In this tutorial, you will learn how to mask hair from complicated backgrounds in Photoshop.
We will start with a quick crash course on layer masks and the select and mask workspace.
Then we will use an image with a solid background to learn the basics and after that, we will work on a photo with a busy background.
You will learn how to create Photoshop Brushes to help you recreate hair when you simply cannot extract it from its background.
I’ve done a similar Hair Masking in Photoshop tutorial for Adobe that you can watch on Adobe’s website: Learn advanced techniques to cut out hair from complicated backgrounds.
In This Photoshop Hair Masking Tutorial, You Will Learn:
- How Layer Masks Masks Work
- Select and Mask Overview
- Remove Person From Background (Solid Background)
- Remove Person From Busy Background
- Paint Strands of Hair
- Painting With Hair Brushes
- How To Make Hair Brushes in Photoshop
- Final Image Breakdown
- Camera Raw – Add Grain and Sharpen
Download Brush: 147-ptc-hair-brushes.zip (20659 downloads)
Check out this tutorial to learn how to cut out fur from busy backgrounds.
If you liked this article, then please subscribe to our YouTube Channel for more free Photoshop video tutorials. You can also find us on Facebook and Instagram.
Thanks for this Jesús – you are one of the few people who not only tell what is possible with a tool or technique but also explain the limits. Too often tutorials by other trainers give the impression that everything is easy and then avoid illustrating the more difficult bits, which can be very frustrating for anyone building their skills.
You’re welcome, David! Thank you for the comment!
A great tutorial as ever, and many thanks for these brushes JR!
Thank you, Roger!
The only channel which I check if am stuck with no clue in editing is PTC vids. You will always go beyond what is needed rather than being cut to chase to one thing only. Thank you JR 🙂
You’re welcome! 🙂
Cheers for the help bro…..really appreciated
You’re welcome!
I have watched several of your tutorials and I have always been impressed. I like your style of teaching, specifically you don’t waste a lot of video time talking about things that don’t add to the learning experience. This tutorial is awesome, just like the rest of your tutorials. I thank you very much for all the hard work you do in putting these together and offering freebies like the brush downloads.
Thank you, Steve! I appreciate that!
Thanks for the shortcut the tricks. Sometimes I also do this.
You’re welcome, Sanwar
Terrific tutorial, Jesus. I’d go as far as saying it’s the superlative tutorial on the subject. Way to go!
Thank you so much.
You’re welcome!
Very good masterclass.
Excellently well explained, with an accessible language.
Maybe the best explanation I found.
Congratulations.
Thank you, Pedro!
Excellent Sir !
Thank you!
Very informative, many thanks, the best one I have seen about hair masking.
Thank you, Soes!
Thanks for suggesting this tutorial with the 19.1 PS ‘Select Subject’ feature. It really fills in all of the gaps for using these new tools in Photoshop.
Just Awesome Sir
Thank you!
Another informative tutorial. No bull just facts and helpful tips to guide any user through the difficult process of removing complex backgrounds. Appreciated the advice that not all elements are able to be captured with the selection tools and that sometimes you just have to create them yourself – along with the instructions and techniques on how to achieve them. Great work, Jesus.
Cool tutorial! Very useful. Also thanks for these brushes.
Excellent video. Thanks for brushes.
Bro you are awesome !!
I am working on Photoshop around 10 years , but not get any tutorial like this , Thanks a lot
Thanks
Mitul
Hello, Jesús,
Thank you for this tutorial.
I’ve notice that it takes a long time to download the zip file with the brushes, and when I decompress it, it yields an error: “Error 32 – Broken pipe”. You may want to look into that.
Also, I feel I would benefit a lot more from your tutorial, if I could play around with the same source material as the ones you work on. Would it be possible to make the photo of the model and the background available for download?
thank”s brother poste good
You’re welcome!
I have watched several of your tutorials and it’s awesome.
Thank you!
Nice job