Looking to glam up for your upcoming maternity photoshoot? Gorgeous hair is the finishing touch to any photo session. The right hairstyle and makeup look will evaluate your maternity photos and make you feel confident in front of the camera.
Styling your hair for a maternity photoshoot can be tricky. You’ll want to choose a style that looks good from all angles. You’ll also want to consider your hair type, length, color, and overall condition when choosing a style. If you’re not sure which style is best for you, consult with a professional hair stylist and makeup artist to put together a stunning look for your session.
What Is a Maternity Photoshoot?
Maternity photography is often done during the third trimester of pregnancy as a way to commemorate this speci
al event in a woman’s life and celebrate the impending birth of a new baby. A maternity photo shoot captures the beauty of a baby bump and affirms the special bond forming between expecting moms and their unborn children.
A maternity session can be done in a studio or outdoors in the location of your client’s choosing. Expecting moms can schedule a solo session, a maternity session with the kids, or even a family portrait with everyone included. Many families enjoy spending this special moment together and love having photos to look back on for years to come.
Maternity Photoshoot Hairstyles
Beautiful hair can really enhance the overall look of your maternity photos. Whether you prefer natural beauty or like the allure that makeup and the right hairstyle can provide, it’s important that you feel your very best at your photo shoot. Here are a few examples of maternity shoot hairstyles that may be perfect for your upcoming session.
1. Loose Braids or Twists
Not all women are blessed with super thick hair. Fortunately, the right hairstyle can make all the difference. During your photo session, consider sporting some loose braids or twists. Both braids and twists are an excellent way to add texture and visual interest around the face. Braids and twists can also be useful for pulling the hair away from the face and framing it elegantly to showcase the expecting mom’s facial features.
There are many different ways to incorporate braids and twists into the hair. Locate a stylist that offers excellent beauty services in your location or the surrounding areas and schedule an appointment shortly before your photo shoot. Depending on the length of your hair, you may choose to add loose braids or twists to an updo or incorporate these weaving techniques into only the top layers of hair.
2. Half-Up Hairstyles
The half-up, half-down hairstyle is a popular option for a maternity photo shoot or newborn session. Half-up hairstyles provide expecting moms with a classic, soft look that is both elegant and feminine. With a half-up hairstyle, you don’t have to worry about your hair falling in your face or overwhelming your best features. However, you can still achieve beautiful loose curls that fall around your shoulders. Consider wearing a strapless dress with your half-up hairstyle, along with a statement necklace.
There are many different ways to pull off the half-up hairstyle that will look incredible in your pregnancy photo. Ask your stylist to create a braid or twist on each side that pulls into a bun or ponytail in the back. Half-up hairstyles also look amazing with a variety of hair accessories, such as jeweled barrettes, hair combs, or real flowers. Soft curls or waves make this hairstyle appear even more gorgeous, especially in natural light.
3. Loose Pony
Loose ponytails are a popular style for photoshoot sessions as they provide a soft and feminine look. They are especially great during the warmer months of the year when it can be too hot outdoors to wear your hair down. This somewhat messy and playful look is fairly easy to achieve, whether at home or in a hair salon. The goal of this look is to create volume and to avoid the slicked-back look which can be unappealing in photos.
Loose ponytails can be placed high on the head for a bolder look or low to rest on the nape of the neck. Pull some pieces loose in the front to frame the face and create a dramatic look. Wrap a section of hair around the elastic band to create a finished look and make the hair appear more voluminous. Other techniques can also be incorporated into a loose ponytail, such as braids or twists.
4. Soft Curls
Soft curls are beautiful with nearly any hair type, from shoulder-length styles to long and flowing waves. Curls are also easy to achieve with the right curling iron and a few strategically placed bobby pins. Soft curls look incredible with any outfit, especially long flowing gowns, such as a maternity maxi dress. Choose a dress with a deep V-neckline and showcase your beautiful curls over your shoulders.
If you don’t like the look of tighter curls, ask your hairstylist to give you brushed-out curls which are looser, softer, and more lived-in. This look appears oh-so-effortless but when paired with a stunning outfit, can lead to an incredible pregnancy photo that you will love to show off to family and on social media. You can also add accessories to your soft curls, such as decorative hair pins or fresh flowers.
5. Updos
Updos have long been favored for formal and semi-formal events, including maternity photoshoot sessions. An updo works for nearly any type of hair, including straight, wavy, and curly, and can range from sleek and sophisticated to elegant and romantic. The right updo will have you feeling like a princess as you show off your belly in a beautiful maternity dress. Remember that updos are great for elongating your neck, so choose a dress with a flattering neckline.
The type of updo you choose will depend on several factors, such as the length of your hair. If you have longer hair, you can create a lot of volume by using loose twists or braids to create an elegant bun. Shorter hair can also look amazing in updos, whether you choose a messy chignon or a twisted ballerina bun. French twist updos are also stunning on camera, especially with loose framing pieces pulled around the face.
Hair Accessories for Maternity Photoshoots
Give your hairstyle some extra oomph with the right accessory. There are countless hair accessories on the market to choose from, ranging from bedazzled barrettes to handcrafted headpieces with real flowers. When choosing a hair accessory, consider your wardrobe options and what will look best in a photo. Here are some fun options to consider:
- Flower Crowns – Whether with real flowers or fake, flower crowns can be a sweet and whimsical addition to any maternity photo outfit. You can find flower crowns made with all different types of flowers and greenery and in all colors of the rainbow.
- Beaded Headpieces – A beaded headpiece is a glamorous option that can enhance nearly any hairstyle. These headbands often feature delicate beads or jewels placed strategically on a headpiece to create an eye-catching pattern or intricate design.
- Hair Combs – Hair combs can be found in many different styles, ranging from simple pearls to clusters of sparkling diamonds. The decorative element is attached to a comb or pin that easily slides into your hair. Hair combs are great for updos but can also be used in half-up hairstyles and hair with loose curls.
Next Steps for a Pregnancy Photoshoot
You’ve scheduled your hair and makeup services and given yourself a little self-pampering. Now you’re ready for the next step – finding the perfect dress! While hair & makeup are important, you’ll want that happy moment in front of the camera to be complete with an amazing gown.
Choose a Maternity Dress
An airbrush makeup look and refined hairstyle are just the first steps in preparing for a maternity photoshoot. To really be prepared for your upcoming session, you’ll need to find the perfect dress. At J&L Designs Boutique, you’ll find a wide selection of designer dresses for maternity photoshoots and other special events.
J&L Designs specializes in handmade maternity gowns designed to beautify your bump. Whether you like the look of a flowy maxi dress, a lace maternity gown, a soft velvet maternity dress, or a stretch bodysuit with a removable sheer flowy skirt, you’re sure to find something you love. Dresses can be found in a wide range of high-quality materials, such as satin, tulle, chiffon, lace, velvet, and solid knit.
With an exquisite hairstyle and gorgeous maternity dress from J&L Designs Boutique, you’ll feel beautiful and confident as you capture memories of one of the most important milestones in your life. Shop J&L Designs and choose your favorite dress and accessories for your upcoming maternity photoshoot.