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ICON ADVERTISING’S AJITH PRAN REVEALS HOW HE GOES ABOUT CUTTING AROUND

PARTICULARLY TRICKY SECTIONS OF A MODEL’S HAIR

CUT OUT HAIR

01

SELECT THE BASE

Selection of hair can be very tricky and challenging, but

thankfully Photoshop CC has a wide range of selection tools to choose

from. In this example, we are selecting the model from a studio

background, and we are focusing on using the Refine Edge tool. First,

make a base shape using the Pen tool, and mask out a rough shape to

cut out the hair as shown. Once the selection is done, mask it with 0.8px

feather radius. This will maintain a smooth edge of the selection for the

model base structure.

02

SELECT THE HAIR

After making the base shape, duplicate the background layer

as Top layer and name it ‘Base’ for reference. Next, select the Quick

Selection tool. Trace the area of the required selection, and keep

adjusting the radius of the brush for a detailed selection. You can

also use the Opt/Alt key to subtract and the Shift key to add to the

selection. The quality of the selection will affect the computing of the

Refine Edge mask. After making the selection, Go to Layer

Menu>Refine Edge.

03

REFINE EDGE

Use View mode for checking the selection accuracy. I have

used On Black mode. Next, check Smart Radius and increase the

Radius. Set the radius when the hairs are visible, and using the Refine

Radius tool, paint on the area for more detail. To remove unwanted

colours, use the Decontaminate Colors slider in the Output option. Once

you’ve made a perfect selection, press OK. Make a copy layer (Cmd/

Ctrl+J) and name it as Refine Edge.

04

ADD LIGHT AND DEPTH

Select the Refine Edge layer and add an Inner Shadow layer

style. Select the midtone colour then set the blend mode to Normal.

Adjust the opacity. Next, Ctrl/right-click on Layer Style>Create Layer.

Make the new layer a clipping mask to the Refine Edge layer and erase

the unwanted areas using the Brush tool. Create a new layer, change

the blend mode to Color Dodge, use a soft brush and paint with dark

orange on the edges of the hair.

AFTER

05

ADD AMBIENCE

Merge the Refine

Edge layer and Base layer

with the layer style.

Finally, add a suitable

background. Here I used

an interior shot from

Shutterstock. Add a Levels

adjustment on the layer,

add another bokeh image

from Shutterstock, change

the blend mode to Screen

and adjust the midtones.

© Ajith Pran

BEFORE

PRO GUIDE TO SELECTIONS