Casual hairstyles for women’s headshots
Not every headshot needs to be ultra-formal—sometimes, a relaxed and natural look is the best way to showcase your personality. Whether you’re taking a corporate headshot with a modern, approachable feel or a lifestyle portrait for social media, casual hairstyles for headshots can help you look effortlessly polished. The key is to find a style that enhances your natural beauty while still looking put together on camera. Below are some of the best casual hairstyles for women’s headshots.
Soft Waves
Soft waves add movement and dimension to your hair without looking too structured. This effortless style works well for most face shapes and helps frame your features in a flattering way. Whether you use a curling iron or heatless methods, soft waves bring a natural, polished look to headshots.
Loose Ponytail
A loosely tied ponytail strikes the perfect balance between casual and chic. Keeping it slightly undone with face-framing pieces gives a laid-back, approachable vibe while ensuring your hair stays neat and off your face. It’s a great choice for those who want a relaxed yet professional appearance.
Half-Up, Half-Down
The half-up, half-down style is a classic choice for headshots because it keeps hair out of your face while still allowing for natural movement. This look is ideal for adding volume at the crown while maintaining a soft, effortless feel. Plus, it suits a variety of hair textures and lengths.
Sleek Low Bun
A low bun offers a clean and polished look without appearing too formal. Keeping it slightly undone with a few wisps of hair left out softens the style, making it perfect for a modern, professional headshot. This option works especially well for those with medium to long hair.
Natural Curls
Embracing your natural curls can make for a stunning and authentic headshot. Well-defined curls add texture and personality, creating a lively and engaging look. To keep curls looking their best, make sure they are well-moisturized and frizz-free before your shoot.
Messy Bun
The messy bun is a go-to casual hairstyle that exudes effortless charm. Unlike a structured updo, this relaxed style keeps things fun and informal while still being neat enough for a great photo. The key is to create a balanced shape that looks styled yet intentionally undone.
Shoulder-Length Blowout
A classic blowout with soft volume gives hair a healthy, polished finish without looking too rigid. A shoulder-length blowout adds just the right amount of bounce and shine, making it a universally flattering option for headshots. It’s an easy way to look fresh and confident on camera.
Why do hairstyles matter for headshots?
Your hairstyle plays a crucial role in how you present yourself in a headshot. It’s not just about looking good—it’s about creating the right impression. Whether you’re updating your professional LinkedIn photo, building a personal brand, or taking an acting headshot, the right hairstyle can enhance your facial features, boost confidence, and help you appear polished and approachable.
A well-chosen hairstyle for headshots ensures your face remains the focal point of the image. Too much volume, messy flyaways, or overly complicated styles can be distracting, while a flattering, well-groomed look complements your overall appearance. Additionally, different industries and purposes call for different styles—a sleek ponytail may work for a corporate setting, while soft waves might be better for a lifestyle or creative headshot.
Ultimately, your hairstyle is an extension of your personal brand. It helps communicate professionalism, personality, and style—all in one frame!
Choose headshot hairstyles based on face shape
When selecting the perfect hairstyles for headshots, your face shape plays a major role in determining what will be most flattering. The right hairstyle can highlight your best features, balance proportions, and create a polished look that enhances your headshot. Since headshots focus primarily on your face, it’s essential to choose a style that complements your natural bone structure rather than overwhelming or distorting it.
Below, we break down different face shapes and suggest the best hairstyles to bring out their best features.
Oval Face Shape
An oval face shape is well-balanced, with slightly wider cheekbones and a gently tapered jawline. This versatile face shape can pull off a variety of hairstyles without overwhelming the proportions.
Best Hairstyles for Oval Faces:
- Soft waves or curls for added dimension
- Sleek low bun to maintain symmetry
- Side-parted straight hair for an elegant, elongated look
- Shoulder-length blowout for volume and movement
Round Face Shape
Round faces have softer angles, with full cheeks and an almost equal width and length. The goal when choosing a hairstyle is to add height and elongate the face.
Best Hairstyles for Round Faces:
- Side-swept bangs to create a slimming effect
- Long layers to add vertical length
- High ponytail for an instant lifting effect
- Voluminous updo to add height at the crown
Square Face Shape
A square face has a strong jawline and a broad forehead, creating a bold and angular structure. The best hairstyles soften these sharp lines while maintaining balance.
Best Hairstyles for Square Faces:
- Side-parted styles to break up the symmetry
- Loose waves or curls to soften the jawline
- Wispy bangs to frame the face and reduce sharpness
- Layered lob (long bob) to add movement without looking boxy
Heart Face Shape
Heart-shaped faces feature a wider forehead and a narrow, pointed chin. The goal is to balance the proportions by adding volume around the jawline.
Best Hairstyles for Heart Faces:
- Chin-length bobs to create width at the jaw
- Side-swept bangs to balance a wider forehead
- Loose waves to soften angles and add fullness
- Half-up, half-down style to draw attention to the cheekbones
Diamond Face Shape
Diamond-shaped faces have high cheekbones with a narrow forehead and chin. The best hairstyles emphasize the cheekbones while adding softness to the angular structure.
Best Hairstyles for Diamond Faces:
- Side-parted straight hair to highlight cheekbones
- Shoulder-length soft curls to add width to the lower face
- Low bun with face-framing pieces for balance
- Layered cut with volume around the chin to soften the structure
Long (Rectangular) Face Shape
A long face shape has an elongated structure with a higher forehead and a more narrow jawline. The goal is to add width and reduce the appearance of length.
Best Hairstyles for Long Faces:
- Blunt bangs to shorten the forehead
- Soft waves to create fullness on the sides
- Medium-length layers to add volume
- A messy bun or voluminous updo to create width
Choosing the right hairstyle for headshots based on your face shape ensures that you look your best on camera. By enhancing your natural features and creating balance, your hairstyle will work with—not against—your overall appearance, making your headshot more striking and professional!
Different headshot hairstyles for every hair length
Your hair length plays a key role in determining which hairstyles for headshots will suit you best. Whether your hair is short, medium, or long, the right style can enhance your features and create a polished, professional look. The goal is to choose a hairstyle that keeps the focus on your face while maintaining a neat and flattering appearance. Below, we break down the best headshot hairstyles for different hair lengths.
Short Hair
Short hair can be incredibly chic and versatile for headshots. The key is to choose a style that adds structure and frames your face without appearing too flat or unkempt.
Best Hairstyles for Short Hair:
- Textured Pixie Cut – Adds dimension and movement for a modern, confident look
- Side-Parted Bob – A polished, face-framing style that works for both corporate and creative headshots
- Sleek French Bob – Clean and sophisticated, great for a timeless, professional appearance
- Soft Waves on Short Hair – Adds volume and a relaxed feel without overwhelming the face
Medium-Length Hair
Medium-length hair offers the best of both worlds—it’s long enough to style in different ways but still manageable and structured for headshots. The key is to choose a style that enhances your natural hair texture while keeping it neat.
Best Hairstyles for Medium-Length Hair:
- Blunt Lob – A structured yet effortless look that flatters most face shapes
- Soft Curls or Waves – Adds volume and movement while keeping the style polished
- Half-Up, Half-Down – Keeps hair off the face while allowing for a relaxed, natural look
- Sleek Straight Hair – A simple and refined choice for a clean, professional headshot
Long Hair
Long hair offers many styling options, but it’s important to ensure that it doesn’t overwhelm your face in a headshot. Keeping hair smooth, structured, and away from the face helps create a polished look.
Best Hairstyles for Long Hair:
- Low Bun – A classic, elegant style that keeps hair controlled and professional
- Soft Layers – Adds shape and prevents long hair from looking too heavy in photos
- Loose Ponytail – A casual yet refined look that keeps hair neat while maintaining movement
- Side-Swept Waves – Creates a romantic and approachable feel, perfect for lifestyle headshots
No matter your hair length, the right hairstyle for headshots should highlight your best features while ensuring you look polished and confident. By choosing a style that complements your hair’s natural length and texture, you’ll achieve a headshot that feels effortless and professional!
Choose headshots based on hair type and texture
Your hair type and texture play a big role in how your hairstyle looks on camera. Whether you have straight, wavy, curly, or coily hair, selecting the right hairstyles for headshots ensures that your hair enhances your features rather than distracting from them. The key is to embrace your natural texture while keeping your style polished, well-groomed, and flattering. Below, we break down the best headshot hairstyles based on different hair types.
Straight Hair
Straight hair often appears sleek and refined, making it ideal for professional headshots. However, adding subtle volume and shape can prevent it from looking too flat.
Best Hairstyles for Straight Hair:
- Sleek Middle-Parted Hair – A modern, polished style that exudes confidence
- Side-Parted Straight Hair – Softens facial features while keeping the look structured
- Blunt Bob or Lob – A timeless, professional choice with a sharp, clean edge
- Low Ponytail or Bun – A chic and controlled option that keeps the focus on your face
Wavy Hair
Wavy hair naturally adds movement and texture to headshots, creating a relaxed yet polished look. The key is to keep waves defined and frizz-free.
Best Hairstyles for Wavy Hair:
- Soft, Loose Waves – Enhances natural volume while maintaining a professional look
- Half-Up, Half-Down Style – Keeps hair off the face while showcasing natural movement
- Side-Swept Waves – Adds elegance and frames the face beautifully
- Shoulder-Length Wavy Blowout – A voluminous and balanced look for a professional headshot
Curly Hair
Curly hair is full of personality and volume, making it a standout feature in headshots. The key is to define curls and reduce frizz for a polished appearance.
Best Hairstyles for Curly Hair:
- Defined Natural Curls – Emphasizes your natural texture in a controlled, flattering way
- Curly Updo with Face-Framing Pieces – Keeps hair neat while allowing curls to add softness
- Side-Parted Curls – Enhances dimension and highlights facial features
- Pineapple Updo – A stylish way to keep curls contained while maintaining volume
Coily or Textured Hair
Coily and textured hair looks stunning in headshots when shaped and styled to enhance natural volume and definition. Structured styles can keep the focus on your face while highlighting your hair’s unique beauty.
Best Hairstyles for Coily Hair:
- Twist-Out or Braid-Out – Defines coils for a polished yet natural look
- High Puff or Bun – Lifts hair upward, creating a balanced and professional appearance
- Side-Parted Afro – Frames the face and adds natural volume
- Protective Styles (Braids, Locs, or Twists) – Keeps hair neat and stylish for a timeless headshot
By choosing hairstyles for headshots that work with your natural hair type and texture, you can create a look that feels both authentic and professional. Embracing your hair’s natural movement while maintaining a clean and structured style ensures that your headshot represents you at your very best!
Most common hairstyle mistakes before headshots
Getting your hairstyle for headshots right is just as important as choosing the right outfit or lighting. A great hairstyle enhances your face, while the wrong one can be distracting, unflattering, or unprofessional. To ensure you look polished and camera-ready, here are some of the most common hairstyle mistakes to avoid before your headshot session.
- Not Styling Your Hair at All
Showing up with unstyled hair may seem natural, but the camera picks up on every detail—including flyaways, flatness, and uneven textures. Even if you prefer a simple look, take a few extra minutes to smooth, volumize, or define your hair for a polished finish. - Using Too Much Hair Product
While some product can help with frizz and hold, overusing hairspray, gel, or mousse can make hair look greasy, stiff, or unnatural in photos. Stick to lightweight products that enhance your natural texture without weighing hair down. - Overly Tight or Pulled-Back Styles
Slicked-back buns or ponytails can sometimes make the face appear harsh or emphasize hairline imperfections. Instead, opt for a softer, more natural style that frames your face while keeping hair controlled. - Ignoring Your Hair Type and Face Shape
Not every hairstyle flatters every face shape or hair type. For example, someone with a round face may benefit from a side part or layers, while a square face might look best with soft waves. Choosing a style that complements your natural features will result in a more balanced and flattering headshot. - Not Taming Flyaways and Frizz
Loose hairs and frizz can become very noticeable in high-resolution photos. A smoothing serum or light mist of hairspray can help keep everything in place without making hair look stiff. - Going Too Flat or Too Voluminous
Hair that’s too flat can make your face look wider or lifeless, while too much volume can be overwhelming in a tightly cropped headshot. A balanced style with soft movement and controlled volume is ideal. - Trying a Brand-New Hairstyle Last Minute
Your headshot session is not the time to experiment with an entirely new haircut, bangs, or a drastic color change. Stick to a style you feel confident in and that represents your everyday look. - Ignoring Professional Grooming (for Men and Women)
Men should ensure their hair is neatly styled, facial hair is well-groomed, and there are no stray hairs on the forehead or around the ears. Women should check for uneven parting, unblended extensions, or visible hair ties that could detract from the shot. - Not Considering the Purpose of Your Headshot
A corporate headshot calls for a more polished and structured style, while a creative or lifestyle headshot allows for a bit more relaxed movement. Tailor your hairstyle to match the purpose of your photos.
Avoiding these common hairstyle mistakes ensures that your hairstyles for headshots look clean, polished, and professional, allowing you to present your best self in front of the camera!
How do you look pretty in a headshot?
A great hairstyle for headshots is important, but looking your best on camera also requires a combination of good preparation, posing, and styling. Whether your headshot is for work, social media, or a portfolio, these simple tips will help you look confident, polished, and naturally beautiful.
Choose a Flattering Hairstyle
Your hairstyle should complement your face shape and hair type while looking neat and well-groomed. Avoid messy or overly complicated styles, and keep flyaways under control. Soft waves, a sleek bun, or a well-styled blowout are all great options.
Keep Makeup Natural and Camera-Friendly
Less is more when it comes to headshot makeup. Stick to a natural, polished look:
- Even out your skin with a light foundation or tinted moisturizer
- Use concealer to brighten under-eye circles
- Define your brows for a framed and structured look
- Apply soft, neutral eyeshadow and mascara to enhance your eyes
- Choose a flattering lipstick shade that complements your skin tone
Pick the Right Outfit
What you wear should match the purpose of your headshot. Stick to solid colors that complement your complexion and avoid distracting patterns. A well-fitted top or blazer in a flattering shade can make a big difference.
Use Good Lighting
Natural lighting is the most flattering for headshots, but if you’re indoors, make sure you have soft, even lighting that reduces harsh shadows. Avoid overhead lighting, which can create unflattering shadows under the eyes.
Find Your Best Angle
A slightly turned angle often looks more flattering than a straight-on shot. Experiment in the mirror to see which side of your face you prefer. Tilting your chin slightly forward can also help define your jawline.
Relax and Smile Naturally
A stiff or forced smile can look awkward in photos. Instead, take a deep breath, relax your shoulders, and think of something that makes you happy to achieve a natural, confident expression.
Hydrate and Take Care of Your Skin
Drinking plenty of water and moisturizing before your shoot will help your skin look fresh and healthy. If possible, get a good night’s sleep to reduce puffiness and dark circles.
By following these simple tips and choosing the right hairstyle for headshots, you’ll be able to present your best self with confidence and beauty in your photos!
