How to Become a Model at 20: 3 Tips to Become a Professional Model

The age of 20–25 is not a barrier to entering the modeling profession, as many people still think. In fact, according to statistics from international modeling platforms, over 60% of current advertising and commercial modeling contracts belong to the 22–30 age group, especially in fields such as casual fashion photography, cosmetic advertising, lifestyle, and e-commerce.

If you are looking for how to become a model at 20, worried about starting late or being "too old," this article will help you see the realistic picture:

• What types of modeling are suitable for 20-year-olds

• How to correctly orient your style from the beginning

• How to increase your chances of being selected even without experience

With an easy-to-understand tone, clear guidance, and a focus on practicality, this article will help you save time on trial and error, understand market needs, and confidently embark on your modeling journey in a smart way that suits you.

Tip 1: Professional modeling image building tips

Tip 1: How to dress simply for a modeling casting

Prioritize minimalist outfits to highlight your appearance

• A well-fitting pair of jeans, a fitted t-shirt, and appropriate high heels are enough for most modeling castings.

• The goal is to help your face and figure stand out, without clothes taking all the attention from the selectors.

Avoid overly elaborate or "overdone" dressing

• Overly complex outfits, excessive accessories, or fussy styles can easily make the overall look messy.

• In a casting, selectors need to clearly see your body proportions, aura, and potential, not your street fashion styling ability.

Choose high heels instead of flats

• High heels help increase overall height, create an upright posture, and a more confident stride.

• When wearing heels, your movement will be more professional, and it also helps a simple outfit look neater and more stylish.

Remember important casting principles

• Clothing only plays a supporting role, not the main character.

• Dressing simply and appropriately will help you make a good impression because of your professionalism, understanding of the craft, and ability to present yourself – qualities that most modeling agencies highly value.

Tip 2: How to apply light makeup for a modeling casting

As little makeup as possible

• Prioritize a natural face, minimizing thick layers of makeup.

• If possible, avoid foundation to allow the skin to breathe and maintain a healthy state long-term.

• Casting directors often want to see your real skin, your real facial structure, rather than a layer of concealing makeup.

Treat acne correctly, avoid trial and error

• If you have acne, you should see a dermatologist early to get an appropriate treatment plan.

• In reality, acne can take several months to several years to show clear improvement, so trying products haphazardly can easily worsen the condition.

• At this age, time is a critical factor; you should not waste it on unproven methods.

Prioritize mineral, lightweight makeup

• Consider using mineral makeup because of its light texture, which is less likely to clog pores.

• This type of cosmetic is suitable for oily, acne-prone skin, helping pores breathe better than heavy foundation.

• A thin layer of makeup is still enough to even out skin tone without losing the natural look during casting.

Carefully consider cheap cosmetics

• Avoid using questionable or low-quality cosmetics, especially when your skin is sensitive.

• Only choose affordable products if financial constraints do not allow otherwise, and you need to thoroughly research their origin and ingredients.

Important principle to remember

• Healthy skin is more important than beautiful makeup.

• Natural, clean, and properly cared-for skin always scores higher in the eyes of modeling agencies and photographers.

Tip 3: Avoid obscuring facial features with heavy makeup

Do not use overly heavy eye and cheek makeup

• Heavy makeup can easily obscure the natural features of the face – an element that casting directors always want to see clearly.

• When casting models, the goal is to showcase your real face and your potential for shaping, not your ability to cover up with cosmetics.

Consult a professional if you're not used to a natural style

• If you don't know how to apply natural makeup, you should consult a makeup artist and ask them to guide you on a fresh, suitable look for castings.

• Learning correctly from the start helps you save time and avoid developing incorrect makeup habits.

Overly heavy makeup can be a sign to re-evaluate

• If you feel like you "can't go out" without heavy makeup, it could be:

  • You are not suited for modeling work that requires a high degree of naturalness.

  • Or you are not confident enough in your true appearance.

• This is very common and completely improvable.

Get used to minimalist makeup

• Try "weaning" off heavy makeup by:

  • Using only light mascara

  • Applying thin concealer in genuinely needed areas

  • Adding lip gloss or a natural-colored lip tint

• After a while, you will get used to your real face, feeling lighter and more comfortable at castings.

Positive psychological effect from those around you

• When switching to light makeup, many people receive compliments from friends and family.

• In reality, it's very likely they've been hoping you'd reduce heavy makeup for a long time but haven't said so.

Adhere to day and night makeup principles

• Daytime makeup should be light, clear, and natural.

• Nighttime makeup can be heavier but does not apply to model castings.

• Understanding and adhering to this principle helps you demonstrate professionalism and an understanding of the industry.

Core takeaway

• Models do not need to hide their faces.

• The more natural you are, the more likely you are to be highly regarded in a professional casting environment.

Tip 4: Maintain correct model posture and walk daily

Always control your body posture

• Keep your shoulders back, back straight, and head held high in all situations, even if it feels unfamiliar.

• Correct posture helps you look taller, more confident, and more professional, especially during castings or fittings.

• Casting directors often appreciate individuals who consciously maintain good body form naturally, without much prompting.

Walk with correct basic technique

• When moving, place one foot in front of the other, creating a straight and compact feel.

• Your feet should follow a straight line, avoiding walking with feet splayed or taking overly wide steps.

• This is the foundation of basic catwalk, applicable to both fashion and commercial models.

Understand the reality of model training

• Modeling is not entirely an innate talent, but a skill that requires continuous practice.

• Even the world's top models once started from scratch.

A practical lesson from Gigi Hadid

• She once shared that when she first started, her catwalk skills were very poor.

• Each time she stepped onto the runway, she would self-evaluate, learn, and improve for the next time.

• Having a mentor and always maintaining a progressive mindset helped her improve with each show, even after becoming famous.

Important principle to remember

• Posture and gait are not just for the runway; they need to be practiced in daily life.

• The more regularly you maintain it, the more accustomed your body becomes, helping you naturally get in shape for castings without forcing it.

• In the modeling industry, long-term discipline is more important than the starting point.

Tip 5: Scientific Training to Maintain a Model Physique

Maintain a healthy weight but prioritize health

• Regular exercise helps maintain body shape, improve proportions, and enhance presence in front of the camera.

• Don't chase quick weight loss or extreme dieting; the goal is a healthy, long-term stable physique.

Build appropriate exercise habits

• Combine light cardio, strength training, and stretching for a toned, flexible body.

• Regular practice helps you move more gracefully and stand for longer periods without fatigue, which is crucial for castings and photoshohoots.

Work with a nutritionist

• You should consult a nutritionist to discuss your career goals and current physical condition.

• They will help you create a suitable diet plan, prevent nutrient deficiencies, and minimize health risks.

View this as an investment in your career

• For professional models, utilizing expert support is essential.

• Costs for training and nutritional counseling should be seen as professional tuition and an investment in the future.

• A healthy, well-cared-for body will help you maintain performance and long-term career opportunities.

Core takeaway

• A beautiful physique comes from good habits and patience, not quick fixes.

• Successful models are those who know how to care for their body as a professional asset.

Tip 6: Drink enough water daily to maintain skin and physique

Maintain the habit of drinking enough water

• The basic goal is about 8 glasses of water daily to keep your body hydrated.

• Adequate hydration helps improve metabolism, supports weight control, and maintains energy during work.

Replace sugary drinks with plain water

• If you're used to drinking soft drinks or canned juices, gradually switch to plain water.

• This helps reduce sugar intake, limit fat accumulation, and avoid negative effects on your skin.

Direct benefits for model skin

• A well-hydrated body helps skin stay moisturized, radiant, and less dull.

• Drinking water regularly supports natural detoxification, making skin look healthier for photoshoots and castings.

Easy-to-adopt habit maintenance tips

• Break up your water intake throughout the day; don't wait until you're thirsty.

• Carry a personal water bottle to remind yourself to drink water regularly.

Principle to remember

• Water is the cheapest yet most effective "cosmetic."

• For models, drinking enough water is not just good for health but also the foundation for maintaining beautiful skin and stable performance long-term.

Tip 7: Healthy hair care for models

Minimize heat exposure to hair

• Avoid using straighteners, curling irons, and hot blow dryers unless absolutely necessary.

• Heat is the leading cause of hair becoming dry, brittle, frizzy, and losing its shine, which is very detrimental during castings or close-up photoshoots.

• Heat styling tools should only be reserved for special occasions, not for daily use.

Respect and work with your natural hair texture

• Learn to accept and leverage your natural hair texture (straight, wavy, curly...) instead of trying to force it into an unsuitable style.

• In the modeling industry, natural, healthy hair is often easier to style and more highly valued.

Invest in professional salons and stylists

• You should choose a high-quality salon and discuss your modeling career direction clearly with your stylist.

• Ask them to create a hairstyle that is:

  • Suitable for your natural hair texture

  • Easy to maintain

  • Flexible for castings and photoshoots

• This is a long-term investment in your personal image.

Reduce reliance on flat irons

• If you use a flat iron daily, actively stop doing so.

• In modeling, hair will often be heat-treated backstage, so letting your hair rest when possible is crucial.

Use styling products correctly

• Find styling products that help achieve your desired look without heat.

• Always use heat protectant spray before styling.

• Choose products suitable for your hair type (oily, dry, thin, thick...).

Don't wash your hair daily

• Daily washing can easily strip hair of its natural oils, causing the scalp to produce more oil.

• Instead, you can:

  • Extend the time between washes

  • Use dry shampoo to keep hair clean and voluminous between washes

Core principle

• Healthy hair is more important than "fashionable" hair.

• For models, properly cared for hair will help you be more flexible in your work and maintain a professional image long-term.

Tip 8: Keep nails neat and professional

Keep nails short, clean, and natural

• Nails should be trimmed to a moderate length and kept neat to suit most castings and photoshoots.

• Overly long or elaborate nails can easily create a negative impression and limit the ability to work with various concepts.

Avoid fake nails and acrylics

• Acrylic nails, rhinestone nails, or overly prominent styles are not suitable for the professional modeling environment.

• Casting directors prefer natural, flexible hands that are easy to pose and don't distract attention.

Choose simple, neutral nail polish

• You should use:

  • Clear nail polish

  • Or nude, light pink, natural beige

• These colors make nails look clean and healthy, easily matching various outfits and concepts.

Why nails are important in modeling

• Hands and nails often appear in close-up shots, cosmetics, fashion, and lifestyle ads.

• Neat nails show that you are detail-oriented and understand professional requirements.

Principle to remember

• Nails are also part of your personal image.

• The simpler, more natural, and cleaner they are, the more likely you are to be highly regarded in model castings.

Tip 2: How to Determine Your Path in Modeling

Step 1: 25 is still a chance for high-fashion modeling

Understand age correctly in the industry

• At age 25, some modeling agencies still consider high-fashion, depending on:

  • Skin

  • Overall appearance

  • How you maintain your physique over time

• Being "old or young" in this profession is not just about age, but about the quality of your skin and your demeanor.

Serious and strategic skincare

• Regular investment in:

  • Quality moisturizer

  • Eye cream to prevent early wrinkles

• Skincare should be considered a professional foundation, not just ordinary beauty spending.

Absolutely avoid sun exposure and tanning

• Sunlight is the leading cause of:

  • Premature aging

  • Dull, uneven skin tone

• For models, the rule is clear: no tanning – no compromise.

If using self-tan, be extremely moderate

• Only consider sunless tanning when absolutely necessary.

• Absolutely avoid:

  • Overuse

  • An orange, unnatural skin tone

• Ask for help from:

  • Family members

  • Friends who are honest enough
    to tell you if your skin looks "orange".

• If there are signs of unnaturalness, reduce the dosage or stop altogether.

Don't worry if your skin is a bit pale

• In a professional environment, photographers and stylists can use bronzer to balance skin tone when needed.

• Natural, healthy skin is always easier to work with than dull or prematurely aged skin.

Core principle

• Age 25 does not close the door on a modeling career.

• But poor skincare will close your opportunities faster than any age limit.

Step 2: How to apply to be a model when over 25

Proactively send photos directly to reputable modeling agencies

• If you are over 25 and confident that you still maintain a youthful appearance, submit photos through the official website of modeling agencies or send your portfolio by mail.

• Most agencies do not accept direct open calls for those over 25, so online submission or sending photos is the most suitable and realistic path.

• Only choose agencies with clear reputations, avoid intermediaries or opaque invitations.

Prepare the correct 4 basic photos according to model recruitment standards

• Photo 1: Frontal portrait, no makeup

  • Must be completely bare-faced.

  • If absolutely necessary, only use light mascara and concealer that matches your skin tone, no foundation, no contouring.

• Photo 2: Side profile of the face

  • Helps agencies assess bone structure, nose, chin, and facial proportions.

• Photo 3: Full-body frontal shot in a bikini

  • Use a simple, neutral-colored bikini.

  • The purpose is for them to clearly see your true body proportions, not to show off your figure.

• Photo 4: Full-body side profile shot in a bikini

  • Helps assess body shape, posture, and proportions from the side.

Absolutely do not send nude photos

• Nude photos are completely unacceptable in any professional model recruitment process.

• Sending inappropriate photos can lead to your application being immediately rejected and damage your personal image.

Important principle to remember

• Agencies need to see your true self, not an edited or overly stylized version.

• The simpler, more honest, and compliant your photos are, the more you demonstrate that you understand the profession and work seriously, even when starting at an age over 25.

Step 3: Realistic assessment to choose the right modeling direction

Honestly assess your measurements and height

• Ask yourself clearly:

  • Are you a size 4, 6, or 8?

  • Is your height over 1m75 (5'9")?

• These are common criteria in high fashion, and understanding where you stand helps you avoid wasting time with trial and error.

Not suitable for high-fashion, but still many opportunities

• If you don't meet the above standards, it doesn't mean you can't be a model.

• Today's market has a great demand for:

  • Commercial models

  • Print models (advertising photography)

  • Plus-size models

• These segments account for the majority of advertising budgets and have high stability, especially in the Asian market.

Proactively find agencies with suitable divisions

• Look for modeling agencies that have:

  • Commercial division

  • Print division

  • Or plus-size

• Submitting your application to the correct division helps you:

  • Get a response more easily

  • Be assessed for your true potential

  • Increase your chances of signing a contract and starting work sooner

The right mindset for long-term success

• The modeling profession does not have just one "standard of beauty."

• Success comes from correctly positioning yourself, choosing the right market, and developing your existing strengths.

Core principle

• Being honest about your appearance is not to limit yourself, but to move quickly and in the right direction.

• Choosing the right niche from the beginning is the biggest advantage for beginners, especially when you are no longer in an age to experiment for too long.

Step 4: Transition to commercial modeling when over 25

Listen to advice and choose a realistic path

• If you are over 25 and:

  • Have ruled out the high-fashion path

  • Or have been advised by an agent to go commercial

• Then listen and switch direction immediately. This is not a setback, but a smart choice based on the real market.

Commercial modeling offers long-term opportunities

• Unlike high fashion, commercial/print models are not limited by age in their career.

• You can work for a very long time, even a lifetime, as long as you remain suitable for brand needs.

• Mature age is also an advantage in advertising for families, businesses, lifestyle, services, and consumer brands.

Large market, real demand

• Most advertising budgets go into:

  • TVC

  • Advertising photos

  • E-commerce

  • Digital media content

• This creates more consistent and stable job opportunities compared to high fashion.

Still glamorous, still exciting

• Commercial models are no less "glamorous":

  • Working with professional crews

  • Professional makeup and styling

  • Appearing in large-scale, public-facing campaigns

• A dynamic work environment that is more accessible and has less extreme body pressure.

Attractive earning potential

• Many commercial models have:

  • Good income

  • Consistent work schedule

  • Opportunities for repeated contract renewals

• With the same face, you can earn money for many years if you fit a brand's image.

Core Principle

• Being over 25 and choosing commercial modeling isn't "lowering standards," but finding the right market.

• Understanding yourself, listening to industry professionals, and daring to change direction is the fastest way to have a long, enjoyable, and well-paying career.

Tip 3: Motivation to not give up as a model

Motivation 1: Maintain your spirit and perseverance in the modeling profession

Prepare mentally for a challenging industry

• The modeling profession is one of the fields that can be most discouraging when first starting out.

• Rejection happens frequently, even for those with good looks and serious preparation.

Don't let rejection equate to your self-worth

• Some agencies may find you unsuitable or "too old" for their direction.

• This doesn't mean you can't work in the profession, but simply that you don't fit the segment they're looking for.

Understand the true nature of rejection

• In modeling, rejection is often related to:

  • Timing

  • Client needs

  • Brand image
    and does not reflect your full potential.

• The same face might be rejected by one place but highly sought after by another.

Perseverance is the distinguishing factor for those who stay

• Those who endure in the profession are not those who are never rejected, but those who:

  • Don't give up too soon

  • Know how to adjust their direction

  • Continue to submit applications, improve their image and skills

Key principle to remember

• The modeling profession is not for those who need immediate recognition.

• If you believe you're a good fit and heading in the right direction, stay in the game.

• Resilience, clear-headedness, and realism are your greatest advantages in a selective industry like modeling.

Motivation 2: Understand rejection correctly in the modeling profession

Motivation 3: Keep your head high, shoulders back, and walk with confidence

Maintain proper posture at all times

• Always keep your head up, shoulders back, and back straight to create a confident and professional impression.

• Good posture helps you look taller and more poised even when standing still.

Walk with purpose and strength

• Walk straight, with even steps, each step with purpose.

• Avoid being timid, shuffling, or walking out of rhythm—this immediately diminishes your presence.

Presence determines impression

• A powerful walk can elevate your appearance, compensating for small flaws.

• Many castings choose models for their energy and aura, not just their measurements.

Principle to remember

• Confidence doesn't come from thinking, but from how you stand and walk.

• Maintain proper posture every day so that during castings, good poise appears naturally.

References

1. https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/
   acne/acne-treatments-that-work#1
2. https://stylecaster.com/beauty/natural-looking-makeup/
3. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/4485-back-health-and-posture
4. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/fitness/in-depth/exercise/art-20048389
5. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/
   nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/water/art-20044256
6. https://www.webmd.com/beauty/features/how-often-wash-hair
7. https://www.marieclaire.com/beauty/news/a15672/how-to-apply-dry-shampoo/
8. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/
   in-depth/nails/art-20044954
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   in-depth/skin-care/art-20048237
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11. https://www.backstage.com/magazine/article/true-false-old-model-3055/
12. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7xR1a28WRQc

Translated by: Rene Lee Nguyen.