Drawing hair can feel like one of the biggest challenges when creating a manga character. It sits right on top of the head, framing the face and defining a character’s personality more than almost any other feature. But what if you could break it down into simple, manageable steps? With a few key principles, you can move beyond simple shapes and start creating hairstyles that are full of life and movement.
Start with the Head Shape and Flow
Before you draw a single strand, it’s important to remember that hair has volume. Start by sketching a basic head shape. Then, imagine where the hair would grow from—this is often called the “hair cap.” This area sits slightly above the actual scalp. Next, think about gravity and flow. Where is the hair’s weight pulling it? Is it a calm style that falls straight down, or a wild one that defies gravity? Lightly sketching these main directional lines first will give your hairstyle a believable foundation.
Thinking in Shapes, Not Strands
One of the most common mistakes is trying to draw every single hair. In manga, hair is often simplified into larger, distinct shapes or clumps. Think of the hairstyle as being made of several big, flowing sections. A simple short cut might have three or four main clumps, while a long, elaborate style could have a dozen. Draw the outline of these shapes first. This approach not only makes the drawing process easier but also gives the hair a clean, graphic look that reads well on the page.
Adding Detail and Personality
Once you have your main shapes blocked in, you can start to add detail. Refine the edges of your clumps, and add some smaller, secondary clumps that break off from the main ones. This creates a more natural and interesting texture. Don’t forget the hairline around the forehead and the part in the hair, as these small details add a lot of realism. Finally, use your line weight to your advantage. Try using thicker lines for the bottom of the hair clumps or areas in shadow, and thinner lines for finer details and flyaway hairs. This simple technique adds instant depth and dimension.
Making Hair Styles that Tell a Story
A character’s hair can say a lot about them. A neat, orderly bob might suggest a studious personality, while a spiky, untamed mane could imply a rebellious spirit. Don’t be afraid to exaggerate! Manga is known for its dramatic and impossible hairstyles. You can use hair to emphasize movement in an action scene or to convey emotion, letting it float gently for a calm moment or spike out wildly for a surprise. The most important thing is that it feels right for your character.
Drawing manga hair is a skill that improves with practice. Start by observing real hairstyles and seeing how other artists simplify them. Then, grab your pencil and experiment. Try drawing different lengths, textures, and styles. Each sketch will bring you closer to creating the perfect, iconic look for your own manga characters.