Preparing for Professional Headshots When You Have Facial Hair
Preparing for Professional Headshots When You Have Facial Hair | Victoria BC Headshot Photographer
SUMMARY
Whether you keep your facial hair or shave it off, timing and preparation matter more than most people expect before a professional headshot session.
A grooming appointment with a professional barber, ideally one to two days before your session, gives you the cleanest result and the most confidence on camera.
Shooting both a shaved and a groomed look is always an option, and for professionals in Victoria BC who want flexibility across platforms, it's worth considering.
You booked your headshot session. Outfit sorted. Now you're standing in the bathroom wondering what to actually do about the beard, the stubble, or the shadow that may or may not be working in your favour.
It's a more common question than you'd think. And there's no single right answer, but there are a few things worth thinking through before your session so you're not making that call the morning of.
First: There Are No Rules
Your facial hair is part of how you show up in the world. If a full beard is what people see when they meet you at a meeting or on a Zoom call, showing up clean-shaven in your headshot creates a disconnect. The goal of a professional headshot is to look like yourself on your best day, not a different version of you entirely.
That said, there are practical considerations that are worth knowing before you sit down in front of the camera.
If You're Going Clean-Shaven
A professional shave is worth it. A barber will catch what you miss, and in Victoria BC there are some excellent options for a proper straight-razor shave that leaves your skin looking genuinely smooth, not just "good enough."
If you're shaving at home, use the right products. A quality shaving cream, a sharp blade, and a soothing aftershave or balm will make a difference in how your skin looks on camera. High-definition studio lighting is unforgiving and picks up texture, redness, and irritation that you might not notice in your bathroom mirror.
Timing matters too. Shave at least a few hours before your session, not right before you leave the house. This gives any redness time to settle and your skin time to recover. Staying hydrated the day before helps as well.
One thing worth knowing: if you have a strong 5 o'clock shadow, a morning shave may not hold through an afternoon session. Plan accordingly.
If You're Keeping Your Facial Hair
Get it professionally groomed. A barber has the tools and the eye to shape and clean up your beard in a way that reads well on camera. Even a well-maintained beard benefits from a fresh trim before a session.
If your beard or stubble tends to hide your jawline, it's worth having a conversation with your barber about shaping it in a way that maintains definition. Jaw definition reads well in headshots, and a skilled groomer can work with your hair growth rather than against it.
Book your grooming appointment one to two days before your session. Fresh off the chair is great, but a small amount of natural growth after a trim often photographs better than a just-groomed look. This is a small detail that makes a real difference.
What the Camera Actually Sees
Studio lighting is not the same as the light in your bathroom or your office. It's directional, intentional, and designed to bring out the best in your face. It also picks up texture, skin tone, and fine detail at a level your phone camera or a standard office photo simply doesn't.
This is why preparation matters. A small amount of effort in the day or two before your session, whether that's a barber appointment, proper skincare, or simply getting enough sleep the night before, shows up in your final images. You'll feel it too. Clients who come in feeling prepared tend to relax faster, and that shows on camera.
Where to Get Groomed in Victoria BC
If you're local and looking for a solid barber before your session, Greater Victoria has excellent options across the Westshore, downtown, Saanich, and Oak Bay. A quick search for barbers near you will surface plenty of well-reviewed spots. Book a few days before your session, not the morning of.
Related Reading
A great headshot is about more than one decision. These posts cover what else is worth knowing before you show up:
Wondering what to do with your face once you're in front of the camera? How Much Should I Smile in My Headshot? is one of the most common questions I hear, and the answer actually depends on more than you'd expect.
If you're still deciding whether this is worth investing in, Top 5 Reasons Why You Need a Professional Headshot lays out the practical case clearly.
Nervous about how you'll actually feel in front of the camera? 5 Ways to Look More Relaxed in Your Headshots is worth reading before your session.
Not sure what to wear or how to prepare beyond the facial hair question? The headshot backdrop and background colour guide walks through how your environment affects the final image.
Ready to Book Your Session in Victoria BC?
If you're a professional in Victoria BC ready to update your headshot, I'd love to work with you. Sessions include premium retouching, colour and black and white versions, print and web resolution files, and direction throughout so you're never left guessing.
Book your session here or get in touch if you have questions first.
About Erin Clayton Photography
Erin Clayton is a Victoria BC headshot photographer specializing in studio and outdoor sessions for professionals, executives, and teams. With 13 years of experience and a background in marketing, communications, and design, she brings a level of intentionality to headshot photography that shows in the final image. Clients leave with photos they're genuinely proud to use, and a session experience that was easier than they expected. Learn more about working with Erin or reach out to book your session.