Let’s talk about a family ritual that can spark more chaos than holiday dinners: family photo day. There’s always a mad scramble—someone forgets a shoe, the baby won’t stop drooling, and just when you think you’ve got it under control, you realize no one’s hair is doing what it’s supposed to. If you’ve ever panicked with a brush in one hand and hairspray in the other, just know you’re not alone.
Celebrity stylist Kenna Kennor, Britt Lower’s husband, has been behind the scenes of group portraits from Hollywood to real-life living rooms, and his approach makes the most stressful photo days way easier. Here’s the pro’s guide to getting family hair camera-ready—without bribing anyone with cookies (well, not too many, anyway).
Don’t Go Big or Go Home—Keep It Familiar
Photo day is not the time for hair experiments. Now’s not when you want to try glitter roots or your first ever French braid. Stick with styles your crew is comfortable with and that hold up through a hug-fest, goofy poses, or wrangling a rambunctious toddler. For most folks, that’s soft waves, tidy ponytails, or clean, gently styled cuts.
Start with a Bit of Prep (Not 200 Products)
You want hair that looks like it belongs to your family, not one from a shampoo ad. Kenna recommends smoothing flyaways with a dot of light styling cream or serum (not so much you look greasy on camera). Brush through everyone’s hair, give little ones a spritz of detangler, and only flat iron or curl what’s necessary. He loves a natural look—think a little flip at the ends or a side sweep for bangs.
Got a family member with wild curls or natural texture? Kenna says embrace it! Let them wear their hair as it feels best—just add a bit of moisture or curl cream for definition. Don’t turn curls into straight hair last minute; the confidence in those photos shines when everyone’s comfortable.
Plan for Movement, Not Just Perfection
A good family photographer will tell you that perfect isn’t always the goal. Kenna suggests starting hair a bit “done”—curls a little tighter, part a bit smoother—so as the shoot goes on, styles loosen into a real-life look. For longer shoots, bring a few essentials: travel hairspray, a brush, hair elastics, and a few bobby pins.
Keep the Vibes High and the Stakes Low
Kenna’s favorite photo-day tip? Crank some music, give out silly jobs (someone’s the “flyaway catcher,” someone’s in charge of hair accessories), and don’t sweat the little messes. The best group shots are the ones with real smiles—even if a baby’s hair is sticking up or someone’s cowlick is stubborn.
And for the record, matching headbands or coordinated plaid isn’t obligatory (unless it’s tradition!). Let each kid add their own twist—a flower clip, a headband, a favorite bow.
Bribes and Snacks (Go for It)
Sometimes a well-timed treat is the key to a few extra minutes of cooperation. Just maybe wipe chocolate off faces before the camera rolls.
Takeaway: Celebrate the Chaos
What you really want is to look back on these snaps and remember the silly moments, not every perfect strand.
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