DIY or Pro Hair and Makeup: How to Look Your Best for Your Portrait Session

When it comes to portrait sessions, whether it’s high school senior portraits, family photos, or branding images, how your hair and makeup look can make a huge difference in the final images. But should you do it yourself—or hire a professional? Let’s break it down so you feel confident and camera-ready.

Why Hair and Makeup Matter

Photos are forever, and the goal is to look like your best self—not someone else. Well-done hair and makeup:

• Enhance your natural features

• Smooth skin tone and texture

• Minimize distractions (like flyaways or uneven makeup)

• Boost your confidence so your personality shines through

Even the most photogenic people can feel “off” if their hair or makeup isn’t session-ready.

DIY Hair and Makeup

Doing your own hair and makeup can work if you:

• Have experience with makeup techniques that photograph well (foundation, contouring, eye definition)

• Know how to style hair in a way that lasts through your session

• Have time to plan and practice ahead

Pros:

• More control over your look

• Cost-effective

• Flexible timing

Cons:

• Can be stressful or time-consuming

• Risk of uneven application or hair frizz

• Harder to achieve a polished, professional look that stands out in photos

Tips for DIY:

• Stick to matte foundations to avoid shine under studio lights

• Blend eyeshadow and blush carefully—camera lights can exaggerate harsh lines

• Use hairspray or styling products to tame flyaways

• Practice your look before the session and take test photos

Professional Hair and Makeup

Hiring a professional can be a game-changer, especially for senior portraits, family photos, and branding sessions. Professionals know:

• How to create a long-lasting, camera-ready look

• The best colors and styles for your skin tone and outfit

• How to adjust makeup for different lighting conditions

Pros:

• Stress-free experience

• Polished and photo-ready look

• Enhances confidence for natural, relaxed expressions

Cons:

• Extra cost (but worth it for the investment in your portraits!)

• Need to book in advance to secure availability

Pro tip: If you’re booking a session at Braly Studio, we already have amazing professional hair and makeup artists who specialize in portrait-ready looks for all types of sessions on staff and ready to go.

Final Thoughts

Whether you choose DIY or professional hair and makeup, the key is to feel like your best self. Your comfort and confidence shine through in every smile, pose, and candid moment—whether you’re capturing senior portraits, family memories, or branding photos.

Remember: your portraits are an investment in memories that last a lifetime, and feeling camera-ready is worth it! 

Lastly, these two images are both images of me, one is a DIY makeup, and the other professional. Can you tell which is which?