How to Make a Transparent Background for Hair Images?

How do you remove the background from the hair image?

Removing the background from an image that includes hair can be tricky. Moreover, hair has intricate details and fine strands that require careful handling. Let’s delve into how you can effectively remove the background while preserving the delicate details of the hair.

Step 1: Open the image in Photoshop

Start the Adobe Photoshop application and import the target image, exposing the Layers collection within the panel.

Step 2: Analyze the channel spectrum

Once open the channel and perform a fine-grained evaluation of the image’s channel array, representing four distinct parts: RGB, red, green, and blue, each housing the necessary colour and tonal information.

Step 3: Duplicate and optimize the channel

You’ll need to create and replicate the blue channel, creating a helpful example for further manipulation and enhancement.

Step 4: Refine the curvature with precision

Add the curve adjustment feature using the keyboard shortcut CTRL+M. Immerse into the curve interface, systematically refining the contour to increase shadow depth. This strategic enhancement accentuates subtle image features, such as individual hair strands, smoothing their separation.

Step 5: Use Levels Adjustment

Levels Adjustment is used to manipulate an image’s tonal range and colour balance to achieve better contrast and balance. It’s a crucial tool in photo editing for making images look more visually appealing and professional. Firstly, access the level panel by deploying the keyboard shortcut CTRL+L, designed to establish tonal equilibrium and aesthetic coherence. Enhance the level adjustment appropriately to ensure optimal visibility of light-toned hair within the image, facilitating easier masking. This adjustment clarifies the results and contributes to achieving a more distinct outcome.

Step 6: Setup Brush tool

The Brush Tool in Adobe Photoshop is one of the fundamental and versatile tools used for various tasks in digital image editing and manipulation. It mimics the functionality of a traditional paintbrush but with digital advantages. Here we use the brush tool to black-paint the entire image.

Step 7: Precision Hair Selection through Channel Activation

Execute channel manipulation by activating the duplicated BLUE channel with the CTRL key, prompting an accentuation of hair elements within the image. All hair types have been meticulously segmented in this representation.

Step 8: Layer Configuration for Transparency

Access the layer panel and perform an inverse selection using Ctrl+Shift+I or Select > Inverse. Following this, generate a new layer by pressing Ctrl+J. This action will result in the creation of a fresh transparent background within the layer panel.

Step 9: Configure Background colour

Subsequently, you can establish a background colour according to your requirements. To begin this process, create a novel layer using the command Ctrl+J. Following this, ensure that your object layer is positioned above the newly created layer while the latter rests beneath it. Proceed to choose the desired background colour. Upon making your selection, press Ctrl+Backspace. This action will effectively demonstrate the successful generation of the new background layer.

Step 10: Save your image

After completing the steps above, you can save your edited image. To do so, navigate to the “File” menu at the top-left corner of the Photoshop interface. From the dropdown menu, select the “Save As” option. Therefore, a dialogue box will appear, allowing you to choose the location on your computer where you wish to save the image. Additionally, you can specify the desired file format, such as JPEG or PNG, based on your intended usage.