trim can help eliminate split ends and keep your hair neat.
Final Thoughts
With proper preparation and a few handy tips, you can ensure your hair looks stunning for the camera. Whether you aim for a natural, effortless look or a more polished style, taking the time to prep your hair and plan your styling will help you feel confident and ready to shine in front of the camera. Remember, the best hair day is when you feel your best, so choose a style that makes you feel comfortable and beautiful!
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