Add Shine, Color and Volume to Hair in Photoshop

Add Shine, Color and Volume to Hair in Photoshop

Transform flat, lifeless hair into vibrant, voluminous locks using three powerful techniques. By combining the Liquify tool for volume, gradient maps for rich color, and dodge-and-burn methods for depth, you can create dramatic hair enhancements that look naturally stunning.

These methods work on any hair type and style, giving you complete control over shadows, midtones, and highlights to achieve professional-quality results.

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Video by PHLEARN. Any links or downloads mentioned by the creator are available only on YouTube

Practical Tips

Master these essential techniques for natural-looking hair enhancement:

  • Use the freeze mask tool to protect the subject's face when applying the Liquify tool for volume
  • Choose a large brush size in Liquify to ensure the background moves naturally with the hair
  • Set gradient maps to overlay blend mode and adjust shadows with reds, highlights with yellows
  • Apply dodge and burn with low flow brushes to build up highlights and shadows gradually
  • Lower opacity on all adjustment layers to maintain realistic, subtle enhancements

Explore more portrait enhancement techniques to complement your hair editing skills:

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