How To Create 3D Model Hair

Introduction

Modeling hair can be a very challenging task. Even the most experienced 3D modelers will struggle to get the right look and feel. The hair can look too perfect, too smooth, or too stiff. To make it look more realistic, it requires a lot of fine tuning and patience. In this tutorial, we will go over the basics of creating 3D model hair from scratch. We will look at the basic shape, the subdivision, and the materials used.

Step 1: Creating the Base Shape

The first step in creating 3D model hair is to create the base shape. This is the starting point for the hair and will determine the overall look and feel of the hair. Depending on the desired look, there are several methods to create the base shape. The most common methods are using a spline, metaball, or a particle system. Each one of these methods has its own advantages and disadvantages, so it is important to choose the one that best suits your needs.

Using a Spline

A spline is a mathematical curve that can be used to create the base shape of the hair. The advantage of using a spline is that it is easy to manipulate and can create a very natural looking hair shape. However, the disadvantage is that it is not as easy to control how the hair will look when it is subdivided. This can lead to a hair shape that is too perfect and not as natural looking.

Using a Metaball

A metaball is a mathematical object that can be used to create organic shapes. The advantage of using metaballs is that it can create a very organic looking hair shape. However, the disadvantage is that it is more difficult to control the overall shape of the hair. This can lead to a hair shape that is too organic and not as natural looking.

Using a Particle System

A particle system is a computer simulation that can be used to create the base shape of the hair. The advantage of using a particle system is that it can create a very realistic looking hair shape. However, the disadvantage is that it is more difficult to control the overall shape of the hair. This can lead to a hair shape that is too realistic and not as natural looking.

Step 2: Subdividing the Hair

The next step in creating 3D model hair is to subdivide the hair. Subdividing the hair will give it a more natural look and feel by adding more detail. There are several methods to subdivide the hair, such as using loops, edge loops, or a mesh smooth modifier. Each one of these methods has its own advantages and disadvantages, so it is important to choose the one that best suits your needs.

Using Loops

Using loops is the most common method of subdividing the hair. The advantage of using loops is that it is easy to control the overall shape of the hair. However, the disadvantage is that it can create a hair shape that is too perfect and not as natural looking. This can be avoided by using a more random loop pattern.

Using Edge Loops

Using edge loops is a more advanced method of subdividing the hair. The advantage of using edge loops is that it can create a more natural looking hair shape. However, the disadvantage is that it is more difficult to control the overall shape of the hair. This can lead to a hair shape that is too organic and not as natural looking.

Using a Mesh Smooth Modifier

Using a mesh smooth modifier is a more advanced method of subdividing the hair. The advantage of using a mesh smooth modifier is that it can create a very realistic looking hair shape. However, the disadvantage is that it is more difficult to control the overall shape of the hair. This can lead to a hair shape that is too realistic and not as natural looking.

Step 3: Adding Materials

The final step in creating 3D model hair is to add materials. This is where you will add the textures, colors, and shaders to give the hair a realistic look and feel. The materials used will depend on the look you are trying to achieve. There are several materials that can be used, such as hair cards, procedural textures, and mental ray shaders. Each one of these materials has its own advantages and disadvantages, so it is important to choose the one that best suits your needs.

Hair Cards

Hair cards are 2D textures that are applied to the hair. The advantage of using hair cards is that they are easy to use and can give the hair a very realistic look and feel. However, the disadvantage is that they are limited in how much detail they can add to the hair. This can lead to a hair shape that is too perfect and not as natural looking.

Procedural Textures

Procedural textures are 3D textures that are applied to the hair. The advantage of using procedural textures is that they can add a lot of detail to the hair. However, the disadvantage is that they are more difficult to control and can lead to a hair shape that is too realistic and not as natural looking.

Mental Ray Shaders

Mental Ray shaders are advanced shaders that can be used to create a very realistic looking hair. The advantage of using Mental Ray shaders is that they can create a very realistic looking hair shape. However, the disadvantage is that they are more difficult to control and can lead to a hair shape that is too realistic and not as natural looking.

Conclusion

Creating 3D model hair is a very challenging task. It requires a lot of patience and fine tuning to get the desired look and feel. In this tutorial, we have gone over the basics of creating 3D model hair from scratch. We have looked at the basic shape, the subdivision, and the materials used. With the right techniques and practice, you will be able to create realistic looking 3D model hair.

How To 3d Model Hair