Your 5-Step Guide to Instagrooming for Instagram

Remember back in high school, when you used to stress out about yearbook photos? "What should I wear, do I look cool enough, is this photo going to haunt me for the rest of my life?" Yeah, you remember.

Well, Instagram is like a much bigger huge high school, and the yearbook isn't just viewed by a few hundred classmates, but a global audience of 100 million. That's a lot of pressure to look your best.

It's going to be okay. You could spend months taking and re-taking (and re-taking, and re-taking) photos, hoping the next one will finally be flattering. Or you can follow our 5-step plan to Instagrooming.

1. Hair 
Your go-to product should offer flexible hold so you can quickly tame hat hair. Mitch Clean Cut Styling Cream fits the bill. 

2. Skin 
To avoid photo glare, turn to a product like Kiehl's Oil Eliminator face wash; it removes excess oil so your skin won't look so slick. 

3. Beard 
A length of about 1 inch gives you the most camera-friendly edge, according to Bruce Dean, a professional groomer in New York City. 

4. Clothes 
Darker hues are typically flattering in photos. And whatever your build, wear clothes that fit well to look more put together. (Here's how to Get a Perfect Fit without Going to the Tailor.)

5. Stance 
A three-quarter angle slims you, says New York photographer Weston Wells. To enhance the effect, look directly at the camera. Lots of people naturally tilt their heads to the side. "Keep your head straight by pointing your chin toward the lens," suggests Wells. You'll instantly appear taller as well as more distinctive. 

(Things get a little more complicated if you're going for the barechested look. Here's what you need to know To Take a Shirtless Selfie That'll Get You 10,000 Followers.)