Things You'll Need
Clay
Rolling pin
Knife
When sculpting figurines from clay, you have the option of gluing on hair after the figurines have been fired or creating hair from the clay before firing the piece. When you make clay hair, you can create a more consistent look and decide the color, texture and hairstyle that best suits your character. Sculpting hair is fun and easy to do, even if you are a novice potter. There are many ways to fashion hair from clay and you even get tools designed for this purpose. The following instructions are for one of the most basic techniques.
Step 1
Decide on a hair color and hairstyle for your clay figurine. Deciding beforehand will help with planning. Take the tip of the knife and block out the hairline on your figurine's head.
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Step 2
Knead the clay until it is soft and malleable. Roll out the clay on your work surface until it is 1/8 inch thick.
Step 3
Cut the clay into thin strips. If you want a straight hairstyle, use the strips as is. For curly hair, roll each strip between the palm of your hand and the work surface to form a little clay snake.
Step 4
Start at the crown of the head. Lay the hair onto your figurine's head. Use the tip of the knife to blend the end of the clay snake into the scalp. Lay the hair so that it hangs down. Trim it to the desired length. For curly hair, twist the clay snakes into spirals or curls. Leave straight hair hanging down.
Step 5
Style the hair as desired ince all the pieces are attached to the scalp.
Tip
Make cleaning easier by covering your work surface with a sheet of plastic wrap. Add additional texture to hair by pressing textured fabric into the clay surface to leave an imprint.
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