How to Draw Hairstyles: Tips, Techniques, and Tools
If you’re interested in creating your own artwork, one of the first skills you should master is how to draw hairstyles. Whether you’re drawing manga, anime, or realistic portraits, hairstyles are an essential part of character design. However, drawing hairstyles can be a challenge for beginners. Here are some tips, techniques, and tools to help you improve your hairstyle drawing skills.
1. Start Simple
When you’re just starting out, it’s important to focus on simple hairstyles. Don’t try to draw anything too complicated – stick with basic styles like straight or wavy hair. This will help you learn the basics of drawing hair, like how to create the illusion of volume and texture. As you gain more experience, you can start to add more details and complexity to your hairstyles.
2. Observe Real Life
One of the best ways to learn how to draw hairstyles is to observe real life. Look at how hair falls on people’s heads, how it interacts with different fabrics and textures, and how it moves in the wind. Pay attention to the shape of the hair, the direction it flows in, and any details like highlights and shadows. You can also take reference photos of your own hair or friends’ hair to practice drawing from life.
3. Use References
Another great way to learn how to draw hairstyles is to use references. Look for pictures of hairstyles online or in magazines, and use them as inspiration for your own drawings. You can also use references to help you understand how to draw certain details like hair strands or braids. However, be careful not to copy someone else’s artwork – use references as a starting point, but add your own unique touches to make your artwork stand out.
4. Consider the Character
When drawing a hairstyle, it’s important to consider the character you’re drawing it for. Different hairstyles can convey different personalities, moods, and emotions. For example, a messy bun might suggest a carefree and relaxed attitude, while a sleek ponytail might suggest confidence and elegance. Think about what kind of person your character is, and choose a hairstyle that suits their personality.
5. Experiment with Different Tools
There are many different tools you can use to draw hairstyles. Pencils are a good starting point, but you can also use pens, markers, or digital tools like tablets and styluses. Experiment with different tools to find the ones that work best for you. For example, pencils are great for creating soft, textured looks, while markers can create bold, graphic styles.
6. Play with Texture
Texture is an important part of drawing hair. Experiment with different techniques to create different textures, like cross-hatching, stippling, or smudging. You can also try adding highlights and shadows to create depth and dimension.
7. Practice, Practice, Practice
As with any skill, the key to improving your hairstyle drawing skills is practice. Set aside some time each day to practice drawing different hairstyles. Try to challenge yourself with different styles and techniques, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes – they’re all part of the learning process.
FAQs
Q: What are some common mistakes beginners make when drawing hairstyles?
A: One common mistake is drawing hair too flat – remember that hair has volume and should appear to flow and move. Another mistake is not paying attention to the direction of the hair strands – each strand should flow in a specific direction to create a realistic effect.
Q: What’s the best way to draw curly hair?
A: Curly hair can be a challenge, but the key is to focus on the overall shape. Start with a loose outline of the shape of the hair, then add in individual curls using small, rounded strokes.
Q: How do I create the illusion of shine in a hairstyle?
A: To create shine, use a white pencil or marker to add highlights along the edges of the hair strands. Avoid using too much white, as this can make the hair look too harsh or unnatural.
Q: What’s the best way to draw a braided hairstyle?
A: To draw a braided hairstyle, start by drawing a loose outline of the overall shape of the braid. Then, add in individual strands one at a time, weaving them over and under each other until you reach the end of the braid. Finally, add texture and shading to create depth and dimension.
Q: What’s the best way to draw realistic hair strands?
A: To draw realistic hair strands, start with a loose outline of the overall shape of the hairstyle. Then, add individual strands using short, curved strokes. Vary the length and thickness of the strands to create texture and depth. Finally, add shading and highlights to create volume and dimension.