Hooded eyes, also known as saggy or droopy eyelids, are defined by the presence of excess skin that hangs down from the brow bone to the lash line, covering the eyelid crease and giving the appearance of smaller eyes. While some people have this eye shape from birth, others may acquire it over time as a result of ageing, lifestyle choices, or specific health issues.
In some situations, hooded eyelids block vision, making reading and other activities more challenging. Some people get frequent headaches from constantly raising their eye brows to be able to see clearly. Whether you were born with this eye shape or it developed over time, there are a number of options to deal with hooded eyes.
Read on to learn more about hooded eyes, their causes, key symptoms, and the risks associated with treatment.
What are Hooded Eyes?
Hooded eyes involve extra skin folds downward from the brow bone to cover the eyelid completely or partially. Blepharochalasis, Dermatochalasis, heavy-lidded eyes, folded eyelids, and droopy eyelids are other names for this disorder. On the other hand, hooded eyelids are a distinct disorder mostly caused by ageing and genetics.
Now, having hooded eyelids might give the appearance of smaller eyes than someone actually has. It is possible that you will see an indication of fatigue or sleepiness in their eyes. This is a result of the extra skin hanging over their eyelids. Additionally, if the skin dips so low that it covers a significant piece of the eyelid, it may obstruct their eyesight and make it difficult for them to see.
It’s important to keep in mind that not all situations involve simultaneous effects on both eyes. It might happen to certain people that they just have one hooded eyelid. However, it is more usual to see people with hooded eyelids on both sides.
Famous Celebrities With Hooded Eyes
Hooded eyes are actually more common than many people think, and several iconic celebrities have them:
- Jennifer Lawrence
- Taylor Swift
- Blake Lively
- Tom Cruise
- Brad Pitt
- Charlotte Rampling
- Michelle Williams
- Naomi Campbell
- Miranda Kerr
- Emma Stone
- Eva Green
Many people with hooded eyes, especially those who wear makeup like these celebrities, are very aware of their eye shape. Because the brow creates a “hood” over the eyelid, it often hides eyeshadow or shimmer. So, people with hooded eyes get creative with their makeup techniques to make their eyes stand out.
Types of Hooded Eyes
Hooded eyes come in various types, each with unique characteristics that affect how the eyelids appear. Generally, hooded eyes have an extra fold of skin that partially covers the natural crease, giving them a distinctive look. Here are the main types of hooded eyes:
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Fully Hooded Eyes
In fully hooded eyes, the skin fold completely covers the eyelid when the eyes are open. This type can create a very subtle or hidden crease, which can be challenging for makeup but also provides a unique aesthetic. Individuals with fully hooded eyes often have to lift the brow or use specific techniques to make the eyelid more visible.
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Partially Hooded Eyes
With partially hooded eyes, the skin covers only part of the eyelid, typically towards the outer or inner corner. This partial coverage can create a soft, dreamy look and leave more room for the eyelid to show, which some people find easier to enhance with makeup.
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Monolid with Hooded Characteristics
Often seen in East Asian eye shapes, monolid hooded eyes have a minimal visible crease, and the eyelid sits very close to the lash line. This type of hooding results in a smooth and rounded eyelid without a pronounced fold, which can look especially beautiful when highlighted with specific contouring or shading techniques.
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Downturned Hooded Eyes
In downturned hooded eyes, the outer corners of the eyes tilt slightly downward, giving a soft, gentle appearance. The combination of downturned and hooded features can make the eyes look longer or more almond-shaped, and it requires a unique approach to emphasise and lift the outer corners.
What Causes Hooded Eyelids?
Wondering what causes hooded eyelids? You’re in the right place. Hooded eyelids are a common facial feature that can arise from various factors. Let’s take a deep dive into the reasons behind hooded eyes, understanding both inherent predispositions and external influences.
- Genetics – Just like your hair colour or eye colour, hooded eyes can be passed down from your parents. It’s simply part of your unique features.
- Ageing – As we age, the skin around our eyes gets thinner and loses elasticity. This can cause it to droop a bit, creating a fold over the eyelid.
- Ethnicity – Some ethnicities are more prone to hooded eyes than others. It’s a normal variation in facial structure.
- Muscle and Fat Structure – The muscles and fat beneath your skin also play a role. Weak muscles or extra fat in the eye area can make hooded eyes more likely.
- Trauma – An injury to the face or head, especially around the eye, can damage the tissues and affect how the skin sits, leading to hooded eyes.
- Rubbing – Constantly rubbing your eyes can irritate and stretch the delicate skin, potentially contributing to hooded eyes over time. It’s best to avoid rubbing and try using eye drops for itchiness.
Symptoms of Hooded Eyelids
There are several symptoms associated with hooded eyelids that affect look as well as eyesight. It is essential to comprehend these symptoms to properly diagnose and treat this issue.
- Decreased or blocked eyesight
- Having trouble seeing or applying eye makeup because of the hooded appearance.
- A feeling of fatigue or heaviness around the eyes.
- Increased light sensitivity and watery eyes
- Difficulties keeping wide-open eyes.
Makeup Tips for Hooded Eyes
Hooded eyes are a unique and beautiful eye shape where a fold of skin partially covers the eyelid, creating a more hidden or “hooded” effect. When makeup is applied to hooded eyes, it can help them look more defined and open. Here are some simple tips to make your eyes pop:
- Start with a Good Primer: Hooded eyes are more prone to creasing, so using an eyeshadow primer helps keep your makeup in place. This ensures your eyeshadow stays vibrant and crease-free all day.
- Light Shade on the Lid: Begin with a light, neutral shade on the eyelid. This brightens the eye area and helps it appear more open.
- Create Depth in the Crease: Even if your natural crease isn’t very visible, adding a medium-to-dark matte shade above the actual crease line can help create the illusion of deeper-set eyes. Blend upwards slightly to “lift” the eyes.
- Use a Soft Highlighter on the Brow Bone: A soft, shimmery highlighter on the brow bone lifts the eye area and gives an added touch of elegance.
- Eyeliner Techniques: Keep eyeliner thin on the upper lid, especially toward the inner corner. A thicker line can make the eyes look smaller. Try a small wing at the outer edge to elongate the eye. Tightlining (applying eyeliner on the upper waterline) can also help define the eye without taking up lid space.
- Focus on the Lashes: Curl your lashes and apply mascara, especially to the outer corners, to give the eyes an open, lifted look. You can also add false lashes focused on the outer edges for added drama.
- Avoid Dark Shadows on the Lower Lid: Applying dark shades on the lower lid can make hooded eyes look smaller. Stick to lighter shades here to keep the eyes looking bright and open.
Bonus Tip: – Read our latest article on “how to get rid of hooded eyes” in detail.
How Do You Determine If You Have Hooded Eyes?
Check your eyes carefully in the mirror and focus, especially on your upper lids. If you open your eyes and a fold of skin covers part of your eyelid, you may have hooded eyes.
Particularly, look for any excess skin that protrudes from the eye crease and covers, either entirely or partially, the eyelid. Hooded eyes may be present if your eyelid doesn’t seem to be completely visible while your eyes are open or if the skin falls down close to contacting your lash line. Let’s examine some of the numerous additional signs of hooded eyes that are present.
- If you’ve ever had trouble applying eyeshadow or liner because it seems to “disappear” when your eyes are open or if you find it difficult to open your eyes completely without raising your eyebrows, this can also be the sign of hooded eyes.
- Consider the size and expression of your eyes.
- Hooded eyelids may be the cause if you believe that your eyes always seem tired or sleepy, or if people frequently tell you that they look a little smaller.
It’s crucial to keep in mind that every person has a different eye shape, and that each eye is unique. It could be a good idea to seek the professional advice of a plastic surgeon if you’re not sure that your eyes are hooded.
Potential Risks from Eyelid Surgery
Prior to having eyelid surgery, it’s critical to understand the risks and issues that could occur. Even though many people experience a smooth and successful result, it’s important to talk to your doctor about any potential risks. There is usually a recovery time after surgery, during which you can observe some symptoms, such as:
- Dry eyes
- Swelling
- Bruising
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Temporary blurred vision
- Scarring
Final Thoughts
The term “hooded eyes” refers to an extension that might conceal the upper eyelid caused by the sagging of the eyebrow and the tissue surrounding the eyes. Although some people are born with hooded eyes, the condition is typically associated with ageing for most people.
All varieties of cosmetic eyelid surgery, such as lower and upper eyelid surgery, hooded eyelid correction, and drooping eyelid correction, have been performed by Dr Shah-Desai, an Oculoplastic Surgeon for more than 20 years. Consultations and operations for eyelid surgery take place at Harley Street, London.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What do hooded eyelids look like?
The most typical signs of hooded eyes are a high brow bone and extra skin covering the crease of the eyelid. This may give the appearance of smaller upper eyelids. If you can see the upper eyelid crease when your eyes are open, you probably have hooded eyes. Hooded eyes can be inherited or develop from extra eyelid skin that droops down from the brow to the upper eyelid margin. This condition is commonly related with ageing.
2. Are hooded eyelids common?
Yes, it is a common issue that many associate with ageing, especially since the eyes are among the first parts of the face that show signs of ageing. However, it could also be a hereditary disorder or the result of a medical issue.
3. How do I know if my eyes are hooded?
Hooded eyes have a fold of skin that droops over the crease, making the eyelid look smaller. To check if you have hooded eyes, look in the mirror and see if your eyelid crease is hidden when your eyes are open.
4. Are hooded eyes attractive?
Hooded eyes have a fold of skin that droops over the crease, making the eyelid look smaller. To check if you have hooded eyes, look in the mirror and see if your eyelid crease is hidden when your eyes are open.
5. What differentiates normal eyelids from hooded ones?
In normal eyelids, the skin covering the eyeball, a crease, and the space left before the eyebrow can be visible. Hooded eyes have a slight amount of excess skin around the brow area and a deep crease. As a result, you are left with little to no visibility of the eyelid platform or crease.
6. Who typically has hooded eyes?
Hooded eyes appear more commonly in people of Asian origin, though they can occur in people of other ethnicities as well. These can affect both males and women.
