Drawing curly hair can feel a little intimidating at first. All those spirals and textures seem complex, but the secret is to stop thinking of it as individual strands and start seeing it as larger, flowing shapes. Once you shift your perspective, you’ll find that capturing the beautiful bounce and volume of curls is an incredibly rewarding experience.
Start with the Shape, Not the Strands
The biggest mistake when drawing curly hair is focusing on single curls right away. Instead, begin by sketching the overall silhouette of the hair. Is it a big, round afro? Does it cascade down in soft waves? Block in this main shape lightly with your pencil. Remember, curly hair has a lot of volume, so make this shape larger than you might for straight hair. This initial form acts as your guide and ensures your drawing has a solid, believable foundation.
Mapping Out the Major Clumps
Inside that large shape, start drawing the bigger clumps of curls. Think of these as ribbons or flowing organic shapes that interlock with each other. Avoid making them uniform; vary their size and direction to create a natural, dynamic look. Some clumps can be large and loose, while others are smaller and tighter. Pay attention to how gravity affects these clumps, especially where the hair parts or falls around the face.
Adding Texture and Depth with Shadows
This is where the magic happens and your curls really come to life. Instead of drawing every single hair, use shading to suggest texture. Look at the clumps you’ve drawn and identify where the shadows would naturally fall—typically on the underside of a curl and in the spaces between clumps. Use your pencil to darken these areas. The contrast between these shaded areas and the highlighted tops of the curls is what creates the illusion of springy, three-dimensional texture. A good tip is to use a tortillon or blending stump to softly blend some of these shadows for a smoother look.
Drawing curly hair is a beautiful exercise in seeing and simplifying form. By focusing on the big shapes first and then building up texture with thoughtful shading, you can create stunning, realistic curls that are full of life and movement. So grab your pencil, be patient with the process, and most importantly, have fun with it.