Hairdressing Photography: How to Take Hair Pics Like a Pro

Published June 23, 2025

Capturing the perfect hair shot can make all the difference for a hairstylist, salon owner, or photographer. If you’re showcasing a trendy haircut, bold hair color, or intricate detailing in a hairstyle, great photography can help you attract more clients, grow your brand, and enhance your portfolio. The right techniques can transform a simple photo into a stunning work of art by bringing out the best features of hair.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to elevate your hairdressing photography game. From understanding lighting to mastering composition, let’s explore the art of snapping hair shots like a professional.

Why Hairdressing Photography Matters

Hair photography isn’t something you should take lightly as a salon professional or stylist. It’s your chance to capture the essence of your expertise and present your work in its best light. High-quality photos can be used for marketing on social media, featured in lookbooks, or even entered in industry competitions. Done right, they can highlight the texture, shine, and color that your styling brought into reality.

On the other hand, poorly lit, cluttered, or unflattering photos can make your incredible work look ordinary. Luckily, with a few adjustments to your techniques, you can easily turn your shots into scroll-stopping masterpieces.

1. Master the Lighting

Lighting is the most critical factor when it comes to hair photography. Without proper lighting, you risk losing the vibrance and details of the hair you worked so hard on.

Tips for Optimal Lighting

• Use Natural Light: Natural light, particularly near a window or outdoors in the early morning or late afternoon, offers a soft, flattering glow for hair photos. Avoid harsh midday sunlight as it can create unflattering shadows.
• Diffuse Direct Light: Use a sheer curtain or white paper to soften sunlight if it’s too harsh. You want the light to illuminate the hair evenly without creating harsh contrasts.
• Reflect Light for Balance: Use inexpensive tools like a reflector (or even a white poster board) to bounce light onto areas that look too dark, such as the back of the head.
• Ring Lights for Consistency: If natural light isn’t available, opt for a ring light. Position the ring light slightly higher than the subject and shoot through the center for evenly distributed brightness.

Remember, how light reflects off the hair can make or break your photo. Play around with positioning until you find the perfect highlight.

2. Simplify Your Background

The background of your photo should enhance—not distract from—the hairstyle. A clutter-free background makes it easier for viewers to focus on the hair’s details.

Choosing the Right Background

• Stick to neutral backdrops like white, black, or gray to make the hair pop.
• For a lifestyle feel, take photos near clean, modern elements in your salon.
• Outdoor shoots: If you decide to shoot outdoors, pick simple, soft-colored surroundings and avoid busy or distracting landscapes.

3. Perfect the Angles and Composition

Angles play a crucial role in showcasing the depth and dimension of the hair. Experiment with different positions to capture the “best side” of the hairstyle.

Tips for Capturing Angles

• Slightly Above Works Best: Shooting from slightly above helps emphasize shine while creating flattering angles.
• Profile Views: For updos and braids, focus on catching side profiles or a 45-degree angle instead of shooting straight on.
• Close-Ups for Intricate Details: Capturing fine details like balayage highlights is easiest with close-up shots using a sharp lens or portrait mode on your camera.

Additionally, follow the Rule of Thirds when composing your shot. Imagine a 3×3 grid overlay and place your focal point (like a hair braid or curls) at one of the intersections. This creates visual balance and keeps the viewer’s eyes glued to the subject.

4. Smartphone vs DSLR Cameras

When it comes to equipment, both smartphones and DSLR cameras can take exceptional photos when used correctly.         

Smartphone Tips

Modern smartphones, especially newer iPhone or Android models, are equipped with stunning camera capabilities:

• Use portrait mode to blur the background and make the hair stand out.
• Tap on the screen to set focus on the hair and swipe up or down to adjust the lighting exposure manually.
• Avoid digital zoom as it can decrease clarity; move closer to the subject instead.

DSLR Tips

For professionals investing in next-level equipment, DSLRs are unbeatable. Try these settings:

• Shutter speed: Around 1/200 for sharp images.
• ISO: Keep it low (200-400) for clean shots.
• Aperture: Set at f/5.6–f/6.3 for just the right depth of field to focus on both foreground and background.

A DSLR with a prime lens (like 50mm) can truly elevate your hair photos with outstanding clarity and depth.

5. Add Final Touches During Editing

Editing apps can take your photo from good to great by fine-tuning colors, contrast, and brightness. Preserve the authenticity of the hairstyle while enhancing focal points.

Recommended Apps

• Lightroom Mobile: Adjust contrast, shadows, and exposure for a polished look.
• Canva: Great for creating branded templates for social media.
• VSCO: Apply professional filters or retouch details while keeping the photo natural-looking.