How should I position and modify a hair light for better portrait results?

A hair light is usually placed slightly above and behind the subject so it skims across the hair and shoulders rather than lighting the face directly. A common starting point is to put it almost behind the model and a bit high.

To get a cleaner, stronger effect, keep the light controlled and directional. A grid or snoot helps focus the beam so it highlights the hair without spilling into the lens or washing out the rest of the portrait. That control is often the difference between a subtle rim and a professional-looking hair light.

If you’re not seeing much effect, adjust the angle so the light grazes the hair more directly, and watch carefully for lens flare. The goal is separation, not broad illumination. Start with the light high, slightly behind, and aimed precisely at the hair, then fine-tune from there.