Three Appointments to Make Before Your Senior Session

Getting ready for your senior photos involves more than picking out outfits and practicing your smile – a little beauty and grooming prep can go a long way in making you look and feel your best. We recommend scheduling three appointments before your session to ensure everything is on point. Let’s break down what they are and why they matter:

1. Hair Appointment – The Confidence Cut/Style:

Your hair is your crowning glory, and having it look its best will boost your confidence in front of the camera. We suggest scheduling a hair appointment about 1 to 2 weeks before your session. Why this timing? If you’re getting a haircut, a week or so gives your hair time to “grow in” just a touch and for you to get used to styling it. You’ll avoid that super fresh-cut look, but still have a neat style without split ends. If you color your hair, this timing is great to touch up roots or refresh your highlights so your color is vibrant and even.

For girls: decide if you want a simple trim or something more significant like layering or adding face-framing pieces that will look nice in photos. Communicate to your stylist that you have a photo session coming – they might have suggestions (like “let’s not cut bangs right now if you’ve never had them,” to avoid an unfamiliar look). Also, consider booking a styling appointment on the day of your shoot. Many seniors opt to have their hair professionally styled (blowout, curls, updo, etc.) the morning of the session. Professional styling can help your hair hold up better through multiple outfit changes and outdoor conditions. If that’s not in your budget, practice your chosen hairstyle beforehand. Whether it’s loose curls, straight and sleek, a braid crown, or a cute high ponytail, having a plan and maybe using a bit of extra product (mousse, anti-frizz serum, hair spray) can ensure your hair stays photo-perfect.

For guys: definitely get a haircut about a week before the session . A fresh cut looks sharp, but if you cut it the day before, sometimes it can look too blunt or scalp-exposing (especially for short fades). A few days to a week lets it look natural. Stick to a style you’re comfortable with – your senior photos aren’t the time to experiment with a totally new hairstyle that might not feel “you.” If you have facial hair and plan to keep it, visit a barber for a trim/shape-up so it looks intentional and neat. On the session day, style your hair as you normally would (bring a bit of gel or pomade for touch-ups if needed). The wind or humidity in North Carolina can be tricky, but we’ll help you fix stray hairs during the shoot if needed.

2. Makeup Appointment or Consultation – Picture-Perfect Face:

Makeup can be a game changer for senior photos – even if you’re someone who doesn’t wear a lot normally. The camera and natural light can wash out features slightly, so a bit of enhancement ensures you shine. We highly recommend an appointment with a professional makeup artist on the day of your session (or a couple hours before). A pro MUA knows how to do makeup that reads well on camera – that means they’ll use techniques to bring out your eyes, even out your skin tone, and add definition to your features without it looking heavy-handed. They also use high-quality products that tend to last longer (so your makeup can endure a 2-hour outdoor session in the Raleigh heat!).

If a professional makeup session isn’t accessible, consider doing a makeup lesson or at least a trial run on yourself before the shoot. There are even makeup counters at Sephora/Ulta or department stores where you can get a makeover. The key points for photo-ready makeup:

• Use a foundation that matches your skin and avoid SPF in foundation (SPF can cause a white cast with flash photography). Many MUAs note that mineral makeup or SPF can create shine or flashback . If your session is all outdoors with natural light, flashback is less an issue, but shine still is – so matte or satin finish products are better than super dewy ones.
  
• Accentuate the eyes: false lashes or individual lash clusters can be awesome if you’re comfortable with them – they make your eyes stand out. If not, a couple of coats of mascara and maybe a soft eyeliner will do wonders.
  
• Brows: fill them in lightly if needed; brows frame your face.
  
• Cheeks/Lips: a bit of blush and a lip color a shade or two deeper than your everyday lip tone helps you not to look washed out. Even if you love clear lip gloss, consider a tinted gloss or soft berry shade – in photos, that little bit of color prevents the “no-lips” look.
  
• Set it: using a setting powder on the T-zone (forehead, nose, chin) or a setting spray can help prevent shine and make the makeup last, especially in warm weather.
  

And fellas… you’re not off the hook! You wouldn’t necessarily do a makeup appointment, but there are a couple of things you might consider. One, some guys get a bit of shine or redness; a light powder (steal some of your mom or sister’s translucent powder) on the morning of can reduce shine . If you have blemishes you’re worried about, you can even use a dab of concealer – it’s totally fine, and we retouch if needed, but it might boost your confidence to cover an obvious spot. Also, a makeup artist can put a little powder on you too if you come with your sister or friend – we’ve seen it all and it doesn’t feel weird, promise!

3. Manicure (and General Nail Care) – Details Matter:

Your hands will definitely make appearances in your senior photos, whether you’re running a hand through your hair, resting your chin on your hand, holding a prop, or simply visible by your sides. Having well-groomed nails completes your look. We advise scheduling a manicure the day before or two days before your session.

For girls: even if you don’t usually get your nails done, consider at least a basic mani – shaping, cleaning up the cuticles, and applying a clear coat or neutral polish. You’d be amazed how much better you’ll feel about your hands if they’re neat. If you love nail art and color, that’s fine, but try to pick a color that won’t clash with your outfits. Neutrals, soft pinks, French manicures, or even a classic red (if it matches your clothing choices) are safe bets. Extremely bold or neon colors can draw the eye and potentially clash with your outfit changes, so we usually suggest avoiding those for your shoot. Also, avoid chipped polish at all costs, if your mani chips easily, do it as close to the session as possible or opt for a gel manicure that will stay pristine . Don’t forget your toenails if you’ll wear open-toe shoes or be barefoot in any shots (some seniors love barefoot-in-the-creek photos or sandals with a cute dress). A pedicure is a nice treat and ensures you won’t be hiding your feet!

For guys: clean, trimmed nails are all we ask. If you’re game, some barbers or salons offer “sports manicures” or just a simple buff and trim for men. It’s not about polish, it’s about looking clean. It might feel fancy, but you’d be surprised, many guys do it before weddings or photos. At minimum, make sure your nails are trimmed, filed, and hands moisturized (dry, cracked knuckles can actually show, especially in close-ups with class rings or where hands are near the face). If you have any dirt or grease under your nails (calling all mechanics or athletes!), definitely get that out beforehand. Quick tip: the morning of, use a bit of lotion on your hands; it’ll make them look healthier.

Bonus Appointment – (If Applicable) Skincare or Brow Grooming:

Okay, we said three, but here’s a little extra to consider: If you struggle with skin issues or want a facial, you can do a skin treatment but plan it a few weeks out. Do not get a facial or skin peel within a week of your session; sometimes they cause breakouts or redness initially . If you want to shape or wax your eyebrows (guys or girls), do it a few days before so any redness dissipates. Same goes for any facial waxing.

Also, if you’re thinking of a spray tan… be cautious. Many photographers (including us) often warn against spray tans right before photos because if it goes wrong, it’s hard to fix (orange or streaky skin is tough to edit naturally). If you insist on a spray tan, do it at least 3-4 days before so it settles and you have time for a couple showers for a more natural tone. A light, professional spray is okay; a DIY bronzer mishap is not. Often your natural skin tone, even if you feel it’s pale, will photograph beautifully with the right lighting.

By checking off these appointments – hair, makeup, and nails – you’re investing in feeling polished and prepared. Think of it as part of your senior experience: a little pampering and self-care leading up to your session can also be a lot of fun and a way to celebrate yourself. Bring your mom or a friend and turn it into a pre-photo prep day!

At Aimee Sue Photography, we partner with some fabulous local hair and makeup artists here in the Raleigh/Triangle area. If you book a senior session with us, we can connect you with pros we trust (some of our packages even include professional hair and makeup in the experience). We’ve seen shy seniors absolutely light up after seeing themselves in pro makeup with a fresh hairstyle – it’s often a boost that translates into more confident poses and smiles during the shoot.

And remember, these appointments are not about changing who you are – they’re about amplifying your natural beauty and making sure little grooming details don’t take away from that. You’re still 100% authentically you, just with maybe a bit less frizz and a bit more polish 😉.

So go ahead and pencil in those appointments. Treat yourself! You deserve to look and feel amazing during this milestone moment. After all the prep, you can arrive at your session knowing you’ve taken care of the details, and you can just relax and have fun while we capture your best self.

We can’t wait to see the glammed-up, confident YOU at your session! If you need any recommendations (like which salon in Clayton gives the best blowouts or who does fantastic natural-look makeup in Raleigh), drop us a line – we’re happy to help.

Happy prepping!

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