Hair can say everything about a character—style, energy, even mood. Whether you’re drawing realistic portraits or stylized anime, these hair ideas will bring depth, motion, and flair to your art. Grab your pencil—your sketchbook is about to get a lot more fabulous.
1. Messy Bedhead With Stray Strands
Sketch wild tufts, loose curls, and uneven layers to create that just-woke-up look. It’s full of personality and movement.
2. High Ponytail With Flying Ends
Perfect for action poses—show tension in the hair tie and exaggerate the motion of the strands as they fly behind.
3. Long Hair Blowing in the Wind
Draw it flowing across the page, with strands that lift, twist, or tangle. It adds softness, freedom, and emotion.
4. Braided Crown or Halo Braid
Sketch woven detail around the head like a regal frame. Add small accessories or flowers for a fantasy vibe.
5. Shaved Sides With a Top Knot
Great for edgy characters—combine smooth fades with wild spikes or curls on top. Play with contrast in textures.
6. Big Curly Afro With Volume
Draw lots of rounded lines and dense shading to build up shape. Let curls break silhouette for visual impact.
7. Loose Waves With Soft Shading
Use gentle curves and varied line weight to suggest relaxed motion. Perfect for dreamy, romantic characters.
8. Anime Spikes Defying Gravity
Go dramatic—draw tall, sharp spikes with defined sections. Think DBZ or shonen energy blasts trapped in hair.
9. Slicked-Back Hair With Shiny Texture
Use clean lines, strong shape, and high-contrast highlights. It feels formal, powerful, and sharp.
10. Twintails With Ribbons or Scrunchies
Draw puffy pigtails with cute bows or floating ends. It adds youthful energy and a playful vibe.
11. Side-Swept Bangs With Tucked Hair
Tuck hair behind one ear, let bangs fall casually over the eyes. Subtle lines suggest calm, confident energy.
12. Dreadlocks or Rope Braids With Beads
Use thick rope-like lines, varied texture, and accessories like beads or cuffs. Let locks layer and overlap naturally.
13. Super Short Buzz Cut
Keep it close to the scalp with sharp outline shading. Let facial features take the spotlight while the hair adds strength.
14. Half-Up, Half-Down With Volume
Draw the top pulled tight or braided while the rest cascades. Adds balance, elegance, and practicality.
15. Space Buns With Stray Pieces
Draw twin buns with flyaways or curtain bangs. Let the hair break symmetry for a cute, quirky style.
16. Hair Tied With a Pencil or Chopstick
Sketch hair gathered loosely with tools poking through. Great for artists, students, or modern mages.
17. Wild Fantasy Hair With Floating Ends
Add gravity-defying strands, sparkles, or magical shapes. Hair becomes a story element on its own.
18. Side Shave With Tattoo or Design Reveal
Draw one side buzzed to reveal an undercut pattern or scalp tattoo. Clean lines meet bold personal style.
19. Waterfall Braid Over Long Hair
Use flowing lines to show braided structure fading into curls or waves. Delicate and intricate.
20. Character Hair Inspired by Elements
Design hair based on fire (spiky flames), water (flowing waves), wind (sweeping lines), or earth (twists and braids).
Jessie has a passion for bringing people together through creativity and socializing. She has organized many painting events that have left guests with lasting memories and new friendships. She’s also been to various sip events to unleash her own creativity and connect with like-minded individuals.