Do I need to mark my hair before describing the color transfer?
No. Just describe what you want: 'transfer the hair color from the reference image onto my hair.' The AI identifies your hair automatically. Markers are only useful if the AI misses a section of hair or applies color to the wrong area — which is rare for straightforward portraits. Try without markers first.
How do I transfer hair color from a reference photo using AI?
Upload your portrait to EditThisPic, then click '+ Add reference image' and upload the photo with the hair color you want. Type 'transfer the hair color from the reference image onto my hair' and click edit. The AI reads the exact color from your reference and applies it to your hair in about 30 seconds. Free, no signup required.
Is there a free hair color changer from reference photo that doesn't need an account?
Yes. EditThisPic is completely free with no account or signup required. Upload your photo and a reference image, describe the color transfer, and download the result without any watermark. You get one free edit per week, or you can purchase credits for unlimited editing.
Can I copy a celebrity's exact hair color onto my photo?
Yes. Upload a clear photo of the celebrity as your reference image and the AI extracts the precise hue, tone, and saturation from their hair. It applies that exact color to your portrait — not a generic approximation, but the actual color values from the reference. Works with any photo: celebrity, editorial, social media, or salon photos.
What is the best free AI tool for trying on a hair color from a reference photo?
EditThisPic is built for exactly this two-image workflow. You upload your portrait and a separate reference image, and the AI transfers the exact hair color from the reference onto your photo. Unlike generic AI hair recolor tools that let you pick from a color palette, this reads the color directly from your reference photo — so you get the exact shade you're looking at, not a closest match.
How do I see what a hair color looks like on me before dyeing?
Upload a recent selfie or portrait where your hair is clearly visible. Then upload a photo with the hair color you're considering as a reference image. Describe 'transfer the hair color from the reference image onto my hair.' The AI shows you a realistic preview in seconds. It's useful before salon appointments — you can compare multiple colors and bring the results to show your stylist.
Can I try bold or fantasy hair colors like pink or blue from a reference photo?
Yes. Upload a photo of someone with the bold color you want as a reference and the AI transfers that exact vivid shade onto your portrait. For best results with fashion colors, add 'fully saturated and vivid' to your prompt so the color comes out bold rather than washed out. Works for pastel pink, electric blue, platinum, silver, teal, and any other color visible in a reference photo.
What makes a good reference photo for hair color transfer?
The best reference photos are well-lit with clearly visible hair — outdoor natural light photos or professional/editorial photos work best. Avoid heavily filtered or color-graded images because filters shift the actual color values and the AI may transfer the filtered color rather than the intended shade. The hair doesn't need to be the same length or texture as yours — only the color matters.
Can I transfer a balayage or ombre effect from a reference photo?
Yes. Upload a reference with the exact balayage or ombre you want and describe the gradient: 'transfer the balayage from the reference image, darker at roots gradually lightening to the ends.' The AI reads the tonal gradient from the reference and applies the same effect to your hair. You can also add 'sun-kissed blend' or 'seamless color melt' to refine the transition.
Will the color look natural or obviously edited?
When done well, the result looks photorealistic. The AI preserves your hair texture, natural light reflection, and dimensional variation rather than applying a flat overlay. Add 'preserving natural hair texture and highlights' to your prompt for the most realistic result. Complex hairstyles like tight curls or very dark hair may need a second refinement pass.
Can I change just part of my hair — like just the ends or just highlights?
Yes. Describe the area you want changed: 'apply the hair color from the reference only to the ends of my hair' or 'add highlights in the color from the reference, leaving the base color natural.' For partial changes, using a marker on the target section significantly improves accuracy.
Does this work on curly, textured, or very dark hair?
Yes, though very dark hair and tight curl patterns sometimes need 2-3 refinements for full coverage. For dark hair, add 'fully covering the dark base, rich and saturated' to help the AI achieve complete color change. For curly or coarse textures, add 'preserving natural curl pattern and hair texture' to prevent over-smoothing.