ZBrushCentral

How could I create hair?

ZBrush Usage Questions
#1

Hi everyone!

I’m Chris, and I’m new to ZBrushCentral (and ZBrush itself). I’m currently working on a bust of a female human, and I do not know how to create realistic hair. I’ve searched for techniques, but I haven’t had much luck.

So far, I’ve blocked out a hair mesh using ZSpheres which I then converted to a PolyMesh3D. I definitely need to take it further, though. What you would suggest?

Thank you very much! I look forward to receiving feedback from the ever-kind-and-knowledgeable ZBrushCentral community. :smiley:

Thanks,
Chris

PS: I know that there are problems with the hair in terms of messed up polygons. I plan to remesh it, and I’ll ultimately retopologize everything. Also, I’ll gladly accept any and all unrelated feedback/criticism!

head_front.jpg

Attachments

head_back.jpg

head_left.jpg

head_right.jpg

head_top.jpg

#2

Erm, “What would you suggest?” I’m a bit tired tonight!

#3

The Clay Buildup brush is good for making hair sections. Put some lazymouse on it to help with drawing long continuous strokes. Once you’ve got the sections looking right, you can refine them using one of the Slash brushes with a low Zadd setting, and lazymouse to help stabilize the stroke. Remember to work from the part of the hair to the tip for a more natural flow.

A good tip is to start at the lowest subd level, draw out the hair sections using Clay Buildup, move it around a bit using move brushes, then go up one subd level at a time, emphasizing the flow of the hair and bring out the sections. Don’t worry about individual hairs but concentrate on the form as a whole, large curves and “chunks” of hair will give a better impression than trying to sculpt each little hair.

Before you set out, do a google image search for “sculpted hair” and look at the way traditional sculptors approach the subject, then try to emulate an effect that you like. Analyzing someone else’s work is a good way to give yourself direction to take your own.

#4

Thanks! I’ll give that a shot as soon as I’m able to and post how it goes. I’ll also post if I have any questions. I’m sure that others can learn from this, too. :slight_smile:

Thank you,
Chris