Start with a simple head outline and mark the hairline
Decide the hair type and style direction (straight, wavy, curly; up, down, fringe)
Sketch the main hair mass with light, loose shapes
Block in the hairline and parting with a few clean curves
Add the hair volume boundaries around the head (top, sides, back)
Indicate large clumps/sections using smooth, overlapping shapes
Draw flow lines to show how strands move from roots to ends
Refine each clump with curved strokes that follow the hair’s direction
Add strand detail near the hairline and around visible edges
Use varied line weight: lighter for highlights, darker for shadows and outer contours
Shade under overhangs where hair layers overlap
Add darker values between clumps to separate volume
Leave highlight areas mostly unshaded or lightly shaded
Use cross-hatching or soft shading for mass shadows (keep it subtle)
For straight hair: use straighter, cleaner stroke groups and sharper edges
For wavy hair: use curved stroke groups and alternating light/dark bands
For curly hair: draw small spiral/coil clusters and group them into larger bunches
Add flyaway strands sparingly along the hairline and edges
Clean up stray lines and reinforce the main silhouette
Blend shading where needed and sharpen key edges
Review proportions: hair should follow the head’s curvature and perspective
Erase construction lines lightly and finalize with consistent line quality