How to Go Blonde in Photoshop

Photoshop may not work as well as a real dye, but it can come close.

Photoshop software allows users to manipulate images in various ways. Tints and layer masks can change the color of hair, eyes or skin. Changing hair color, unlike some other parts of the body, may not leave the image looking dead or drab.



Darkening hair allows for the hair's texture to be retained, making for a more natural result. Depending on the quality of the original image, though, using the mask tool can effectively turn a brunette into a blonde.

Instructions

1. Press the "W" key to switch to the magic wand tool.

2. Enter "15" in the box marked "tolerance" in the options bar.

3. Holding down the "shift" key, click on various parts of the image's hair till you have selected it all.

4. Click the third icon in the options bar. Holding your cursor over it will bring up the message "Subtract from selection." Type "5" in the option bar's "tolerance" box.

5. Click on parts of the image other than the hair that the wand accidentally selected.

6. Press the "Alt," "L," "W" and "O" keys to create a new fill layer. The layer's properties window will open.

7. Set the layer's mode to "soft light." Click "OK." The "Pick a solid color" window will open.

8. Experiment with colors from this window till you find a shade of blond that you like. Click "OK."

9. Double-click on the new mask in the "Layers" window to open its display options.

10. Raise or lower its opacity until it blends properly with the original image.

References

• Only Photoshop: Change Hair Color