I recently updated my GitHub and LinkedIn photos and, surprisingly, started getting better responses to cold outreach and interview invites. It wasn’t magic — just a few intentional choices around framing, lighting, and yes, a haircut that reads well in photos.
We spend a lot of time on code quality. A little attention to how we present ourselves visually can pay off in the same way: small, repeatable improvements that make a stronger first impression. These are the easy things I changed in under 30 minutes.
1) Keep the framing tight
Crop from mid-chest to just above the head. That keeps the focus on your face and expression. If you use a phone, use portrait mode and take multiple shots — the best one is often the third.
2) Don’t ignore hair & grooming
You don’t need a full makeover. Aim for a tidy, intentional look: neat bangs, a side part, or a short fade if it fits your style. For remote-first roles, a clean, approachable hairstyle reads well on both video and profile photos.
3) Use flattering, natural light
Face a window — soft, diffused daylight avoids harsh shadows. Avoid strong overhead lights that cast unflattering shadows under the eyes.
4) Choose clothing that contrasts the background
Solid, mid-tone colors work best (no loud patterns). A simple shirt that contrasts your background keeps the attention where it belongs: your face.
5) Expression matters
A relaxed smile or a confident neutral look can work depending on the role. Try both and pick the one that matches the vibe you want to project.
6) Quick hairstyle choices by maintenance level
Low maintenance: brushed-to-the-side or short fade — polished with minimal effort.
Medium: textured crop or short quiff — needs a little product but photographs well.
Higher maintenance: combed-back or styled top with clean sides — great for headshots or conference photos.
7) Small hacks that make a difference
Take photos at eye level (use a stack of books if needed).
Use a solid, uncluttered background — a plain wall or simple bookshelf is perfect.
Take multiple photos and compare them side by side. What reads friendly in a tiny avatar is different from what looks good full-size.
If you want inspiration for styles that work for different face shapes and photo types, this gallery was helpful when I was planning mine: hairstyle inspiration and galleries, Fashionismic. Not affiliated — just a resource I bookmarked while choosing a cut.
If anyone wants, drop a link to your current profile photo (or a couple of options) and I’ll give quick, honest feedback on which one reads best for a developer profile. Happy to help — small changes, big returns.
Top comments (5)
As a concerned web developer, I’ve learned that your profile photo — and yes, your haircut — matters more than you think. Whether you're active on GitHub, LinkedIn, or a portfolio site, that tiny image is often the first impression clients, recruiters, and collaborators get of you. A clean, well-lit photo paired with a sharp, simple haircut helps communicate professionalism and attention to detail long before anyone sees your code. You don’t need a studio session or a celebrity barber — just avoid messy backgrounds, choose natural lighting, and keep your hairstyle neat and intentional. Even browsing modern grooming inspirations on platforms like Corte Vibe can help you pick a style that subtly boosts credibility. In a world where people skim more than they read, a polished profile image can instantly make your skills feel more trustworthy.
Hi Scott. I just joined this awesome community, & this is my 1st comment to any post. I read your pov & i agree with you. A clean, intentional haircut and a simple, well-lit photo instantly make you seem more trustworthy. When I see a neat appearance, I subconsciously assume the person cares about clarity and detail in their code too. That might sound superficial, but it’s the reality of quick online impressions. Honestly, taking 10 minutes to snap a better photo or update your look does more for your developer image than most people expect — and I wish more devs treated it as part of their professional toolkit.
Great tips! Will definitely keep these in mind!
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