To create realistic hair in Photoshop, you must be willing to spend a little time touching up and fine-tuning the color and shape of the hair so it appears as realistic as possible. Using a few basic tools included in the program, you will be able to take a bald picture and transform it into a work of art; here's how.
Instructions
1. Find a "base." This is a picture of a mannequin with a bald head. You can find a variety of bases online by browsing through stock photography websites, or upload your own picture (see Resources below). Make sure the pictures you upload are large enough to work with as you will have to use blending and shaping tools that require the ability to touch up small areas.
2. Choose a hair style to create. Using a picture of your favorite hairstyle is recommended so you can add the final details that make the hair appear realistic. You can also create unusual hairstyles using your imagination. Hairstyles can range from conservative to popular to avant-garde.
3. Upload your photos or base into the Photoshop program. Enlarge the picture if you need to using the tools provided. Once it's the right size, begin to add shapes and color. All the tools you will need are located to the right of the picture. Determine how many layers are in the hair style before adding shapes. Most medium and long hairstyles have at least two layers. Use the Polygonal Lasso tool to create these layers.
4. Work on one side of the face at a time. Using the tools provided, you will be able to determine the length and overall shape of the underlying hair. Choose the color of the hair at this time. Use the Smudge tool to create highlights and low lights on the hair.
5. To create the illusion of hair strands at the bottom of the hair, use the Smudge tool to create a realistic shape. In the options box above, make sure the mode is set to 'normal'. Do not check any of the boxes that are included. Work from the bottom up until the desired effect has been created.
6. Add the second layer on the left side of the face. Repeat the same steps as above to create a style that's realistic.
7. To create additional highlights and depth to the hair, use the Burn tool. This tool will allow you to darken certain sections of the hair to create a contrast in colors. Refer to your picture when adding this type of detail. Most people have darker hair at the root and lighter hair at the tips. Add highlights throughout the hair using the Smudge tool. Use light strokes on the hair.
8. Add shadows to the hair using the Burn tool. This will create movement and allow you to include final details. Adjust the brightness and contrast to create a shiny hair effect. Make any final color changes before saving your work.
