I. Introduction
One of the most challenging aspects of drawing realistic human figures is capturing the complexity and volume of their hair. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced artist, mastering hair drawing is key to creating convincing portraits and characters. In this article, we’ll provide a step-by-step tutorial on how to draw hair, along with techniques for shading, coloring, and adding texture. We’ll also offer inspiration and reference materials, point out common mistakes to avoid, and provide creative ways to approach hair drawing.
II. Step-by-Step Tutorial
To begin drawing hair, we’ll start with the basic shape and flow of the hair, and then add layers of details, shading, and texture. Here are the steps:
- Start with a simple sketch of the head’s silhouette and the basic shape of the hair. Use light lines to indicate the flow and direction of the hair, and consider its length, thickness, and texture.
- Next, add the main strands of hair, starting from the hairline and progressing towards the back of the head. Keep the lines light and fluid, and adjust the curve and direction of the hair to reflect its natural flow. Use reference photos or a mirror to check the proportions and angles of the hair.
- Now, add the secondary strands of hair, filling in the gaps between the main strands with smaller, more delicate strokes. Think about the thickness and direction of the hair in different areas of the head, such as the crown, the sides, and the back. You might want to use an eraser to lighten or refine some of the lines as you go.
- Once you have the basic structure of the hair in place, you can start adding shading and volume. Think about where the light source is coming from, and use a range of tones to create highlights, mid-tones, and shadows. Use a blending tool, such as a tortillon or a cotton swab, to blur the lines and create a smoother transition between the tones. You can also use cross-hatching or stippling to create texture and depth.
- Finally, add any details or finishing touches to the hair, such as flyaways, wisps, or accessories. You can also adjust the contrast and tone of the hair by going back over it with a softer or harder pencil. Don’t forget to step back and assess the overall look of the hair, and compare it to your reference material if necessary.
Remember, practice makes perfect – don’t be afraid to experiment with different techniques and approaches, and try drawing different hair lengths, types, and styles.
III. Techniques and Styles
There are many techniques and styles used to draw hair, each suited for different contexts and effects. Here are some of the most common:
Realistic
Realistic hair drawing aims to replicate the natural textures, shades, and movements of human hair. It often involves meticulous pencil or pen strokes, layering, and blending to create a lifelike illusion. Examples include portraiture, character design, and fashion illustration.
Cartoonish
Cartoonish hair drawing is characterized by exaggerated shapes, vibrant colors, and bold lines. It’s often used in comic books, animation, and children’s books, and can convey a sense of playfulness, humor, or fantasy. Examples include Mrs. Frizzle from The Magic School Bus and Goku from Dragon Ball Z.
Surrealistic
Surrealistic hair drawing explores unconventional and dreamlike interpretations of hair, often using unexpected shapes, colors, and perspectives. It can evoke a sense of mystery, rebellion, or artistry, and is often used in fine art or avant-garde illustration. Examples include Gustav Klimt’s paintings and Hayao Miyazaki’s films.
IV. Shading and Texture
Adding shading and texture to hair is crucial to creating a three-dimensional look and a sense of volume. Here are some tips and techniques for achieving different shading and texture effects:
Straight Hair
Straight hair is often smooth and reflective, with defined highlights and shadows. Use parallel pencil strokes to create a sense of uniformity, and vary the pressure and direction of the strokes to add depth and texture. Pay attention to the light source and add highlights on the top and the midsections of the hair, and shadows on the bottom and the root sections. Use a blending tool to smoothen the transitions and create a sleek effect.
Curly Hair
Curly hair can be more challenging to shade and texture due to its many layers and intricate shapes. Use circular or spiral pencil strokes to create a sense of flow and movement, and vary the thickness and direction of the strokes to reflect the texture of the hair. Add highlights under the curls to create a sense of bounce and volume, and shade the areas between the curls to create depth and definition. Use a blending tool to create a soft, natural effect.
Braided Hair
Braided hair is often composed of multiple sections of hair intertwined with each other, creating a complex yet structured pattern. Use long, straight pencil strokes to create the individual strands of hair, and vary the thickness and intensity of the strokes to mimic the texture of the hair. Pay attention to the shape and structure of the braid, and use highlights and shadows to create a sense of depth and dimension. Use a blending tool to create a polished effect.
V. Color and Highlights
Adding color and highlights to hair can enhance its realism or fantasy, and create a sense of direction or style.
Colored Pencils
Colored pencils are a popular choice for coloring hair, as they allow for precise application and a wide range of colors. Use a base color for the hair, and then layer lighter or darker colors on top to create highlights and shadows. Use a blending tool, such as a colorless blender or a wax-based pencil, to create a smoother transition between the colors. You can also experiment with blending colors or adding texture with different pencil strokes.
Markers
Markers are another option for coloring hair, as they offer bold and consistent colors with little effort. Use a base color for the hair, and then layer lighter or darker colors on top to create highlights and shadows. Use a blending tool, such as a colorless blender or a solvent-based solution, to create a smoother transition between the colors. Be careful not to over-saturate the paper or blend the colors too much, as this can create a messy or blurry effect.
VI. Inspiration and Reference
Looking for inspiration and reference material can help you improve your hair drawing skills and broaden your artistic style. Here are some suggestions:
Nature and People-Watching
Observe the shapes, textures, and colors of real hair in different settings, such as the outdoors, the city, or social events. Take note of the differences between hair types, ages, ethnicities, and genders, and how hair interacts with clothing, accessories, and weather. Use a sketchbook to capture quick sketches or notes of your observations.
Photographs and Online Galleries
Use online or offline galleries, such as Instagram, Pinterest, or Flickr, to search for reference photos of hair in different contexts and styles. Look for high-quality photos that showcase the details of the hair, and use them as a guide for your drawing. Be respectful of the copyright and privacy of the photographers and models.
Art Tutorials and Books
Check out books, magazine articles, or online tutorials that focus on hair drawing techniques and styles. Look for materials that match your skill level and interests, and practice the exercises and assignments. Don’t be afraid to try something new or to combine different approaches.
VII. Common Mistakes
Here are some common mistakes to avoid when drawing hair:
Over- or Under-Shading
Make sure you balance the shading and the highlights to create a sense of volume and depth, but be careful not to overdo it or underdo it. Use your reference material and your judgment to assess the tonal value of the hair, and adjust your pencil strokes accordingly. Don’t be afraid to erase and redo some parts of the hair if necessary.
Copying Exact Lines
Don’t try to copy the exact lines or shapes of your reference material, as this can create a flat and unoriginal effect. Instead, use your creativity and observation skills to interpret the hair in your own style, and make adjustments or additions based on your artistic intention. The more you practice, the more natural your hair drawing will become.
Skipping Layers or Steps
Make sure you follow the steps and layers of the hair drawing process, and don’t skip or rush any part of it. Each layer adds a different level of detail and realism, and skipping any of them can compromise the final result. Take your time and enjoy the drawing process, and you’ll develop your skills and style along the way.
VIII. Creative Ways to Draw Hair
Here are some creative ways to approach hair drawing:
Glitter and Metallics
Use glitter or metallic pens or pencils to add shine and sparkle to the hair, or to create a sense of adornment or magic. Be careful not to overuse these materials, as they can distract from the overall drawing and make it difficult to shade or texture the hair. Use them sparingly or strategically on specific areas of the hair.
Watercolor and Ink Washes
Use watercolor or ink washes to add depth and color to the hair, or to create a painterly effect. These materials can also be used to create a sense of mood or atmosphere, such as rain or fog. Be careful not to overuse these materials, or to blend them too much, as they can create a blotchy or muddy effect. Experiment with different watercolor or ink techniques and color combinations.
Layering and Collage
Combine different materials or textures to create a layered or collage-like effect for the hair. For example, use fabric or paper cutouts to create hair accessories or embellishments, or use textured paper or fabric to create a 3D effect. Be creative and playful with this approach, and explore different combinations and placements of the materials.
IX. Conclusion
We hope this tutorial has helped you improve your hair drawing skills and inspired you to try new approaches and styles. Remember, hair drawing is a continuous learning process that requires patience, practice, and creativity. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different techniques and materials, and to seek feedback and inspiration from other artists.