Generally speaking, most anime character's hair is drawn in large clumps that come to a point or tip at the end of the hair-bunch. The different styles usually defy the laws of gravity and physics and break the laws of nature in all possible forms. ^_^ Okay, that may be going a little far, but there are a few characters whose hair styles are just way out there.

Of course this is not a rule you are forbidden to break. Drawing hair that doesn't go against the laws of physics is perfectly fine too. In fact, I suggest using real hair styles as examples when you get stuck, or find that every person you draw has a similar hair style.

There are a few rules that I'll lay out here that I do feel are important to go by, but remember - some things are up for a stylistic interpretation. Which means, if you want it to look a specific way, it looks good, but to goes against the basic rules - it's okay. Don't let people make you think that your way of drawing is wrong just because it's different. Imagine how many people critisized Akira Toriyama (dragonball z) for the way he drew. But look at him now? He's one of the most highly recognizable mangaka artists ever! Even some people in America who know almost nill about anime art recognize his name.

• The hair is not a bowl sitting on top of the head.
• The hair does not form a perfect circle at the top or back of the head. Even if the hair is tied back, there should be uneaven curves here.
• The hair is coming from the scalp in strands. In it's most basic form, they are lines going from the head, outwards - gravity then pulls them downwards. (yes gravity does exist!) While in anime the "strands" aren't shown individually, even when clumped together they flow in a direction. From the head, out.
• Bangs and hair rarely forms a strait line when they end.

Next are a group of examples. Each hair style is different, but drawn on the exactly same head with the same eyes, nose, mouth, etc. This is an example of how much of a difference the hair can make in distinguishing a character.

The red lines show the directional flow that the hair is following. Click on the link below each column to view a larger version of that picture and some details on it.