How can you create realistic hair in 3D?

1 Hair modeling

The first step to create realistic hair in 3D is to model the hair geometry. There are different ways to model hair, depending on the level of detail and realism you want. One common approach is to use curves or splines that represent the hair strands, and then apply modifiers or deformers to shape them. Another approach is to use polygonal meshes that simulate the hair volume, and then apply textures and normal maps to create the hair details.

3 Hair shading

The third step to create realistic hair in 3D is to shade the hair material. Hair shading is the process of defining how the hair reflects and transmits light, creating the hair color and appearance. Hair shading can be done using shaders, such as hair or anisotropic shaders, that mimic the hair structure and optical properties. Alternatively, hair shading can be done using textures, such as diffuse, specular, and transparency maps, that define the hair color and variation.

4 Hair lighting

The fourth step to create realistic hair in 3D is to light the hair scene. Hair lighting is the process of placing and adjusting the light sources that illuminate the hair, creating the hair highlights and shadows. Hair lighting can be done using different types of lights, such as directional, point, spot, or area lights, that have different attributes and effects on the hair. Additionally, hair lighting can be done using global illumination techniques, such as ray tracing or radiosity, that simulate the indirect lighting and reflections on the hair.

5 Hair rendering

The fifth step to create realistic hair in 3D is to render the hair image. Hair rendering is the process of generating the final output of the hair scene, using the hair geometry, simulation, shading, and lighting data. Hair rendering can be done using different renderers, such as Maya, Blender, or Unreal Engine, that have different features and settings for the hair quality and performance. Furthermore, hair rendering can be done using different techniques, such as rasterization or ray tracing, that have different advantages and disadvantages for the hair realism and speed.

6 Hair post-processing

The final step to create realistic hair in 3D is to post-process the hair image. Hair post-processing is the process of enhancing and editing the hair image, using filters, effects, and adjustments. Hair post-processing can be done using different software, such as Photoshop, After Effects, or Nuke, that have different tools and options for the hair improvement and correction. Some of the common hair post-processing techniques are color grading, contrast, sharpening, blurring, and compositing.