Animated hair is more than just strands on a character’s head; it’s a powerful tool for expressing personality, emotion, and movement. Getting it right can feel tricky, as it needs to look believable without being overly realistic. The secret lies in thinking of hair as a single, flowing shape rather than thousands of individual lines. This approach makes it much easier to draw and gives it that classic animated feel.
Start with Simple Shapes First
Before you sketch any details, block out the basic form of the hairstyle. Is it a short, spiky bob? Long, flowing waves? Visualize it as a solid mass. Use simple shapes like triangles, rectangles, or soft clouds to define its overall silhouette. This initial shape is your guide—it establishes the volume and direction of the hair, ensuring it looks cohesive and sits naturally on the head.
Let the Hair Flow with Movement
In animation, hair has a life of its own. To show movement, think about the forces acting on it. If a character is running, their hair will stream behind them. If they’re jumping, it will bounce and float for a moment. Draw the main shape of the hair following an S-curve or a C-curve. This simple principle creates a sense of flow and energy, making the hair feel dynamic and integrated with the character’s action.
Define Clumps, Not Strands
Instead of drawing every single hair, focus on grouping strands together into larger clumps or locks. These clumps are what give the hair its texture and style. Vary the size and thickness of these clumps for visual interest—some can be thick and chunky, while others are thin and wispy. You only need to suggest a few lines at the ends or along the edges of these clumps to imply the texture, keeping your drawing clean and effective.
Using Silhouette to Show Personality
A character’s hairstyle can tell you a lot about them before they even speak. A sharp, angular silhouette might suggest a confident or edgy personality, while soft, round shapes often feel gentler and sweeter. Try sketching your character’s hair as a solid black shape. If that silhouette is instantly recognizable and interesting, you know you have a strong, communicative design that adds depth to your character.
Drawing animated hair becomes much easier when you focus on these foundational ideas. By starting with shapes, emphasizing flow, and defining clear clumps, you can create hair that is full of life and personality, perfectly suited for your animated world.