Senior year is an exciting time, and your senior pictures should reflect your confidence, personality, and style. Whether you're going for a polished, classic look or something more laid-back and natural, grooming plays a huge role in how you show up in your photos. To help you put your best face forward, here's the ultimate grooming guide for guys' senior pictures.

1. Fresh Haircut – But Not the Day Before

A fresh trim can make all the difference, but don't wait until the night before your session to get one. Schedule your haircut about a week in advance so it has time to settle in. This prevents any awkward “just-cut” sharp lines or irritation and ensures your hair looks natural and well-groomed.

2. Keep Facial Hair Sharp and Clean

If you prefer a clean-shaven look for your senior portraits, shave the morning of your session to avoid stubble. Use a fresh razor, warm water, and shaving cream to prevent irritation. If you have facial hair, make sure it's neatly trimmed and shaped to define your jawline without looking scruffy.

3. Tame the Brows

Eyebrows frame your face, and while you don't need a full-on brow-shaping session, a little maintenance can make a difference. If your brows tend to get unruly, lightly trim or pluck any stray hairs for a clean and polished look.

4. Skincare for a Smooth Look

A simple skincare routine leading up to your session can make your skin look fresh and vibrant in photos. Here's an easy plan:

• Hydrate – Drink plenty of water in the days before your session to keep your skin looking healthy.
• Moisturize – Apply a lightweight moisturizer daily to prevent dryness.
• Exfoliate – Use a gentle face scrub 2-3 days before your session to remove dead skin cells and avoid flakiness.

5. Lips Matter Too

Chapped lips can show up in close-up senior portraits, so keep your lips hydrated. Use lip balm regularly in the days leading up to your session, and avoid licking your lips, which can dry them out more. Our favorite therapy for lips that don't taste odd or look bad in photographs is Aquaphor.

6. Hand and Nail Care

Your hands will likely be in some shots, especially for casual and personality-driven poses. Trim and clean your nails, and if you tend to have dry hands, use a non-greasy lotion before your session.

7. Stay True to Your Style

Your grooming should reflect who you are—if you typically rock a scruffy beard or a laid-back hairstyle, don't feel like you have to change it for your session. Just make sure it's well-groomed and intentional so you look like the best version of yourself.

8. Avoid Sunburns & Skin Redness

If your session is during warmer months, avoid excessive sun exposure a few days before. A sunburn or redness can be tough to edit out naturally, so wear sunscreen and take care of your skin.

9. Rest Up & Stay Hydrated

Dark circles or tired skin can show up in photos, so make sure to get plenty of rest the night before your session. Drinking lots of water also helps keep your skin looking fresh.

10. Final Touches on the Day of Your Session

• Style your hair as you normally would, avoiding heavy gels or sprays that make it look stiff.
• Bring a comb or brush for quick touch-ups.
• If you tend to get oily skin, blotting papers or a light dusting of translucent powder can help reduce shine in photos.

Ready to Book Your Senior Session?

Now that you've got the grooming part down, let's capture some incredible senior pictures that showcase your confidence and personality! If you're ready to book your session, contact me today, and let's plan a shoot that highlights the best version of you!