Of all the professional headshot tips we are asked about, hair advice is at the top of the list.

Here are some tips from Alyssa Bozian, stylist at Blue Vintage Salon in Lexington.

“If you’d like your hair looking it’s best,” says Alyssa, consider having it blown dry just before your portrait session. While having a basic trim can also be a good idea, Alyssa doesn’t recommend getting a drastic style change just before a photography appointment. “You want to feel and express who you are for your portrait and a new ‘do’ might take some growing into.”

Alyssa recommends having your hair color up to date so that gray hair or dark roots aren’t visible.

Have you spent a lot of time in the sun? Be careful not to arrive at your portrait session with ‘white walls!’ Long hair, bangs and side burns have protected your skin from the sun. If you get your hair cut you may be surprised that you suddenly have a pale line of skin that will show up unnaturally in the portrait. This tip not only applies to summertime sessions but after you return from your sunny winter holiday.

Alyssa suggests letting her know that you will be having your portrait taken so that she can apply the optimum amount of finishing product. You’ll want enough to hold the style for the session and to keep any fly-aways down but not so much that it looks unnatural.

Unless you’re having the portrait done for a specific acting or modeling project, the goal is to look your best but also look and feel like yourself!

Blue Vintage Salon is right down the street from the studio. We’re happy to coordinate your hair and publicity portrait sessions conveniently back-to-back. Schedule your session with Alyssa at (781) 274-0070 www.bluevintagesalon.com