How to take a face scan photo for accurate AI results.

The checklist

1. Use good lighting. Face a window or a soft light source so your face is evenly lit. Avoid strong side light and overhead lamps.
2. Face forward. Look straight into the camera with your head level, not tilted up, down or sideways.
3. Clear background. A plain wall keeps the focus on your face.
4. High quality. Use a clean lens, hold the phone steady and avoid digital zoom.

Details that matter

• Camera at eye level. Holding the phone low or high changes the apparent proportions.
• Arm's length or more. Very close phone shots exaggerate the centre of the face.
• Neutral expression. Relax your face with your mouth closed and eyes open normally.
• Hair off the face. Pull it back so the hairline, brows and jaw are visible.
• No glasses, hats or heavy makeup. They hide the features being measured.
• No filters or beauty mode. They change the image before analysis.

Common mistakes

• Scanning in the dark or under a harsh bathroom light.
• Taking the photo from below, which exaggerates the jaw and nose.
• Smiling in one scan and not in the next.
• Changing hairstyle or distance between scans and expecting the numbers to match.

Make it repeatable

Pick a spot, a time of day and a distance, and use them every time. Rescan every few weeks in the same setup so changes in your score reflect your face, not your lighting. Hexum walks you through these steps in the app and lets you compare scans over time.

Learn why this matters in our guide to how accurate AI face rating apps are.