Start with the head sketch and place the hairline and parting
Block in the overall hair shape as large masses (bangs, crown, sides, back)
Draw the hairline carefully, following the natural curve of the scalp
Plan major sections (front, sides, top, back) before adding strands
Use “flow” lines to indicate direction of hair growth and major bends
Add thickness by drawing clumps, not individual hairs first
Vary clump size and spacing to avoid an even, uniform look
Follow the silhouette with thicker, darker lines and refine edges with lighter marks
Indicate layers by separating top hair from underlying sections with gaps and overlaps
Add highlights with clean negative space or lighter strokes on raised areas
Shade with grouped strokes that match the hair’s direction and curvature
Use darker values under clumps, where hair overlaps and where forms turn away from light
Keep shadows soft at the edges of hair mass, sharper where strands bunch tightly
Use a consistent stroke style for strand texture (short for fine hair, longer for thick hair)
For flyaways, add a few irregular, tapered strands at the perimeter and around edges
Blend transitions between light and dark using gradual value changes
Add shine accents sparingly where light hits the smoothest planes
Erase or lighten construction lines once the hair masses are established
Refine by increasing contrast around the hairline, part, and deepest overlaps
Adjust for perspective by narrowing hair shapes and changing strand flow with the head angle
Check the silhouette from a distance and simplify where details get noisy