askvity

How Do I Remove Hair in Photoshop CS6?

Published in Photoshop Editing 3 mins read

Removing unwanted hair in Photoshop CS6 can be achieved through several methods. Here's one basic approach using the Quick Selection Tool:

  1. Open Your Image: Launch Photoshop CS6 and open the image containing the hair you want to remove.

  2. Select the Quick Selection Tool: Locate the Quick Selection Tool in the toolbar (it looks like a paintbrush with a selection circle). If you don't see it, it might be hidden under the Magic Wand Tool. Click and hold on the Magic Wand Tool to reveal a dropdown menu where you can select the Quick Selection Tool.

  3. Adjust Brush Size: At the top of the screen, in the options bar for the Quick Selection Tool, adjust the brush size. A smaller brush will be useful for selecting fine hairs.

  4. Select the Hair: Carefully click and drag the Quick Selection Tool over the hair you want to remove. Photoshop will automatically detect the edges. If you select too much, hold down the "Alt" (Option on Mac) key and drag over the area you want to deselect.

  5. Refine the Selection (Optional): For a more precise selection, you can use the "Refine Edge" feature (now "Select and Mask" in newer versions, but called "Refine Edge" in CS6). Go to Select > Refine Edge. Adjust settings like "Smooth," "Feather," and "Contrast" to improve the selection edge. This is particularly helpful for flyaway hairs.

  6. Fill with Content-Aware Fill: Once the hair is selected, go to Edit > Fill. In the Fill dialog box, set the "Contents" to "Content-Aware." Ensure the "Color Adaptation" box is checked (usually). Click OK. Photoshop will analyze the surrounding area and attempt to fill the selection with textures and colors that blend seamlessly.

  7. Clean Up (Optional): The Content-Aware Fill might not be perfect. You may need to use the Clone Stamp Tool (S) or the Healing Brush Tool (J) to clean up any remaining imperfections. The Clone Stamp Tool duplicates pixels from one area to another, while the Healing Brush Tool blends the duplicated pixels with the surrounding area.

Important Considerations:

  • Image Complexity: The success of this method depends on the background behind the hair. If the background is very complex (e.g., lots of textures or patterns), removing the hair seamlessly will be more challenging.
  • Alternative Methods: For complex situations, you might need more advanced techniques like using layers, masks, and manual retouching.
  • Non-Destructive Editing: Consider using adjustment layers and masks to make your edits non-destructive, allowing you to easily revert changes if needed.

Related Articles