How to change hair color on Photoshop

In the digital world, where everything is possible with just a few clicks, changing hair color is no exception. With the help of Adobe Photoshop, you can transform your hair color to anything you desire, be it a bold and vibrant hue or a more subtle . In this article, we will guide you through the step-by-step process of changing hair color using Photoshop.

Before we get started, it is essential to have a high-quality image of the model with well-defined hair strands. This will ensure the best results and easier editing. Let’s dive into the process.

Step 1: Open the Image in Photoshop
Launch Adobe Photoshop and open the image you want to work on. Ensure that it is a high-resolution photo with the subject’s hair clearly visible.

Step 2: Select the Hair
Select the subject’s hair using an appropriate selection tool. The most suitable tool for this task is the Quick Selection Tool (W). Start by carefully brushing over the hair strands. Zoom in and out if necessary to ensure accurate selection.

Step 3: Refine the Selection
After making the initial selection, go to the Select menu and choose Select and Mask. This will open up a new workspace with various tools to refine the hair selection further. Use the Refine Edge Brush Tool and carefully brush over the areas where the selection might not be accurate, such as around the edges or flyaway hairs. Experiment with different brush sizes to achieve the desired result.

Step 4: Create a New Layer
With the hair selection refined, create a new layer by clicking on the New Layer icon at the bottom of the Layers panel. This layer will hold the new hair color.

Step 5: Adjust the Hair Color
Select the new layer, then go to the Adjustments panel and click on the Hue/Saturation adjustment layer. This will allow you to modify the hair color easily. Use the Hue slider to choose the desired color. Experiment with the Saturation and Lightness sliders to fine-tune the overall appearance. You can also try different blending modes to achieve various effects.

Step 6: Apply a Layer Mask
To make the new hair color appear natural, apply a layer mask to the adjustment layer. Click on the Layer Mask icon at the bottom of the Layers panel. Then, with the layer mask selected, use a soft brush with a low opacity to erase any unwanted color spillage and blend the new color seamlessly with the existing hair. This step is crucial for a realistic result.

Step 7: Add Highlights and Shadows
To add depth and dimension to the hair, create a new layer and set the blending mode to Multiply. Use a soft brush with low opacity to paint over areas where shadows would naturally fall. Similarly, create another layer and set the blending mode to Screen to add highlights to the hair. Adjust the opacity of both layers according to your preference.

Step 8: Final Adjustments
Once you are satisfied with the hair color change, you can make additional adjustments to the image as a whole. For example, you can adjust the overall brightness, contrast, and saturation to ensure the hair color change is cohesive with the rest of the image.

Step 9: Save and Share
After all the edits are complete, save your final image in a suitable format, such as JPEG or PNG. Now, you can proudly share your stunning hair color transformation with others.

With Adobe Photoshop, changing hair color has never been easier. Whether you want to experiment with a new look before committing to it or explore wild and creative color choices, Photoshop provides the tools and flexibility to accomplish your vision. Follow the step-by-step guide outlined above, and let your creativity run wild!