Drawing hair realistically requires patience and practice, but once you master it, you’ll be able to create gorgeous, flowing locks that look almost like they’re alive. Plus, there are so many things you can do with hair — from asymmetrical styles to windswept bobs and beyond — that it’s impossible to not be creative. So, here’s how to draw locks that look truly lifelike.
First thing’s first: take a deep breath. Don’t let your anxiety take control. Drawing hair takes time and precision. It’s more of a marathon than a sprint. And the more you practice, the easier it gets.
Second, get organized. Draw your initial outline with a lead pencil, leaving spaces between each individual strand. Get the basic shape and structure down first. Once you have a strong starting point, you’ll have a much easier time with the finer details and can really focus on the execution.
Next, go in with a fine liner or brush pen and draw individual, wispy strands. This is where it really starts to come together and come to life. When drawing a strand, be sure to give it a slight curve, from root to tip. This creates a sense of realism and dimension.
Now, shade it in. This is where all the work pays off. Go in slow and steady, pushing the pencil or brush slightly harder whenever you want a darker color. When shading in strands, take it FROM the root TO the tip. This creates a much more natural fall and look.
Once you’ve achieved the basic shapes, use your eraser to go in and add subtle highlights. Stack the eraser on its side and gently press it into the paper to add smaller highlights. This creates volume and depth.
Finally, take a titanic step back. Does your hair look real? You should be able to see each individual strand, but it should also have an overall flow to it. If you feel like it needs some tweaking, go back in and adjust. That’s the beauty of art — it’s never finished.
Once you have a firmer grip on the basics of drawing hair realistically, you can start to explore different techniques. Maybe you want to experiment with texture, or maybe you’d rather try a windswept or bouncy look. Either way, if you keep practicing and hone in on your skills, you’ll be creating perfect locks in no time.
The key to drawing realistic hair is to focus on the details. Each strand should be slightly different, and each should reflect the curves and shapes of your subject’s face. Go in with a steady hand and a light touch. And, of course, don’t forget to have fun!
A great way to get better at drawing hair is to look at photography and take note of the way curls and waves are shaped. There’s nothing like studying an actual head of hair for reference. It’s also a good idea to try different tools, such as markers, pastels, and colored pencils. These can all produce stunning effects.
Drawing hair is all about experimenting. So grab your paper, pencils and erasers, and get ready to explore. Try different lengths and styles of hair — and don’t forget to have fun!
Once you get the basics down, don’t be afraid to push the boundaries and try something more creative. You can draw personified hair with eyes and lips, or even a fantastical mane of pink locks. Hair is a great way to express your wildest imagination — so let it run free!
And, if you’re still feeling unsure, don’t be discouraged. Art is a process, and drawing lifelike hair takes time and practice. So, keep at it and don’t be afraid to experiment until you find the style and technique that works for you.
Start with the basics and work your way up. Draw a subject from a photo, a friend, or even from your imagination. Evaluate the relationship between the individual strands and the overall shape of the hair. And, most importantly, don’t forget to have fun! With patience and practice, you’ll soon be able to draw hair that looks so realistic, it’ll be hard to tell whether it’s coming off the page or the head.
So, how do you create realistic hair with your pencils, pens, and erasers? First and foremost, take it slow. Work your way from the initial outline to each fine strand, and use shading and highlighting to create depth and volume. Look at photography and other works of art for reference and inspiration. And, most importantly, don’t be afraid to experiment and have fun! With the proper techniques, you’ll soon be able to create hair that looks so alive, you won’t need a model to get the perfect look.
Drawing realistically can be challenging, but it’s incredibly rewarding when you get it just right. Hair is a fantastic subject to practice on, because it allows you to explore a lot of different styles, shapes, and textures — from flowing curls to wispy strands and beyond. So, don’t hesitate to jump in and get creative. Follow these simple tips, and you’ll soon be able to draw hair that looks as good as the real thing.
