Using blending techniques and erasers
Use a kneaded rubber eraser to bring out the large areas that will appear the lightest. Don't go too rough with the eraser
or the paper will get too rubbed. If you look closely at the person or the reference photograph, you will see there is a curved
band of light on the hair - you want to portray this so the hair will look more realistic and the head shape will become apparent.
Some artists call this the 'halo of light.' Blend to soften, using facial tissue (the kind without lotion added), or chamois.
Then use a Pentel Clik Eraser (I either cut or break off the tip of it to create a fine edge of eraser I can use). Use
this fine edge for the fine highlights in the hair, drawing down and away from the light area made with the kneaded rubber
eraser previously.
I use the erasers in a similar fashion as I use the pencil...use soft flowing movements, don't be too straight or
apply too much pressure...use a very light touch. Now try drawing out the hair effects with the stick/click eraser.
Do a little bit at a time and be careful...it sometimes is so fun it's hard to stop - but a small
amount goes a long way here.
After all this erasing, this seems nuts, but I then spend time putting the hairs back in! If you notice the areas
where you have erased, there will still be a hint of hair lines. Go over that (gently now) with a sharp F or H hardness pencil,
or a mechanical pencil. Most of the time, I prefer using a mechanical pencil for this, but the F/H grades of hardness are
wonderful for gray or blonde hair.
Let a few 'stray' hairs fly...to add to realism. Think about it...how often is real hair perfect? You don't want it to
look like helmet hair, you want it to look realistic. Remember that real hair will also cause shadows. Double check to make
sure you have added in some shading for shadows.