How to Draw Curly Hair

Are you struggling to draw curly hair? It can be a challenging task, but with the right techniques and tools, you can create beautiful and realistic curls. In this article, I will guide you through the process of drawing curly hair step-by-step. Whether you are an aspiring artist or just looking to improve your skills, this guide will provide you with the knowledge and confidence to create stunning portraits with curly hair. So grab your supplies and let’s get started!

Supplies Needed

Before we dive into the process of drawing curly hair, it’s important to make sure you have all the necessary supplies. First and foremost, you’ll need a good quality pencil. I recommend using a mechanical pencil with a fine lead so that you can easily create thin lines for detailing.

Next, you’ll need an eraser. It’s inevitable that mistakes will be made during the drawing process, so having a reliable eraser is key. I suggest using a kneaded eraser as they are gentle on paper and can be shaped to fit any area you need to erase.

To add depth and dimension to your drawing, consider using shading tools such as graphite sticks or charcoal pencils. These will allow you to create darker areas in the hair where shadows would naturally fall.

Lastly, choose your paper wisely. A heavier weight paper will hold up better against erasing and shading without tearing or smudging. Look for papers labeled “drawing” or “sketching” with a weight of at least 80lb.

By gathering these supplies beforehand, you’ll be setting yourself up for success when it comes time to draw curly hair.

Drawing the Outline

Now that you have gathered all the necessary supplies, it’s time to start drawing the outline of your curly hair. Begin by sketching the basic shape of the head and hairline. Keep in mind that curly hair tends to have more volume, so make sure to draw a slightly larger outline than you would for straight hair.

Next, use light strokes to draw the general direction of the curls. Remember that curls can vary in size and shape, so try to create a natural-looking pattern. Don’t worry about adding too much detail at this stage; focus on getting the overall shape and flow of the hair right.

Once you’re happy with your initial outline, go over it with darker lines or a pen. This will help define the shape and make it easier to see as you begin filling in the details of the hair. Keep in mind that curly hair can be messy and uneven, so don’t worry if your outline isn’t perfect – imperfections can add character and realism to your drawing.

Filling In the Hair

Now that you have the outline of your curly hair drawing, it’s time to start filling in the hair. Begin by shading the areas where the hair is darkest, such as near the roots and in any shadowed areas. Use a light touch and build up the shading gradually to create a natural-looking effect.

Next, add some texture to the hair by using short, curved strokes to create individual strands. Pay attention to the direction of the curls and use your reference image as a guide. Remember that curly hair tends to clump together in sections, so try to capture this in your drawing.

As you work on filling in the hair, continue to refine your outlines and adjust any areas that need more definition. Take breaks if you need them and step back from your drawing every so often to assess your progress.

With patience and practice, you’ll soon have a beautifully rendered drawing of curly hair that captures all of its unique texture and movement.

Adding Curls

Now that you have filled in the hair with basic shading, it’s time to add some curls to give your drawing more depth and texture. Start by identifying where you want the curls to be located. Curly hair tends to clump together in sections, so think about which areas of the hair would naturally curl.

Once you have identified those areas, use a small circular motion with your pencil to create tight curls. Make sure to vary the size and shape of each curl to make it look more natural. You can also add some flyaway hairs around the edges of the curls for added realism.

If you want looser curls, use a sweeping motion with your pencil instead of small circles. Remember that curly hair is rarely uniform, so don’t worry too much about making every curl perfect. The goal is to create an overall impression of curly hair rather than individual strands.

Adding curls can take some practice, but don’t be discouraged if your first attempts don’t turn out exactly as planned. Keep practicing and experimenting with different techniques until you find what works best for you.

Finishing Touches

Now that you have filled in the hair and added curls, it’s time to add some finishing touches to your drawing. One important aspect of curly hair is its texture. To create a realistic texture, use short, curved lines to add depth and dimension to the curls. You can also use shading techniques to create shadows and highlights, which will further enhance the texture.

Another way to add interest to your drawing is by adding accessories such as headbands or clips. These can be drawn in with fine details, such as patterns or textures, to make them stand out. Additionally, consider adding some stray hairs around the face or neck area for a more natural look.

Finally, take a step back and evaluate your drawing as a whole. Are there any areas that need more attention? Do the proportions look accurate? Make any necessary adjustments before considering your drawing complete.

By following these steps and adding some finishing touches, you can create a beautiful and realistic drawing of curly hair. Remember to have fun with it and let your creativity shine through!

Conclusion

In conclusion, drawing curly hair can be a challenging task, but with the right techniques and tools, it can also be a rewarding one. Remember to start with a basic outline and gradually build up the texture and volume of the hair. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different curl patterns and shading techniques to create a unique and realistic look. With practice and patience, you’ll soon be able to draw beautiful curly hairstyles that will impress your friends and clients alike. So go ahead, grab your pencils and paper, and let your creativity flow!