This article was created by a teacher at the illustration and manga school, egaco. If you want to improve your illustration and manga production skills, we recommend you taking a class at egaco.

We’re sure many of you have experienced problems such as how to paint the hair highlights that are so popular now, or “I want to paint hair highlights like a professional illustrator, but I can’t paint them in the way I want …”

The secret of painting hair highlights is being aware of the sphere of the head from the source of light.

Let’s learn the basics first to paint hair highlights without hesitation.

Let’s improve by learning the basics of hair highlights!

1: Let’s learn about light

In order to apply hair highlights in a more three-dimensional way, you need to understand light.

Decide on the position and angle where the highlights will be applied.

Please click here for further details on how to paint shadows.

2: Let’s learn where the hair highlights will be applied

The shape of the head is not flat but spherical, so apply the highlights in a curved line.

The cuticle, also known as the angel’s halo, is the highlighted part of the hair.

The hair spreads out from the center of the hair whorl.

It is important to be aware of the flow from the hair whorl and to draw it while keeping an eye on the overall balance.

The position of the hair whorl differs by person, with some people having it at the back of the head and others at the front.

3: Let’s learn about the different types and characteristics of hair highlights using examples.

The base of the hair highlights is roughly painted in the places where the highlights hit, as shown in the diagram, along the direction of the light.

We will show the types of highlights that match the style of the picture, from deformation to realistic styles.

Anime-style hair highlights

There are many jagged highlights that follow the strands of hair.

There are also other ways of expressing things, like the clear boundaries and soft gradations of anime coloring.

Deformed-style hair highlights

For two to four heads, there are many simple painting methods such as circles, squares, and irregular shapes.

There are also other methods of painting highlights in the places where the light hits the most, or using an airbrush to create gradations.

Point: Be careful, as painting in detail may reduce the sense of deformation by half.

Realistic-style hair highlights

Unlike anime-style or deformation-style hair, realistic hair is more detailed, so it is more difficult to draw.

The characteristic of this is that the highlights are applied in fine strands following the direction of the light.

How to paint hair highlights [digital version]

Let us explain using the methods of anime painting, brush painting and thick painting.

First, decide on the direction of the light.

How to paint hair highlights using anime painting

Please refer to the following for details on anime painting.

How to paint hair highlights using brush painting and thick painting

Use a soft watercolor brush, and others to apply the paint with brushes.

Using the fingertip tool saves time as there is no need to draw or erase with a pen.

For further details on how to paint with brushes, please refer to the following:

By adding two layers of highlights, you can create a glossy hair texture.

If you add a cool color (purple or blue) to the back of the hair, a sense of airiness can be expressed, so try it.

How to paint hair highlights [analog version]

Here, we will explain how to easily paint hair highlights using colored pencils. You should also decide on the direction of the light.

Tips for painting hair highlights with colored pencils

Leave the white highlights as they are when painting.

If you paint a thin base coat and then add layers of shadow, you can create a beautiful gradation.

Please refer to the following to learn about how to paint with colored pencils.

For painting ideal hair highlights

There are various ways to paint highlights, but let’s try to understand the basics and find your own way of paintings.

For those who can’t paint well even after practicing the way of painting hair highlights, please consider participating in the class at our illustration and manga school, egaco.

Our professional instructors will show you various ways of expression at our illustration and manga school, egaco! So, why don’t you participate in our trial lessons at egaco.