Understanding Hooded Eye Characteristics
Anatomical Features:
-
Less visible lid space: Crease is obscured when the eyes are open
-
Stronger brow bone: Causes natural shading of the eyes
-
Drooping effect: Giving the downward-tilted look to the eyes
-
Obscure lashes: Lashes may be out of sight under the hood
Common Challenges:
-
Lash extensions touching brow bone
-
Limited open-eye visibility
-
Potential for heaviness and discomfort
-
Special mapping requirements
Recommended Lash Styles for Hooded Eyes
Cat Eye Extensions
Why it works: Lifting outer corners defeats drooping
Perfectly matched Ideal mapping: Short inner corners (8-9mm), long outer corners (12-13mm)
Best curls: C or CC curl will get you the most lift
Result: This creates an illusion of upward tilt and wider eyes.
Doll Eye Extensions
Why it works: Lengthens center to create widely open eye
Perfect mapping: Longest lashes in the middle (11-12mm), shorter on both sides (9-10mm)
Best curls: B or C for round effect
Results: Makes you look like you have NEPA eyes
Natural Wispy Extensions
Why it works: Lightweight formula so skin doesn’t feel weighted down
Perfect mapping: A mix of 8-11mm lengths randomly placed
Best curls: J (or B) curls if you like it soft
Results: Enhances without overdoing the lids
Squirrel Style Extensions
Why it works: Graduated length lifts.
Best mapping: Stubby toward the nose; long at outer corners
Best curls: C curl for natural lift
Result: Enhanced and natural looking with a touch of drama
Technical Specifications
Length Recommendations:
-
Inner corners: 6-8mm
-
Center: 9-11mm
-
Outer corners: 10-12mm
There are downfalls: no more than 13mm in length (they might brush your brow bone)
Curl Selection Guide:
-
J curl: The most natural and least lift.
-
B curl: Soft lift, suitable for beginners
-
C curl: Mid-range lift, the most universal of them all
-
CC curl: Strong lift for dramatic hooding
-
D curl: Extreme lift, apply with caution
Diameter Considerations:
-
Natural lashes: 0.03-0.05mm
-
Classic sets: 0.07-0.10mm
-
Volume sets: 0.03-0.05mm fans
Rule: Lighter diameters don’t weigh them down!
Application Techniques for Hooded Eyes
Mapping Strategies:
-
Raised corners: Overcome downward slant
-
Don’t make too big of length jumps: Play with in-between lengths for better transitions
-
Custom density: More volume where the lid is most visible
-
Brow bone clearance: 2-3mm when eyes are open
Placement Tips:
-
Apply a little higher up on the natural lash with extensions
-
Angle outward instead of straight up
-
Shorter lengths in the inner corners
-
Heavy density at the center area along the most visible part on lid
Isolation Methods:
-
DO THIS SHIT IN SMALL SECTIONS because you can’t see!
-
Use micro-tweezers for precision
-
Frequently check from client’s perspective
-
Make sure no eyelashes are pinched by hoods
Product Recommendations
Best Lash Types:
-
Synthetics with relatively light weight to them: PBT or silk fibers
-
Flexible bases: Allows natural movement
-
Matte finishes: Reduce light reflection
-
Brown-black colors: Smoother than jet black
Adhesive Considerations:
-
Quick-set formulas: Reduce procedure time
-
Flexible hold: Won’t restrict natural lash movement
-
Low fume: Comfort for extended procedures
-
Clear drying: Avoids visible residue
Client Consultation Essentials
Key Assessment Points:
-
Severity of hooding: Measuring the visible lid space
-
Brow ridge projection: Check for clearance.
-
Natural lash strength: Decide if and how much your real lashes can hold up.
-
Client lifestyle: Consider practical needs
Important Questions:
-
“Do your current glasses fit over eyelash extensions?”
-
“How caked-on is your makeup on any given day?”
-
“Have you ever had lash extensions?”
-
“What’s your daily routine like?”
Visual Aids:
-
Explain About Similar Eye Shapes Before/After Showing Photos.
-
Set length with lash samples
-
Preview with mapping software
Common Challenges & Solutions
Problem: Extensions touching brow bone
Solution: Apply shorter lengths of tighter curls
Problem: When open, cannot see anything
Solution: Density on center and outside corners only
Problem: Client discomfort
Solution: Balance and clearance is key here – Supported with Sufficient Weight Distribution
Problem: Quick retention issues
Solution: Retest your skin for oiliness in the hooded area
Advanced Techniques
Layering Approach:
-
Apply shorter base layer
-
Add longer accents strategically
-
Create depth without heaviness
Custom Blending:
-
Mix curls within same set
-
Combine lengths for custom effects
-
Use multiple diameters for dimension
Specialized Mapping:
-
Asymmetric designs for uneven hooding
-
Sector-based density adjustment
-
Directional placement for lift
Aftercare for Hooded Eyes
Cleaning Protocol:
-
Daily cleansing of hood area
-
Oil-free products only
-
Soft brushing upward
-
Regular professional cleans
Sleeping Recommendations:
-
Back sleeping preferred
-
Silk pillowcases reduce friction
-
Sleep masks with lash clearance
Maintenance Schedule:
-
2-3 week fills recommended
-
Regular lash health checks
-
Protein treatments for strength
Style Avoidances for Hooded Eyes
Not Recommended:
-
Mega volume: Too heavy for wispy lids
-
Lengths too long: Cause pain and are a quick flash to the world.
-
D curl on weak lashes: May lead to early shedding
-
Uniform mapping: Fails to account for hooding
Problematic Styles:
-
Dracula style (long on the inner and outer with a short center)
-
Bottom-heavy sets
-
Extreme wet look styles
-
Dense closed fans
Business Considerations
Pricing Structure:
-
Premium pricing for specialized technique
-
Longer appointment times (2.5-3 hours)
-
Additional mapping consultation time
Please note that custom design for complex cases may attract additional fees.
Marketing Strategies:
-
“Hooded eye specialist” positioning
-
Before/after photos emphasizing lift
-
Educational content about hooded eyes
-
Collaborate with professional makeup artists for the full package
Client Education:
-
Realistic expectation setting
-
Maintenance requirements
-
Style limitations explanation
-
Long-term lash health education
Technical Skill Development
Training Recommendations:
-
Advanced mapping courses
-
Hooded eye specialty workshops
-
Customization masterclasses
-
Business development for specialists
Practice Techniques:
-
Eye contour work on similar shaped eye size mannequins
-
Exposure to different models of hood severity
-
Develop custom mapping templates
-
Master multiple solution approaches
Industry Trends & Innovations
Emerging Techniques:
-
3D mapping technology
-
Custom curl development
-
Hybrid style creations
-
Advanced retention methods
Product Developments:
-
Lighter weight materials
-
Specialized adhesives
-
Customizable curl patterns
-
Hooded-eye specific products
Conclusion
The art of good lash extensions for hooded eyes is learning the individual anatomy behind them and remembering your map when applying a set. The best approaches combine:
Strategic Design Elements:
-
Careful length selection
-
Curl optimization
-
Weight management
-
Customized mapping
Technical Excellence:
-
Precision application
-
Proper isolation
-
Regular skill refinement
-
Ongoing education
Client-Centered Approach:
-
Thorough consultation
-
Realistic expectation setting
-
Personalized solutions
-
Comprehensive aftercare guidance
By adopting these principles, lash artists can turn the trials of hooded eyes into a canvas to create beautiful individual lash sets that accentuate natural beauty with the clients’ comfort and satisfaction in mind.