Preparing for your professional hair and makeup appointment is key to achieving the best results. By taking the time to get your skin, hair, and overall appearance ready, you can ensure that your look is flawless and that the process goes smoothly. Whether you are having professional headshots, wedding or senior photos taken, here are some essential tips to help you prepare for your appointment.
1. Come with Clean, Dry Hair
For the best styling results, it’s important to arrive with clean, dry hair. Washing your hair the night before or the morning of your appointment ensures that your hair is free of excess oil and product buildup, which can affect how well your style holds. If your hair tends to get frizzy or unmanageable when air-dried, consider blow-drying it at home before your appointment. This will allow your stylist to work with a clean canvas and create a look that lasts.
Pro Tip: Avoid pony tails if possible (which can kink hair) prior to your appointment.
2. Arrive with a Clean Face
Arrive at your appointment with clean skin that is free of makeup. This allows your makeup artist to properly assess your skin type and texture, ensuring the best application possible. Don’t forget to get all of that residual eye makeup off too. Feel free to moisturize your skin before your appointment to keep it hydrated and smooth, which helps makeup glide on evenly. If you use any serums or toners, apply them as part of your usual skincare routine, but avoid heavy or oily products that can interfere with the makeup.
Pro Tip: If you don’t have a skincare regimen, no worries, come with a clean face. I actually prefer to use my own moisturizer/primer because I know how it performs with my makeup.
3. Get Adequate Rest the Night Before
A good night’s sleep is crucial for looking your best. Rest allows your body to repair and rejuvenate, reducing the appearance of dark circles and puffiness around the eyes. When you’re well-rested, your skin looks more refreshed, and your overall complexion is brighter. Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep the night before your appointment to ensure you wake up looking and feeling your best.
Pro Tip: If you wake up with puffy eyes, place cold cucumbers over your eyes and relax for a few minutes. Cucumbers are a natural and inexpensive way to refresh tired eyes.
4. Waxing and Brow Shaping
If you plan to have any waxing done, such as eyebrows, upper lip, or other areas, it’s best to do so at least 24 to 48 hours before your appointment. This allows any redness or irritation to subside, ensuring that your skin is calm and ready for makeup. The same goes for brow shaping—whether you tweeze, wax, or thread, give your skin time to recover to avoid any sensitivity during makeup application.
Pro Tip: If you are new to waxing, it’s a good idea to have your first appointment at least six weeks prior.
5. Exfoliate Your Skin
Exfoliating your skin the night before your appointment can help remove dead skin cells, leaving your skin smooth and ready for makeup. Use a gentle exfoliant that suits your skin type, and follow up with a good moisturizer. Avoid over-exfoliating, as this can cause redness and irritation, which might make makeup application more challenging.
My Pick: Buff your way to a revitalized complexion with the Lumiere de Vie® Exfoliating Face Scrub. This energizing scrub deep cleanses, revealing skin that feels refreshed and smooth to the touch. The scrub texture is made from ivory palm seed, a highly effective botanical and sustainable exfoliant. It helps to remove dead skin cells, excess oil and unclogs pores for your best skin yet. This cool mint green formula has an invigorating, lightly tropical scent both you and your other half will love.
6. Manicured Nails
While hair and makeup are the primary focus, don’t forget about your nails. Your hands might be featured in some of your photos, especially if you’ll be holding props or showcasing certain poses. Ensure your nails are clean and manicured, whether you choose a neutral polish or something bold that complements your outfit. Even a simple, polished look can add to the overall appearance of sophistication and attention to detail.
Pro Tip: If you are looking to add some length to your nails, grab a pack of Dashing Diva Magic Press on Nails. It’s an easy and inexpensive way to get picture perfect nails!
7. Eat a Healthy Diet
In the days leading up to your appointment, focus on eating a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and plenty of water. What you eat can directly impact the condition of your skin and hair. A balanced diet full of vitamins and antioxidants will help your skin glow, reduce puffiness, and make your hair look shiny and healthy. Avoid excessive sugar, salty foods, and alcohol, as these can cause bloating and dullness in the skin.
Pro Tip: Hydration is key to healthy skin and hair, so be sure to drink plenty of water in the days leading up to your appointment. Well-hydrated skin looks plumper and more radiant, making it easier for makeup to blend seamlessly. Similarly, hydrated hair is more manageable and easier to style.
8. Avoid New Skincare Products
In the days leading up to your appointment, stick to your tried-and-true skincare products. Introducing new products can sometimes cause unexpected reactions, such as breakouts or irritation, which can complicate makeup application. Keep your routine consistent to ensure your skin is in its best condition.
Pro Tip: If you do have a breakout, don’t pick! A pimple is easy to cover with makeup, but scabs are more tricky. Do whatever it takes to stop picking at your skin, even if that means wearing bandaids on your fingertips! If you bite your nails, same!
9. Stay Protected From The Sun
Do not tan unless it’s part of your regular routine! Be very careful to avoid getting sunburned! If you’ll be outside a lot in the weeks before your photoshoot, cover up as much as possible to avoid tan lines, and keep the sunscreen handy.
My Pick: Lumière de Vie® Daily Brightening Broad Spectrum SPF 50, the essential your skin can’t live without. Protect and care for the skin with this silky, fast-absorbing crème that provides high protection from UVA and UVB exposure while soothing, brightening and evening skin tone.
10. Know Your Preferences
While your hair and makeup artist will bring their expertise to the table, it’s important to communicate your preferences and any specific concerns you might have. Whether it’s a particular makeup look you love or a hairstyle that you’re hoping to achieve, share these details with your artist. If you have any skin sensitivities or allergies, be sure to mention those as well.
Pro Tip: If you do have certain preferences, don’t hesitate to bring some photos as examples. I actually like to see what you do and even do not like. Pinterest is a great place to save your ideas.
11. Wear a Comfortable Outfit
On the day of your appointment, wear a comfortable, loose-fitting top that is easy to remove without disturbing your hair and makeup. A button-down shirt or a top with a wide neckline is ideal, as it allows you to change into your photoshoot outfit without ruining your look.
Pro Tip: Beware of socks or other tight fitting clothes. They could leave marks that take awhile to disappear and you don’t want them showing in your pictures!
12. Relax and Trust the Process
Lastly, come to your appointment with an open mind and a relaxed attitude. Trust that your hair and makeup artist has the skills and experience to create a look that complements your features and the theme of your shoot. Take this time to enjoy the pampering and get excited about your photoshoot.
Pro Tip: Don’t be afraid to speak up if you want something changed. I would rather you be comfortable with your look than regret it later!
Conclusion
By following these preparation tips, you’ll ensure that your hair and makeup appointment goes smoothly and that you achieve the flawless, camera-ready look you’re aiming for. Preparation is key to making the most of your professional hair and makeup session, so take the time to get ready and let the experts work their magic.