It's one of the first questions people ask when they book: do I need to hire a hair and makeup artist? The honest answer is that most people don't. But some do, and knowing which group you fall into will save you money, stress, and a fair amount of second guessing on shoot day.
After years of shooting actors, executives, and founders in Midtown, here is how I think about it.
The Short Answer: It's Optional
Hair and makeup is never required for a session with Turi Productions. A headshot is supposed to look like you, and for most people the version of themselves they already know how to create is exactly the right starting point. Good lighting and a calm session do far more for a headshot than a full face of professional makeup.
That said, "optional" doesn't mean "never." There are real situations where an artist earns their spot on the call sheet.
The DIY Hair and Makeup Trend Is Real
Over the last few years, more and more clients have been doing their own hair and makeup, and the results have been great. There are a few reasons for this.
For Actors, Casting Wants the Person Who Walks In
Today's casting directors want your headshot to look like you on audition day. If an artist gives you a look you can't recreate yourself, you've built a gap between the photo and the person in the room. That's why I usually recommend actors do their own hair and makeup. You know your face, you know your audition routine, and the photo should match it. I wrote more about this in what 17 years behind the camera taught me about what actually books actors.
Modern Headshots Are Less Polished on Purpose
Corporate headshots have moved the same way. Teams want people who look approachable and real, not airbrushed. A natural, everyday look fits that style perfectly, and retouching takes care of temporary distractions like a blemish or a stray hair. Retouching won't change who you are, and it shouldn't.
When It's Worth Hiring an Artist
There are a few cases where I'll gently suggest bringing in a professional:
You're unsure what to do. If you don't normally wear makeup but want a little polish, an artist can even out skin tone without making you look "done."
You don't want to think about it. Some people simply want to arrive, sit down, and be taken care of. That's a perfectly good reason.
Multiple looks in one session. For personal branding sessions with several outfits and settings, an artist can adjust hair and makeup between looks so each one feels intentional.
Hair that fights you. Flyaways, frizz, or a style that collapses by noon are easier to manage with someone watching between frames.
You're welcome to bring your own artist, or I can recommend people I trust and have worked with many times. If an artist joins the session at the studio, a studio fee applies, and we'll confirm everything ahead of time so there are no surprises.
If You're Doing Your Own: What Actually Works
Hair
Arrive with your hair styled the way you love it on a good day. If you need a cut or color, book it three to five days before your session so it has time to settle. Bring your products and a brush for quick touch ups between setups.
Makeup
Keep it clean and natural, your best daytime look. It's much easier to add a little more during the session than to take it off. Matte products photograph better than shimmer, and blotting papers are the single most useful thing you can pack.
Grooming
For beards, a clean line matters more than length. And if you want both a clean shaven look and a bit of scruff, come in with the scruff. You can shave mid session at the studio and we'll capture both.
For the full checklist of wardrobe, skin, and what to pack, read how to prepare for your headshot session, or browse the Turi Productions session prep guide.
What About Team Headshot Days?
For corporate headshots in NYC, most teams skip a dedicated artist. Sessions run on a steady rhythm of about ten minutes per person, and a quick mirror check usually covers it. If your company wants extra polish, especially for leadership or a public facing team, we can plan for a touch up station so people get a quick refresh right before their slot. You can see how that fits into the day in inside a Turi Productions team headshot day.
Still Not Sure? Ask Before You Book
Hair and makeup is one of the easiest things to settle in a short prep call. Tell me how you usually wear your hair, what you do for makeup on an important day, and where the photos will be used. I'll tell you honestly whether an artist will make a difference.
When you're ready, book your headshot session and we'll talk it through.
