This. I've found when I draw manga you have to start drawing the hair taller than you'd expect at first, especially at an angle like that.
It's brilliant besides that, I think you should try without shading in pencil too.
Well, Im not perfect. Of course ALL of my drawings have their flaws and highlights. Im sure every other artist here on NB and the world itself have flaws in their work. That's what improvement/practice is for. And as for me not shading in pencil, I cant do that. When it comes to anime/manga fanart, that style is my favorite to use.