Advanced Grooming Practice - Short Hair

Clump Modifier Color Preview

 
 

Software: Maya (XGen), ZBrush

Year: 2025

Responsibilities: Grooming, Modeling, Scan Data Cleanup

Render Engine: Arnold

This project is an advanced self-learning study focused on high-quality hair grooming using Maya XGen. The character is based on a scanned facial model of Dwayne Johnson from one of my previous professional tasks, used here as a likeness reference for further refinement and skill development.

In my earlier grooming work, I identified a lack of detail caused by insufficient use of modifiers, which resulted in reduced realism and likeness. To address this, I intentionally explored a broader range of XGen modifiers in this project, applying them with carefully balanced settings to achieve higher fidelity while maintaining clean and efficient control.

The grooming process began with an in-depth analysis of real human hairline structures. I first drew over photographic references to accurately study hair flow, growth patterns, and natural direction changes. This preparation allowed me to place guides with greater precision and ensure more realistic strand behaviour across the entire groom.

Modifiers Used:
• Main Hair Area:
3× Clump
2× Noise
1× Cut
1× Collision
• Side Short Hair Area:
2× Clump
1× Noise
1× Cut
1× Collision

Strand and breakup were carefully balanced using layered clumping and noise to achieve natural volume, flow variation, and realistic silhouette control while maintaining clean collision response.

 
 

Guide drafting

Guide on the strand hair

Guide on the strand hair rear view

Clump Modifier Color Preview left side

One of the Clumping Modifier Masks on scalp mesh

Region Mask on the scalp mesh