Your Weekend Grooming Plan for a Monday Headshot

Friday Night: The Skin and Hair Foundation

Don't walk into my studio Monday with a brand-new face. Your skin will rebel. Tonight is about gentle prep, not drastic experiments. Wash your face with a cleanser you've used before. If you have a beard, trim it now—not Sunday night. A Friday trim gives any slight mishap two full days to even out. I once had a client who shaved his five-year beard on Sunday; his skin was so irritated and pink on Monday we had to Photoshop his entire neck.

For hair, this is your cut day. A Friday haircut lets it settle. That "just-cut" helmet look softens by Monday. If you color your hair, do it now. Root touch-ups need a day to oxidize and look natural. Drink two large glasses of water before bed. It’s the cheapest, most effective plumping agent for your skin.

Saturday: The Wardrobe Test and Final Tune-Ups

Lay out your top three clothing choices. Put them on. Stand in front of a plain wall and take a full-length selfie with your phone. You are looking for three things: fit, color, and wrinkles. A shirt that gaps at the buttons when you sit is a no. That "dark navy" blazer that photographs as pure black is a no. I’ve seen countless gray suits that flash bright purple under my studio lights.

Now, look at your skin in bright, natural light. Any stray eyebrow hairs? Tweeze them today, not Monday. If you use a face scrub, do it tonight. This is your last exfoliation. Your goal is calm, clear skin, not a shiny, raw surface. Finalize your wardrobe choice and hang it up immediately. Steam or iron it now so you’re not rushing later.

Sunday: The Rest and Hydration Protocol

Your job today is simple: be boring. Eat clean, salty foods. Drink water consistently—aim for your body weight in pounds, halved, in ounces. For a 160-pound person, that’s 80 ounces. This prevents puffy eyes and dry skin. Do not try a new food, drink heavily, or stay out late. A client once celebrated a birthday with spicy wings and beer on Sunday; the result was a puffy, slightly blotchy portrait he could never use.

Go to bed at a reasonable hour. Set a reminder to change your pillowcase tonight—a fresh, clean one prevents sleep creases and breakouts. Your only grooming task is a gentle cleanse and moisturizer before bed. Think of today as depositing energy into a bank account you’ll cash in tomorrow morning.

Monday Morning's Biggest Mistake to Avoid

Do not, under any circumstance, get a "close shave" right before you come in. Shaving, even with the best technique, causes micro-inflammation. Your skin will be red, and my camera will see every tiny nick. Shave the night before. If you must shave Monday, do it at least three hours before your session with a fresh, sharp blade and cool water.

The second mistake is using new, shiny products. That heavy SPF moisturizer you never use? It will create a glaring white cast under my lights. Stick to your simple, matte routine. For men, a light, oil-free moisturizer is perfect. For women, apply your normal makeup slightly heavier than everyday wear, but avoid sparkle or extreme shimmer. Bring your products with you for touch-ups.

How to Submit Your Best Self

When you arrive, trust the plan. You’ve done the work. Now, your only job is to listen and breathe. I’ll guide you on posing and expression. If I ask you to shift your chin down an inch, do it—that small move can define your jawline. I might say something silly to make you laugh; a genuine, relaxed smile starts in the eyes, not the mouth.

Think of a real moment that makes you feel confident or warm. Hold that thought quietly behind your eyes. I can’t photograph your resume, but I can absolutely photograph the calm assurance it gives you. We’ll shoot for about 20 minutes, and you’ll likely feel a little awkward at first. That’s normal. By the tenth frame, you’ll have forgotten the lights and just be talking with me.

The best headshots aren't about looking like a different person. They're about looking like the most rested, prepared, and confident version of the person you already are. A weekend of simple, intentional prep removes the variables, so on Monday, all you have to bring is yourself.