Sculpting Maximus Gladiator Hair onto 1/6 Jor El Head

[Pianoteam]

Hi everyone,

I am working on my first custom figure, Maximus from Gladiator. I was inspired by a custom figure on the ACI Roman General thread and want to do the same (more or less). I am in the process of obtaining new clothing, dying, and changing other things. Now I'm working on sculpting Maximus' hair using a recast Hot Toys Jor El head from ebay and need some help. I'm a complete beginner and looked at some tutorials but haven't found out much about sculpting such short hair like this:

I got an inexpensive air dry paper clay and some random thin objects to use as tools but when I tried to sculpt the clay seemed to break easily and I just couldn't get grooves small enough. Here is a practise sample I've done:
(Unpainted)

(Painted)

I used these tools (a needle and another sewing tool). I tried other things as well but they didn't work.

I was thinking to use Aves epoxy sculpt and thought maybe some dental tools would be thin enough to make the grooves however I think the tools need to be blunt not sharp.
Does anyone have any advice on what I can do? It would be much appreciated. Also here is a photo of what I am sculpting onto:

(I will be dremeling off the front hair soon.)

Thanks!

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[Rahmier84]

I'd use some super sculpy firm and the needle tools, also get some lighter fluid for smoothing it. Heat it for 5 to 8 minutes with a blow dryer on high when your wanting to harden the hair.

 

[Pianoteam]

I'd use some super sculpy firm and the needle tools, also get some lighter fluid for smoothing it. Heat it for 5 to 8 minutes with a blow dryer on high when your wanting to harden the hair.

Thanks! I didn't know lighter fluid could be used for that. Any specific kind?

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[Rahmier84]

Thanks! I didn't know lighter fluid could be used for that. Any specific kind?

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Any kind will work or 93% rubbing alcohol

 

[Pianoteam]

Any kind will work or 93% rubbing alcohol

It isn't dangerous to heat after applying it? Do you just brush it on with a small brush?

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[Rahmier84]

It isn't dangerous to heat after applying it? Do you just brush it on with a small brush?

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No it evaporates very quickly. Yes use a brush usually to smooth what areas you want. I will be doing a video tutorial on this subject soon

 

[Pianoteam]

No it evaporates very quickly. Yes use a brush usually to smooth what areas you want. I will be doing a video tutorial on this subject soon

Wow! Thank you very much for your advice. I would love to see your video and any others you may have. Do you have a Youtube channel?

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[Rahmier84]

Wow! Thank you very much for your advice. I would love to see your video and any others you may have. Do you have a Youtube channel?

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Yes but I've just done 1 test video a month ago. My channel is named Jacob Rahmier

 

[nearedg3]

This is really cool of you brother Jake.

 

[Pianoteam]

Yes but I've just done 1 test video a month ago. My channel is named Jacob Rahmier

So I tried out the firm Sculpey and it seems much better! Here are some photos of me testing it out (not final):







Which picture/technique do you like most? By the way I still need to dremel off the front hair on the head but I finally got a dremel!
I feel like very thin blunt tools are the best as the needles seem to tear the clay a bit and make sharp hollows that don't look as natural. I think I need some different tools as the grooves I made seem too big compared to the custom head I posted above. What do you think? Maybe I need to refine my technique - I've been figuring out how to shape the individual hairs/grooves but still have to practice more. I also tried brushing on some 99% isopropyl alcohol and it seems to make a cool smoothing effect.