When clients reach out before their boudoir session, one of the questions I hear most often is about prep. Should I tan, wax, or dye my hair before my shoot? It’s a fair question. Everyone wants to look and feel their best, but there’s also a lot of pressure and misinformation about what really matters for a successful session. Over the years, I’ve learned that the most important preparation isn’t about perfecting every detail—it’s about feeling confident, comfortable, and fully yourself.
The Truth About Tanning
Many clients worry about whether they should tan before their shoot. Some think they need a golden glow to look better in photos, while others fear streaks, uneven color, or burnt skin. The honest answer is that tanning is optional. Boudoir photography is all about celebrating your natural beauty, and your skin will photograph beautifully regardless of tone.
Spray tans can be a great option if it makes you feel confident, but timing is key. I usually recommend scheduling a spray tan a day or two before your session to ensure it has fully settled and looks natural. Avoid last-minute tanning or sunburns, which can make you feel uncomfortable and distract from the experience. Remember, confidence shines brighter than any tan.
Waxing and Hair Removal
Hair removal is another common concern. Many clients ask whether they need to wax before their session. The answer depends on what makes you feel confident. If you prefer smooth skin, a fresh wax can be wonderful. The timing is important—waxing two to three days before your session is ideal. This allows any redness or irritation to subside.
Shaving or other hair removal methods are perfectly fine too. The key is choosing what feels comfortable and authentic for you. Boudoir is about capturing your real self, not creating a version of yourself that doesn’t reflect who you are naturally. The images will always look beautiful when you feel confident in your body.
Hair Color and Styling
Changing your hair color or style before your session is another topic I often get asked about. Many clients worry that they should dye their hair to look fresh or trendy. The truth is your hair should reflect your current self. Radical changes right before your shoot can sometimes add stress rather than confidence. If you are thinking about a bold color change, it’s best to do it at least a week or two in advance. This ensures your hair looks natural and settled on the day of the shoot.
Professional styling and hair preparation on the day of your session are what really make a difference in photographs. My skilled hair stylist can add volume, shine, and movement that translate beautifully on camera. Often, the subtle enhancements from a professional stylist make more of an impact than a drastic color change.
Self-Care Over Perfection
The most important prep is self-care. Get plenty of rest the night before, hydrate, and eat something that makes you feel good. Pampering yourself with a mani-pedi, a gentle facial, or your favorite skincare routine can boost confidence far more than any cosmetic change. Your energy, mood, and mindset are the things that show up most in boudoir images. When you feel relaxed and radiant, it translates effortlessly into your photos.
Focus on Comfort and Confidence
Boudoir is not about perfection. It’s about feeling empowered in your own skin. Hair, tanning, and waxing are tools, not requirements. If you normally don’t tan or wax, your body and skin are perfect just as they are. If doing these things makes you feel more confident, then go for it—but don’t let it overshadow the main purpose of the session: celebrating yourself.
Clothing, accessories, and styling choices often have a bigger impact on how you feel in front of the camera. Selecting outfits that make you feel beautiful, choosing lingerie that highlights your favorite features, and adding a touch of personal flair can enhance the experience far more than any prep ritual.
Trust the Professionals
Another tip is to lean on your team. I am here to guide you through wardrobe, posing, and styling so that you look and feel incredible. Hair and makeup professionals are experts at making subtle enhancements that bring out your best features without making you look like someone else. When you trust the professionals and focus on enjoying the moment, the results are always stunning.
Final Thoughts
In the end, there is no single “right” answer for tanning, waxing, or dyeing your hair. What matters most is how you feel walking into the session. When you feel confident, relaxed, and celebrated, your photos will reflect that energy. Boudoir is about embracing yourself, your story, and your unique beauty. Focus on what makes you feel good, and the rest will fall into place naturally.
xo, Critsey