A bald head in a headshot is a lighting challenge, not a disadvantage. Done right, it photographs clean and strong. Done wrong, you get a glowing dome that pulls focus from your face.
Here's how to get it right.
The Lighting Problem
Bald and shaved heads reflect light like a mirror. Direct overhead lighting creates a hot spot on your scalp that draws the eye upward, away from where it should be: your face and eyes.
Fixes:
- Lower the key light. Bring the main light source down to face level or slightly above. This illuminates your face without creating a scalp highlight.
- Use diffused light. Softboxes, overcast sky, bounced light: anything that spreads the light reduces harsh reflections.
- Avoid overhead fluorescents. Office lighting is a bald head's worst enemy. If you're shooting at work, move near a window instead.
- Matte powder. A light dusting of translucent or mattifying powder on your scalp kills shine without looking like makeup. Most professional photographers keep some on hand. If you're self-conscious about it: every actor in every film you've ever watched is wearing it.
Framing and Angle
Standard headshot framing (head and shoulders) works well. A few adjustments help:
- Camera at eye level or very slightly above. This keeps proportions natural. Too low and the head dominates the frame. Too high and you're looking up. Not a power position.
- Slight angle. A quarter-turn adds dimension and keeps the full scalp surface from reflecting at once.
- Crop just above the top of the head. Don't leave excess space above. It emphasizes the head shape. Tight cropping at the crown feels intentional and strong.
Grooming
Shaved or naturally bald, prep matters:
- Fresh shave if you shave. Stubble on a shaved head reads as "between maintenance" rather than "deliberate choice."
- Moisturize. Dry, flaky skin shows up in high-resolution photos. Hydrate the day of.
- Handle any irritation. Razor bumps or redness on the scalp will be visible. Shave the day before if your skin needs recovery time.
- Facial hair: Well-groomed facial hair often balances a bald head nicely in photos. If you have a beard or goatee, make sure it's trimmed and shaped.
What to Wear
A bald head puts more visual emphasis on your face and upper body, which means your clothing choice matters more:
- Structured collars. A blazer or sport coat with structure frames your face and balances the clean head. Crew necks and v-necks can work but offer less visual weight.
- Contrast helps. If your skin tone is lighter, darker clothing creates a frame. Darker skin tone: either direction works, but avoid matching your shirt color to your skin.
- Skip hats. Unless your profession involves one (chef, military), hats in headshots read as hiding something.
AI Headshots for Bald Men
Studio photographers can adjust lighting on the fly. With AI headshot generators, the quality of your input photos matters.
Tips for uploading to Narkis.ai:
- Include photos with good, even lighting (no harsh overhead sources)
- Provide at least one photo where your scalp isn't reflecting directly into camera
- Upload from multiple angles so the AI understands your head shape naturally
- The AI handles the rest: professional lighting, background, attire
The advantage: you can generate multiple versions and pick the one where light, angle, and expression all work together. No rebooking if the lighting was wrong.
Final Take
Bald heads photograph well when you manage the light. Lower the source, diffuse it, matte the shine if needed, and frame the shot to keep the focus on your face. That's it.
If you don't want to deal with studio logistics, AI headshots let you skip the lighting puzzle. Upload a few clean photos and get polished results in minutes.
