how to draw curly hair?

TLDR: Drawing curly hair involves understanding its structure, using the right tools, and applying techniques for texture and volume. Key steps include sketching the outline, defining curls, adding texture, shading, and making final adjustments.

Drawing curly hair can be challenging but rewarding for artists. Understanding the structure and movement of curly hair is essential, as it comes in various forms, from loose waves to tight coils. To create a realistic representation, artists should focus on defining each curl with light and dark shades, using tools like mechanical and graphite pencils, erasers, and blending stumps.

The process involves several steps: starting with a light sketch of the hair's outline, defining the curls with guidelines, and adding texture by drawing individual hairs. Shading and blending are crucial for achieving depth, considering the light source to determine where highlights and shadows fall. Finally, adding stray hairs and adjusting tonal values will enhance the realism of the drawing. By avoiding common mistakes, such as harsh outlines and neglecting highlights, artists can improve their curly hair illustrations significantly.