How Often Should You Update Your Headshot?

Okay, real talk: when was the last time you updated your headshot?

If you're mentally scrolling back to that one time in 2019 when you "finally looked decent in a photo," it might be time. And no shade — I get it. Most of us aren’t thinking about headshots until we absolutely need one… usually five minutes before a big opportunity pops up.

But here’s the deal: your headshot is your first impression, especially in our super-online world. Whether you’re job hunting, networking, booking gigs, or building your brand, people are Googling you. And your headshot is often the first thing they see.

So… how often should you update it?

Let’s break it down:

The “Every 1-2 Years” Rule

This is a good general rule of thumb. Updating your headshot every one to two years keeps things fresh, professional, and accurate — especially as your style, job, or industry changes.

Think of it like refreshing your wardrobe or updating your resume. You wouldn’t wear a blazer from 2008 to a job interview (I hope), so why send out a headshot that doesn’t reflect who you are now?

But there are times you should update it sooner:

• You changed your look significantly
  New hairstyle? New glasses? Grew a beard? Dyed your hair purple (love that for you)? If you don’t look like your current headshot anymore, it’s time.

• You’ve changed industries or roles
  A corporate headshot might not fit if you’ve transitioned into a creative field — and vice versa. Your image should reflect the vibe of where you’re going, not where you’ve been.

• You just… don’t love it
  If your current headshot doesn’t feel like you, that’s reason enough to upgrade. You deserve a photo that feels authentic and confident.

• It’s clearly dated
  If your headshot includes shoulder pads, heavy vignettes, or a backdrop that screams "2005 mall studio," it’s definitely time.

Pro tip: Don’t wait until you need one.

Headshots are like umbrellas. If you wait until it’s raining (aka: a conference, an interview, a media feature), you’re scrambling. And nobody wants to be stuck cropping their cousin’s wedding photo into a LinkedIn profile pic.

Set a reminder once a year. Treat it like a self-care ritual. Heck, make a day of it — grab a coffee after, go out looking sharp. You might actually enjoy it