Changing hair color is often simply a
matter of adding a Hue/Saturation adjustment layer. However,
when the hair needs substantial lightening, such as when
converting from brunette to blond, the Selective Color command
may be more effective.
When starting with blond, a simple "dye job" can be provided
with a Hue/Saturation adjustment layer. Check the Colorize box
and adjust the sliders for the look you want.
The original is on the left. In the center, the Colorize box
was checked in the Hue/Saturation dialog box and the sliders
were set to Hue: 20, Saturation: 35, Lightness: -55. On the
right, with Colorize checked, the sliders were set to Hue: 15,
Saturation: 57, Lightness: -31.
Going from dark hair to light presents some additional
challenges. Sometimes the Lightness slider of the
Hue/Saturation adjustment is suitable. Other times you may
have good luck with a Curves adjustment. But your best bet may
be to head straight for a Selective Color adjustment layer.
When the Selective Color dialog box opens, click the radio
button "Absolute" at the bottom, then at the top, switch the
pop-up menu from Reds to Neutrals. Reduce the Cyan and Magenta
content proportionally, then balance the appearance with the
Yellow and Black sliders. Switch from Neutrals to Blacks and
repeat.
The correct values depend both on your original image and your
intent. The same original dark hair can produce a variety of
lighter looks with this technique.
The original is on the left. The three adjustments are, from
left to right: Neutrals -50/-50/0/-80 & Blacks -47/-42/-16/+25
Neutrals -50/-50/-40/-82 & Blacks -50/-50/-50/+50 Neutrals
-50/-50/-56/-4 & Blacks -50/-50/+39/+63
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