Candy Dollhouse

This was written for Photoshop CS2- any program with layers and soft-edged brushes should work, though. NOTE: I have a very unusual method, but it works! just go with the flow, k?

 Start out with your most favoritest base. Mine's from Jillianne.

First, create a new layer using Command+Shift+N on your keyboard or by pressing the new layer button on the layers palette

Now, paste in your palette and choose the middle color with the eyedropper tool. It may be hidden under the "color sampler" or the "measure" tool.

Select a 1-pixel brush and, on the second layer, begin to make downard "squiggles" beginning at the center of the scalp. Follow the general curve of the head first, then start making mad squiggles.

Keep layering these on both sides until you have  shaped head of hair. Lots of gaps are ok right now.

Now, on the same layer, do the same thing with the second-darkest color. Are you starting to see how this all works out now?

Now, pick the second-lightest color and do the same thing, but only in the areas you want highlighted.

For the final highlighting stage, go over the highlights you just did with the lightest color in your palette.

Now for the finishing touches. Go over the part area with the darkest color, and make shadows around the face and neck, and fix anything you don't like. I suggest using the smudge brush at a low strength to even out areas that are too contrast-y.

Et Voila! You're finished!