5 Tips for Great Hair Photos
One of the very best ways to market yourself as a hand-tied hair extensions artist is to post those epic before and after hair transformations on Instagram! Think about it: anyone who is considering investing in hair extensions wants to see just how much of a difference they can make. As stylists, it’s part of our job to educate our clients and show them how they could look with their dream hair!
That’s why I’m always working on my iPhone photography skills to get the best before and after photos possible! Here are a few off my tried and true tips for great hair photos:
Find the Light
This is the first tip because it’s the most important! Putting your client in the best light is key to showing off the work you just did! Natural light is best, so I recommend taking their photo in front of a glass door or window. You don’t want the yellows of fluorescent lighting making your platinum blondes look brassy!
If you can go outside and have a nice background, that’s even better! You’ll get the truest representation of the hair color in natural light.
Now, if you don’t have any great natural light options in your space, don’t worry! You can get a ring light for a super reasonable price, and it will change your life! Shine that baby on your client’s new hair, and you’ll see a world of difference.
Clear the Background
When it comes to getting a great hair photo, it’s important to put lighting first and background second. Nice natural lighting the most crucial part of a great photo, but you also want the background to be clean and free of distractions! A neutral wall or in front of a cool wallpaper or art in your salon is a great option!
As we all know, the salon you’re working in doesn’t always fit your personal brand. For example, I take my photos in front of a glass door in my salon, but what’s in the background is the name of the salon in gold. Now this isn’t MY salon, so the sign isn’t exactly on brand, but it has become an icon on my Instagram feed! It’s easy to spot my hair photos because they’re always in front of that same portion of the sign with a gold swoop! Sometimes you have to get creative to make it work!
Keep it Consistent
Speaking of a consistent background, it’s also essential to keep your photo editing consistent. I use the free Adobe Lightroom app to edit my photos with Harper Ellis Presets, but I have developed a bit of my own style over time. For example, you might use the same preset consistently, but you’ll tweak a little. You might like a cooler tone or a more pink tone. You might like your contrast to be a little higher and you clarity slider to be to the left a tad.
Of course, there are tons of other editing apps out there like Snapseed, PicTapGo, or even Instagram’s in-app editor. Whichever editing app you choose, remember to play around with it to find your own unique style!
Make it Perfect
This is a tough one for stylists, especially because we know that time is money! It can be tempting to put in some beautiful beach waves and send your client on their way. But remember, the photos you take of your work are the MOST effective marketing tools you have! Take the time to style their hair and get a great photo! You might want to switch it up with a fun braid, tighter curls, accessories and clips, or smooth, straight locks. Use your hairspray and brush to fix flyaways and tangles before getting your shot.
Don’t worry — your client is going to love the extra time you put into their hair! You might ask, “Do you have time for a few photos?” Nine times out of ten, they’ll say yes because they want a great photo of their new hair, too! Who wouldn’t?
Try Different Angles
When you get your client in position and your lighting right, it’s time to experiment with angles! Here are some examples of different angles I use to get great hair photos:
Another tip? Don’t forget about video! I’m often blown away by how many views a video of me brushing a client’s hair or fluffing it with my fingers will get. Plus, you can really show off the fullness and depth of hair extensions with video and movement.
BONUS TIP: Don’t Forget the Before Shot!
You know it’s true: there’s nothing more powerful than the before and after shots of an incredible hair transformation! You can show future clients how you can add volume and life to thin hair. You can show how amazing you are at color correcting and blending in gray hairs! Don’t be afraid to get your before shot, especially with brand new extensions clients! Trust me, they’re going to love seeing how far their hair has come, too!
So there you have it! There’s no reason you can’t get excellent photos of you work with these helpful tips! If you use some of these, tag me at @jessicamariehairco! I’d love to see your work!