Anime hair is more than just a style; it’s a powerful tool for expressing a character’s personality, mood, and even their hidden powers. From gravity-defying spikes to flowing, silky strands, the way you draw hair can bring your character to life. While it might look complex, breaking it down into simple steps makes it an achievable and fun part of character creation.
Start with the Shape of the Head
Before you draw a single strand, always sketch the head’s basic shape. Hair has volume and sits on top of the scalp, not flat against it. Imagine a slightly larger outline around the head—this is the “hair volume” layer. This simple step prevents your character from looking like they’re wearing a tight hat and makes the hairstyle feel more natural and dynamic.
Thinking in Shapes, Not Strands
The biggest secret to drawing anime hair is to avoid drawing every single hair. Instead, think in big, bold shapes. Break the hairstyle down into its main sections: the front bangs, the sides that frame the face, and the back. Draw these as solid, chunky pieces first. For example, spiky hair is a series of triangles, while wavy hair is a collection of flowing, curved shapes. This approach gives hair its iconic, stylized look.
Adding Flow and Movement
To make hair look less static, consider its flow and direction. Where is the part? Does the wind blow it to one side? Giving the hair a consistent direction creates a sense of movement. Use flowing lines to connect the different sections you’ve drawn. Even the craziest, most chaotic hairstyles have an underlying rhythm. Following this flow will make your drawing look intentional and professional.
Simple Shading for Maximum Impact
A little shading goes a long way. Choose a light source and add shadows to the areas that would be hidden from it, like underneath the bangs or between the clumps of hair. Often, a simple two-tone approach works perfectly: a base color and a darker shade for the shadows. This instantly adds depth and dimension, making your hair pop off the page.
Mastering anime hair is all about practice and observation. Look at your favorite characters and try to identify the simple shapes that build their unique hairstyles. With these foundational steps, you’ll be able to create a vast library of hairstyles that give your original characters their own signature look.