Changing your hairstyle can be a fun and exciting way to switch up your look without making any drastic changes. However, it can be nerve-wracking to make such a significant change without knowing how it will look on you. Luckily, with the help of Adobe Photoshop CS6, you can preview different hairstyles and colors before making any final decisions. In this article, we’ll guide you on how to change your hairstyle in Photoshop CS6 and share tips on how to make it look as realistic as possible.
Step-by-Step Guide on Changing Hairstyles in Photoshop CS6
Step 1: Choose a photo
Select a photo of yourself that has your hair pulled back in a ponytail or a bun. It’s essential to choose a clear and well-lit image for better results.
Step 2: Open the photo in Photoshop and create a duplicate layer
Open the photo, and then select Duplicate Layer by right-clicking on the Background layer. This will create a copy of your photo as a new layer.
Step 3: Select the Lasso tool
Select the Lasso tool from the toolbar or press the L key on your keyboard. Use the Lasso tool to select the hair around your head. Try to be as precise as possible.
Step 4: Add a layer mask
Once you’ve selected your hair, click the Add layer mask button at the bottom of the Layers panel. This will create a mask around your hair, making it easier to edit.
Step 5: Choose a new hairstyle
Now comes the fun part! Choose a hairstyle that you want to try out. You can either use a hairstyle from a different photo or use a hairstyle from a Photoshop brush. Search online for Photoshop hair brushes and download one that has a style you like.
Step 6: Adjust the new hairstyle
Copy the hairstyle by selecting it with the Rectangular Marquee tool and pressing Ctrl + C (Windows) or Command + C (Mac). Then, go back to the photo of yourself, select the duplicated layer that now has a layer mask, and press Ctrl + V (Windows) or Command + V (Mac). The hairstyle should now be pasted onto the new layer.
Use the Move tool to adjust the new hairstyle to fit your head correctly. Play around with the size and angle until you find the perfect fit. If the hairstyle looks too fake, you can always adjust the opacity of the new layer to make it more subtle.
Step 7: Blend the new hairstyle into the photo
Now that you have your new hairstyle in place, it’s time to blend it in with the rest of the photo. Select the layer mask, use a soft brush with black ink, and brush around the edges of the hair to soften it. Doing so will make the hair appear more natural and realistic.
Step 8: Adjust the color
If you are changing the color of your hair, you’ll need to make additional adjustments to achieve a natural look. To make this change, create a new layer on top of the hairstyle layer and fill it with the color you want. Then, change the layer blending mode to Soft Light or Overlay, depending on the intensity of the color.
Finally, adjust the opacity of the layer to achieve the right balance of the new color. If the color looks desaturated, go to the Hue/Saturation menu and increase the saturation until the color looks more vivid.
FAQs on Changing Hairstyles in Photoshop CS6
Q. Can I use the same technique to change my hairstyle in other Adobe Photoshop versions?
A. Yes, you can use the same technique to change your hairstyle in other Adobe Photoshop versions. However, the tools and menus may be located differently.
Q. How can I ensure that my new hairstyle looks natural?
A. There are several ways to ensure that your new hairstyle looks natural. First, choose a hairstyle that has a similar length and texture to your real hair. Also, try to match the color of the new hairstyle to your skin tone and natural hair color. Finally, use the Blend tool to soften the edges of the new hairstyle to create a seamless look.
Q. Can I use real human hair photos to create new hairstyles in Photoshop CS6?
A. Yes, you can use real human hair photos to create new hairstyles. However, keep in mind that the quality of the hair photos will affect the final outcome. Make sure to choose high-quality images with similar lighting and backgrounds to achieve the best results.
Conclusion
Changing your hairstyle in Photoshop CS6 can be a fun and exciting way to experiment with new looks without making any long-term commitments. Follow the steps above to achieve a natural-looking hairstyle that complements your features and skin tone. Remember, changing hairstyles in Photoshop is all about experimenting, so don’t be afraid to try out different looks until you find the perfect one.