How to Draw a Beard

This step-by-step tutorial focuses on how to draw a beard as part of a detailed portrait of a bearded man. Here you will see instructions that will allow you to create convincing facial hair.

How to draw a beard step by step

Step 1: Sketch the head guidelines

First, sketch an oval as a guide for the head. Then add the facial symmetry lines. The vertical line marks the center of the face, while the horizontal line helps position the eyes. Use light, loose strokes during the first steps.

Step 2: Outline the facial features and beard

Use light lines to outline the hairstyle. Sketch the eyebrows and draw the nose, then mark the positions of the eyes. Finally, outline the beard by defining the cheekbones, lips, and outer beard shape. Keep the lines very light and smooth.

Step 3: Refine the face outlines

Erase the guidelines and unnecessary strokes. Continue by drawing the eyes in an almond shape, then refine the outlines of the nose. The basic forms are now complete, so you can begin adding details.

Step 4: Draw hair and beard texture

Use quick strokes to define the hairstyle and thicker strokes for the eyebrows. Add the pupils and a few wrinkles around the eyes, then sketch the inner details of the ears. Begin texturing the beard with vertical, wavy lines.

Step 5: Complete the dense beard

This stage may look difficult, but the process is straightforward. Shade the hair with thick strokes, leaving an unshaded strip for the highlight. Use the same type of strokes to continue building the beard until it appears dense and fully textured.

This was a drawing tutorial on how to draw a beard. We hope this tutorial was interesting and informative. Visit our tutorials on how to draw a samurai and how to draw a knight to practice drawing more rugged male characters.