How To Draw Simple Anime Hair?

Learning how to draw simple anime hair can enhance your skills as an artist and allow you to create diverse characters. Anime hair is known for its unique styles, volume, and colors. This guide will provide step-by-step instructions and essential tips to help you easily master the art of drawing anime hairstyles.

Understanding the Basics of Anime Hair

To draw simple anime hair effectively, it’s crucial to understand its fundamental characteristics. Anime hair often deviates from realistic proportions, emphasizing stylization and individuality.

The Characteristics of Anime Hair

• Shape: Anime hair usually features sharp angles and dynamic shapes.
• Volume: It tends to be voluminous, with layers that create depth.
• Colors: Bright, unnatural colors are common, but more natural tones are also used.

Essential Tools for Drawing Anime Hair

Gathering the right tools can significantly improve your drawing process. Here are some essentials:

• Pencils (HB and 2B for sketching)
• Erasers (kneaded and regular erasers for precision)
• Inking pens (fine liners for final touches)
• Coloring tools (markers, colored pencils, or digital software)

Step-by-Step Process for Drawing Simple Anime Hair

Follow these clear steps to learn how to draw simple anime hair.

Step 1: Sketch the Head Shape

Begin by drawing the basic outline of the head. A simple oval will do as a foundation for where the hair will sit.

Tips for Head Structure

• Use light pencil strokes to allow easy adjustments.
• Establish guidelines for the facial features to maintain proportions.

Step 2: Define the Hairline

Draw the hairline according to the character's age and style. Typically, younger characters have more rounded hairlines.

Types of Hairlines

• Straight: Common in many characters.
• Curved: Often used for softer, more youthful looks.
• Jagged: For edgier or rebellious characters.

Step 3: Outline the Hair Shape

Using the hairline as a guide, create the shape of the hair. Focus on giving it volume and direction. Observe how hair flows and creates shapes.

Tips for Outlining

• Think in terms of large shapes first before adding details.
• Add movement to the hair by varying the strokes and directions.

Step 4: Add Layers and Detail

Once you have the basic shape, start adding layers and detail. Layering gives dimension and realism to the hair.

Ways to Layer Hair

• Create sections that fall naturally over one another.
• Use curved lines to suggest texture and flow.
• Create spikes or curls by using sharp angles for certain styles.

Step 5: Inking and Coloring

After completing the sketch, proceed to ink the outlines with fine liners. Then, erase the pencil sketches carefully. Once the ink is dry, use coloring tools to add vibrancy to the hair.

Coloring Tips

• Choose a base color, then add highlights and shadows for depth.
• Use complementary colors for more striking effects.

Common Anime Hair Styles and Their Features

Familiarizing yourself with various anime hairstyles can greatly improve your versatility as an artist. Here are some popular styles to consider:

Long Flowing Hair

This style is characterized by long strands that often reach the character's waist or beyond, creating an elegant and ethereal look.

Short Spiky Hair

Short spiky hair often conveys energy and youthfulness. Use sharp angles and varied lengths to achieve this look.

Ponytail Styles

Ponytails can vary from high and sleek to low and messy. This hairstyle adds dynamism and can suit many character types.

Conclusion: Mastering Simple Anime Hair Techniques

Mastering how to draw simple anime hair takes practice and patience. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you’ll develop your ability to create various hairstyles that enhance your anime characters. Remember to experiment with different shapes, colors, and techniques to discover your unique style. Happy drawing!