One of the key aspects of professional portrait photography is paying attention to stray hairs, those individual strands that pop up and catch the light. I’m not talking about hair being tousled by the wind, which can add movement and life to an image. I mean those flyaways that can be distracting and take away from the overall polished look of a portrait.
Many photographers retouch these stray hairs because part of our job is to enhance an image, ensuring you look your best while keeping the viewer’s focus on you, rather than on tiny details that might make a portrait feel untidy. But that being said, there are times when messy hair isn’t just acceptable, it’s desirable. It can be an essential part of the story, adding rawness, energy, and authenticity to the image.
When Should Hair Be Tidy?
If I’m photographing a professional headshot, stray hairs should be kept under control. In this case, we’re capturing a polished, refined version of you, one that reflects confidence and professionalism. Whether you’re a business leader, an entrepreneur, or a creative professional, your portrait represents your personal brand. Stray hairs can create a sense of disorganisation, which isn’t ideal for a corporate or polished look.
When is Messy Hair a Good Thing?
On the other hand, there are many instances where slightly unkempt or tousled hair adds to the aesthetic and emotional depth of an image.
Capturing Movement and Freedom
Imagine a woman running along the beach, laughing, her hair tousled by the breeze. Or someone sitting outdoors, smiling as the wind plays with their hair. These moments feel natural and unfiltered, and in these cases, messy hair adds to the feeling of joy, spontaneity, and a free-spirited nature.The Rockstar Edge
Messy hair is also a signature of rebellion and confidence. Think of rockstars and fashion icons, deliberately tousled, wild hair adds attitude and an effortless coolness. This works perfectly for edgier photoshoots where you want to convey boldness and personality.Intimate & Authentic Portraits
A tousled hairstyle can also bring warmth and intimacy to a portrait. Imagine a cosy, candid boudoir session, wrapped in a sweater, woolly socks, hair naturally messy, holding a cup of tea or coffee. These types of images feel raw, real, and deeply personal, embracing the beauty of imperfection.
The Timeless Influence of Brigitte Bardot & Kate Moss
When we think of messy hair as an art form, two names instantly come to mind: Brigitte Bardot and Kate Moss.
Brigitte Bardot, with her iconic tousled blonde locks, defined effortless glamour in the 1960s. Her hair, often slightly undone and wild, became a symbol of sensuality and freedom, proof that imperfection can be breathtakingly beautiful.
Kate Moss, one of the most influential models in fashion history, has always embraced a naturally dishevelled, undone look. Her signature “bedhead” hair is synonymous with the cool, carefree aesthetic that dominated the ‘90s and remains a trend to this day. She’s a perfect example of how messy hair, when styled intentionally, can create an unforgettable visual identity.
The key to great portrait photography is knowing when to refine and when to embrace imperfection. Messy hair can be distracting in some cases, but in others, it adds emotion, movement, and personality to an image. Whether you’re aiming for a polished professional look or a raw, authentic aesthetic, your hairstyle should complement the story you want your portrait to tell.
What’s your take on messy hair in portraits? Do you love the effortlessly cool vibe, or do you prefer a more polished look?
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