How to Cut Out Hair in Photoshop

How to Cut Out Hair in Photoshop

Cutting out hair from backgrounds remains one of the most challenging tasks in photo editing, especially with curly or complex hair textures. This technique uses channel-based selections combined with layer masks to achieve clean cutouts that work seamlessly with any new background.

The method focuses on maximizing contrast between subject and background through channels, then refining the selection to eliminate common issues like fringing and rough edges.

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Video by PHLEARN. Any links or downloads mentioned by the creator are available only on YouTube

Practical Tips

Master these essential techniques for professional hair cutouts:

  • Use the blue channel for maximum contrast between hair and light backgrounds
  • Apply levels adjustment to enhance contrast without making hair look unnatural or scraggly
  • Create clipping masks with darken blend mode to eliminate white fringing around edges
  • Use the clone stamp tool to repair problem areas while maintaining natural hair texture
  • Test your cutout against different colored backgrounds to identify any remaining edge issues

Explore these additional resources for mastering hair selection and background removal techniques.

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If you're using Photoshop, chances are you're going to have to clip a subject from its background and work your editing magic. As a newbie, you may have been using the eraser tool to death, making memes that you hope would impress your Facebook friends and go viral. Well, that's fine. But, ever wondered how to retouch a bad hair cut or trim a bonsai plant for a professional retouching job? This video is your answer. Watch, practice, and repeat. In no time, you'd be editing fur. Yes, fur. And wh

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