How to Draw Manga and Anime Girl Hair
By Barsha Bhattacharya
04 November, 2024
Art
Drawing manga and anime characters can be a fun and creative process, especially when it comes to their hair. Hair in manga and anime often reflects a character’s personality and mood.
Whether you want to create a fierce warrior or a cheerful schoolgirl, their hair plays a key role in expressing who they are. In this guide, we’ll explore step-by-step methods to draw anime girl hair, making it easy for beginners and engaging for more experienced artists.
Understanding Hair in Manga and Anime
Before we start drawing, let’s take a moment to understand how hair works in the world of manga and anime. Hair can be represented in various styles, lengths, and colors.
Here are a few things to consider:
1. Style
Different characters have different hairstyles. Some may have long, flowing locks, while others might sport short, spiky cuts. Think about the character’s personality and background when choosing a hairstyle.
2. Volume
Hair often appears voluminously in anime. Artists give it a three-dimensional look by adding highlights and shadows. This makes the hair seem alive and dynamic.
3. Movement
Hair is often drawn to reflect movement, whether it’s blowing in the wind or falling softly around the face. Capturing this can make your character feel more alive.
4. Color
While real hair colors can be quite limited, anime allows for a wide range of colors—like bright pinks, deep blues, and vibrant purples. The color can add to the character’s uniqueness.
Now, let’s dive into how to draw manga and anime girl’s hair step by step!
Step 1: Gather Your Tools
Before you start drawing, make sure you have the right tools:
- Pencil: For sketching your initial ideas.
- Eraser: To fix mistakes.
- Inking Pens: For outlining your final design.
- Paper: Any type you prefer, but smooth paper works well for inking.
- Colored Pencils or Markers: If you want to add color later.
Step 2: Sketching the Head Shape
Begin by drawing the basic shape of the head. This will serve as the foundation for your character’s hairstyle.
1. Draw a Circle: This will be the top part of the head.
2. Add a Jawline: Below the circle, draw a V shape to form the chin and jawline. This gives your character a face.
3. Guidelines: Lightly sketch a vertical line down the middle of the circle and a horizontal line across the middle. These lines help place the facial features later.
Step 3: Outline the Hairline
Next, you’ll want to draw the hairline, which indicates where the hair begins.
1. Hairline Shape: Depending on the hairstyle you choose, draw a gentle curve along the top of the head. For bangs, you might draw a zigzag or rounded line that dips down toward the forehead.
2. Define the Hair Shape: Lightly sketch the general shape of the hair. Will it be long and flowing? Short and spiky? Take your time to decide.
Step 4: Drawing the Hair
Now it’s time to get into the fun part—drawing the hair itself!
1: Long Hair
1. Basic Shape: For long hair, start by drawing the outline of the hair. Make sure it flows from the hairline down past the shoulders.
2. Sections: Divide the hair into sections or strands. This makes it easier to add detail later. Draw the strands as curved lines that follow the shape of the head.
3. Add Details: To give the hair volume, draw additional lines within each section, following the curves of the strands. These lines should start from the hairline and flow downwards.
2: Short Hair
1. Basic Shape: For short hair, start at the hairline and draw the hair close to the head. Keep it more compact and less flowing.
2. Spikes and Layers: For a spiky look, draw sharp angles and jagged lines. If the style is layered, add curves to show the layers.
3: Bangs
Bangs can dramatically change a character’s appearance.
1. Choose the Style: Decide whether the bangs will be straight, side-swept, or wispy.
2. Draw the Bangs: Start at the hairline and sketch the bangs, making sure they frame the face. Use soft, flowing lines for a natural look.
Step 5: Adding Volume and Movement
To make the hair look more dynamic, add some volume and movement.
1. Use Curves: Draw curves at the ends of the hair to suggest movement. This can imply that the hair is blowing in the wind or that the character is in motion.
2. Overlap Sections: Make some hair strands overlap others to create a sense of depth. This will give your drawing a more three-dimensional appearance.
Step 6: Inking the Hair
Once you’re happy with your sketch, it’s time to ink the hair.
1. Use a Fine Pen: Carefully trace over your pencil lines with an inking pen. Take your time to ensure clean lines.
2. Add Variations: You can use different pen sizes to create thicker and thinner lines. Thicker lines can outline the entire hair, while thinner lines can add detail.
Step 7: Coloring the Hair
After inking, you can add color to bring your character to life.
1. Choose Your Colors: Select a base color for the hair. Don’t be afraid to choose bold colors—this is anime, after all!
2. Add Highlights and Shadows:
- Highlights: Use a lighter shade of the base color to add highlights. Focus on areas where the light would naturally hit, like the top of the head and the front strands.
- Shadows: Use a darker shade to create shadows, particularly under the sections of hair that overlap. This adds depth and dimension.
Step 8: Final Touches
Once you’ve finished coloring, take a moment to add any final details.
1. Refine the Lines: Go back and clean up any areas where the ink might have smudged or where the lines could be clearer.
2. Background: If you like, add a simple background or some props that reflect your character’s personality.
Tips for Drawing Hair
- Practice Different Styles: Experiment with various hairstyles to find what works best for you.
- Look at References: Study other artists’ work for inspiration. Notice how they depict hair and try to incorporate their techniques into your style.
- Keep Practicing: The more you draw, the better you will become. Don’t get discouraged if your first attempts don’t turn out as expected. Keep trying!
Wrapping Up!
Drawing manga and anime girl hair can be a delightful and rewarding experience. With practice and attention to detail, you can create stunning hairstyles that enhance your characters’ personalities.
Remember to have fun with it—experiment with colors, styles, and techniques. Each character is a new opportunity to explore your creativity!
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