how to draw black african hair

In this tutorial, we'll look at drawing multiple hairstyles that tend to be popular choices for natural, afro textured hair: afros, locs, braids, and twists. While these styles could potentially exist worn by people with other pilus types, nosotros will primarily focus on Type iv pilus.

We'll have a stylistic approach in this tutorial. Please note that this is not an exhaustive list; there are a myriad of styles and options out there, and no two subjects are exactly akin. People come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors (as does their pilus!). Ane of the best ways to observe a subject is to do just that: observe. When in dubiety, expect at properly sourced reference materials.

1. Hair Types

Step 1

"Type 4" generally refers to the Andre Walker Hair Typing System, a general classification organization for identifying hair's attributes. Information technology is not a flawless organisation, nor is it without valid criticisms, but nosotros'll use information technology as a full general starting signal in this tutorial.

Blazon 4 is coily pilus—or very tight curls—which are typically quite voluminous. Note, for example, the deviation betwixt a ponytail on Type 1 hair (directly) and Type 4 hair (coily). Denser curls or coils will typically result in volume that you would mostly non run across in straighter pilus types.

Pace 2

That said, It'due south important to keep the hair'south volume in mind, when observing and visually experimenting with hairstyles. Notation, for example, how the hair varies when parting Type i pilus (direct) and Type 4 pilus (coily). Changing the mode the hair is sectioned on the head can redistribute its volume.

2. How to Depict Afro Hairstyles

Stride one

Permit'south begin past looking at afro inspired hairstyles. I have Blazon 4 hair myself, and it's my favorite style to vesture!

Type four pilus is more often than not separated into 4A, 4B, and 4C, only some people may have a combination of more than than ane type. Generally speaking, the scale relates to the density or tightness of the coils. This, then, often affects how the volume is distributed on the caput. Over again, people come up in a multifariousness of shapes, sizes, and colors—these are overall insights and non a representation of every person out in that location (as nosotros all vary!).

Hither are some basic contours that illustrate unlike ways the volume could be distributed on the skull, inspired by 4A, 4B, and 4C hair.

Stride two

Something I like to keep in listen, when drawing this hair blazon, is that the hair is coily (or curly). So, this by and large isn't a time when I would apply straight lines—as the hair isn't direct. Instead, varied contours will often make for a more organic aesthetic.

For more on drawing this hair type, I recommend checking out my How to Draw Natural, Afro Textured Hair tutorial.

Hither's an example of how we could have those bones contours and add together varied lines to begin to define the hair's shape.

Step 3

At present, allow's explore some different means afros can exist styled.

These are examples, but by no means an exhaustive listing. Again, note that when the pilus is pulled back, volume is redistributed.

Hither are some bones, initial contours that explore three different styles.

At present, use varied lines to further define the forms and create an organic look and feel.

3. How to Draw Locs

Footstep 1

Locs are beautiful, aren't they? Visually, they are typically defined as thick "locks" of hair, permanently bound in strands. That said, when drawing them, I like to approach them as a long, cylindrical shape.

In green, you'll meet a long, cylindrical shape that has some variation to it. These are my initial contours, where I've explored the shape I want to draw. Then, I can draw details on top.

We won't be looking at value or color in this tutorial, but texture and other variations can notwithstanding exist implied with line. Again, I like to utilize varied, organic lines to establish a more natural await.

Step two

And so, when drawing an entire head of hair, I like to work in a series of layered, cylindrical shapes. In this case, I started at the hairline and connected to build upon information technology. It's important to think about how the lines motility and flow on the skull.

This might sound a little light-headed, but I like to remember most wrapping thick spaghetti around a round surface, like a bowling ball.

Step 3

Once I've blocked out how I'd like the hair to sit and flow on the caput, I can brainstorm to refine my work. Again, note the varied lines on the outer contours of the strands.

So, personally, I like to add a little implied texture with line. Annotation the imperial ovals here; they visually stand for the depth of the loc. Detect how it visually implies the circumference, in comparison to the dark-green line, which does not. The surface of the loc is not straight, and then a curved line may be a better pick for defining depth and texture here.

Stride 4

Permit'south try this with some variations. Beneath, I've blocked out some other ways one might vesture locs.

Step 5

In one case you're happy with where your shapes have been placed, you tin can refine your work with varied lines.

Step six

And finally, line can be used to farther institute book and texture.

4. How to Draw Braids

Braids and locs have some visual similarities; both are generally cylinder-like, when thinking nigh basic shapes. There are many, many different ways that braids can be created and worn. Personally, I've worn braids both layered and flush confronting my scalp. The difference is exactly as they sound.

Step one

In the start fashion, the hair is sectioned and braided in a layered fashion. This concept is like to what we explored in the previous section of this tutorial.

I laid out some simple lines to decide how I'd like the hair to menstruation. A big difference here, in how I like to draw braids, is the outer profile of the braid. Personally, I like to draw them with a more uniform look.

Footstep two

Braids themselves tend to have a pattern to them, as the hair is braided in a repetitive mode. I like to depict braids via a series of swooping lines, every bit shown in purple. Then, I create the same kind of lines, in the reverse direction, every bit shown in blue.

I like to focus on the general texture and pattern that these lines create, when drawing this style with line.

Step iii

In some styles, the pilus is sectioned, just braided in a way that conforms to the head. Styles like this come in a broad variety of patterns and beautiful, artistic interpretations. Note the visible scalp expanse.

Similarly to other styles, I like to kickoff by blocking out bones shapes. Then, I tin can continue past creating a braid-similar pattern on top, keeping the flow that I created in listen as I draw.

Visual break down of how to draw braids that conform to the head

Step four

Now, let's explore this further with some boosted examples. Proceed in listen that hair can also be partially braided!

Again, I started with bones contours that help establish what I want to draw, how the hair will be placed, and how it sits on the head.

Basic contours illustrating different braided styles

Step 5

And then, using the same method of creating patterns, I followed my guidelines. Again, I don't similar to focus too hard on geometric perfection in my personal, stylistic choices. Translate this the style that works all-time for your artistic goals.

5. How to Depict Twists

Stride i

Allow'due south also take a look at cartoon two stranded twists. Y'all'll notice similarities in the bones shapes here—over again, I like to think about long, cylindrical shapes when I'm drawing. However, we'll work with a different pattern.

Instead of three braided strands, nosotros're working with two twisted ones. The blue line illustrates how I would first the strand, and the pink illustrates how I would "close" it upward.

Visual break down of how to draw simple twists

Footstep 2

Keep in mind, however, that the way the hair sits on the head tin vary! Let's endeavour the same techniques, just with the hair layered on the head in a different way.

Once again, I started by blocking out the forms (in green), and then added detail and blueprint using the method described in blue and pink.

Visual break down of how to draw varied twists

Step three

So, when cartoon this type of twist, I would recommend keeping the context of the other styles we've reviewed in mind. You lot will generally run into similarities in layering and volume, only a difference in pattern.

Let'southward attempt this with some additional examples.

Again, start with basic contours and shapes. Recall about how you'd like the strands to sit on the caput.

Basic contours illustrating different twist styles

Step 4

And then, you tin can refine your initial concept, keeping pattern and variation in mind, in a like mode to braids.

And There You lot Have It

We've explored multiple hairstyles that are often popular with Blazon 4 hair. Again, this is by no means "the end"—at that place are then many different ways hair can be styled! Hopefully, this tutorial provided you lot with some insight and inspiration to go depict and experiment with your own lovely looks.