Hi
Here’s an interesting method to create 3D hair in Zbrush without the need for transparency maps or post render painting.
This method was devised in Zbrush 1.55b, so I’m assuming it’ll work in Z2.
It simply uses the Ring primitive-
- With the ring active, go to the selection menu, mask all and select Row at setting 1.
- Inflate this selection so you have a ribbed effect. Deselect selection.
- To vary the thickness of the hairs, select Row 2. Inflate again.
- Add a material with a fairly high specular to get a shine to the hair.
- Add whatever texture you want. I used the woodgrain texture rotated once.
- Save the new Hair Ring tool.(So you can reload it for each new hair mass.)
- Use the Move tool on a large setting to warp the ring into your desired shape.
- Use Scale in the Transform menu to get tapered ends.
- You can also experiment with any of the deform tools to acheive desired results. e.g Twist is good for getting curled hair.
There you go. If I’ve left out any steps, or if you have any questions, let me know.