Making a layer using the pen tool?

Well I have yet to figure out how I can make a layer using the pen tool. I am doing something for a friend and when I did one for myself I just used the magnetic lasso tool, paintbrush, and paint bucket. The reason I was able to do that for me is because I have short hair that I could just make a smooth outline of. He has wavy hair that comes over his forehead that I'd like to outline but it'd be impossible to do with the magnetic lasso. So I'm wondering how I can outline his hair using the pen tool (unless you have a better technique) and make a layer from it so I can make it all one solid color.

Here is the portrait I did of myself for reference on what I will be doing with his:

to make a selection - you can try

copy layer and work on this new copy layer

use add a levels layer and increase the darkness of the levels to make sure you copy layer only has the 2 colors (white & black)

now you should be able to select either color with one of the selection tools

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I'll add, if you working with an image with color - you can try to turn the new copy layer into a black and white in order to make the selection. once you have a good selection you'll be able to add that selection to the color image to make your selection.

Well, you can trace the outline you desire with the pen tool, making a PATH. Then you can load that path as a selection on a new, empty layer, and fill it with the desired color, stroke it, etc. Remember to make sure the pen tool is in Path mode - when you create your outline in path mode, the resulting path is stored in the Paths pallet as the Work Path. Select it, rename it (to preserve it) and then load it as a selection and away you go!

Kirk

Thanks a lot.