Refining hair selections in Photoshop is a crucial step for tasks like background removal, and it's typically accomplished within the Select and Mask workspace, primarily using the Refine Edge Brush Tool.
Understanding Hair Refinement
Selecting intricate details like individual strands of hair can be challenging with basic selection tools. Photoshop's refining capabilities are designed to accurately detect and isolate these complex edges, separating the foreground subject (like a person's hair) from the background with precision.
Steps for Refining Hair in Photoshop
While there isn't a single standalone "Refine Hair Tool," the process utilizes specific tools and settings within a dedicated workspace. Here's the general approach:
1. Make an Initial Selection
Start by making a rough selection of your subject using any standard selection tool (e.g., Quick Selection Tool, Lasso Tool, Pen Tool). Don't worry about capturing every hair perfectly at this stage.
2. Enter the Select and Mask Workspace
Go to Select > Select and Mask... (or click the "Select and Mask" button in the Options bar when a selection tool is active). This opens a dedicated workspace tailored for refining selections.
3. Choose a View Mode
In the Select and Mask properties panel, choose a View Mode that helps you see the edge clearly against the background. "On Layers" or "On Black/White" are often useful for seeing how well the edge is being detected. Adjust the Opacity slider for better visibility.
4. Use the Refine Edge Brush Tool
This is the primary tool for refining hair.
- Select the Refine Edge Brush Tool (it looks like a brush with dashed lines) from the toolbar on the left side of the Select and Mask workspace.
- Paint over the edges of the hair you want to refine. Photoshop analyzes the area under the brush, looking for complex edges and separating foreground from background.
- Adjust the brush size as needed for different areas.
5. Leverage "Secret Buttons" for Precision
Achieving precise hair selection, especially for tasks like removing a simple background effectively as noted in examples, often involves utilizing specific controls and techniques within the Select and Mask workspace. These might include:
- Edge Detection: Using the "Smart Radius" and adjusting the Radius slider helps Photoshop look wider or narrower around the initial selection edge for refinement.
- Global Refinements: Adjusting sliders like Smooth, Feather, Contrast, and Shift Edge can help clean up the selection globally after using the brush.
- Output Settings: Choosing the correct output (e.g., "New Layer with Layer Mask") is crucial for preserving your original image and applying the selection non-destructively.
Employing these various tools and options allows for detailed and accurate selections, yielding wonderful results for tasks like background removal, even when dealing with relatively simple backgrounds.
6. Output Your Selection
Once you are satisfied with the refinement, choose your desired Output To option in the properties panel (e.g., Layer Mask is highly recommended for flexibility) and click OK.
Using the Refine Edge Brush and other tools within the Select and Mask workspace is the standard method for handling complex edges like hair, enabling precise selections necessary for professional image editing tasks.
