How to Draw Curly Hair Like a Pro

Are you ready to elevate your art with beautifully rendered curls? Drawing curly hair can be challenging

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JAE JOHNS DIGEST

Hello friend!

Are you ready to elevate your art with beautifully rendered curls? Drawing curly hair can be challenging, but with the right techniques, you can achieve stunning results! Here’s a step-by-step approach to mastering this intricate feature, helping your characters pop with personality and realism. Get started with this guide to drawing curly hair, where you’ll find detailed advice on capturing all types of curls, from loose waves to tight coils.

Here are some top tips to keep in mind:

  • Start with the Foundation: Begin by mapping the basic curl shapes. For wavy curls, use soft, flowing lines, while tighter curls benefit from a coiling motion. This will set the framework for each curl type.

  • Embrace the Ribbon Technique: Mimic how a ribbon folds and flows to bring a three-dimensional feel to each strand. Adding subtle lines along the curl’s path will make each strand appear more dynamic and natural.

  • Play with Light and Shadow: Remember, curls are naturally voluminous! By adding shading to the underside of each curl and leaving lighter gaps for highlights, you’ll create depth and realism that brings your artwork to life.

  • Add Finishing Touches: Loose strands and flyaways are key for a natural, effortless look. These finishing details add character and prevent your curly hair from looking too stiff.

Incorporate these methods, and you’ll notice an immediate difference in your illustrations. Ready to take your skills even further? Check out the full guide for more insights on achieving realistic curls and finishing touches. Explore how to draw curly hair like a pro and make each strand look effortlessly real.

Happy drawing, and may your curls always be captivating!

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QUOTE FROM THE MASTERS

“Hair is about texture, light, and shadow. Treating it like a single shape first, then gradually breaking it down, helps to control its complexity.“
— Burt Silverman

TODAY’S RECOMMENDATIONS

Links included may contain affiliate links. If you purchase a product or service with the links that I provide I may receive a small commission, at no cost to you!

To be honest, I don’t really use a pencil set that much, but if you’re starting out or doing a lot of shading with pencils then I recommend them.

There are different grades of pencils, and when you’re starting out you don’t know which one you’ll like the most.

Getting an inexpensive but high quality pencil set allows you to try different pencil grades and an assortment of drawing supplies.

Plus this one allows you to work in grey tones with the pencils, black with the charcoals, or add some color with the conte sticks!

Cheaper version of Copic Markers. Seemless blending, refillable ink, and 120 vibrant colors.

I found an inexpensive but great quality iPad so you can start drawing in Procreate.

Just getting Photoshop alone is $23/month. That’s almost $300/year.

By getting this iPad and Procreate you’re spending about the same BUT you have it for LIFE.

You pay once and you pretty much get to use it forever!

Have a great day,
Jae

When you're ready, here's how I can help:

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