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Hello angels, and welcome to today's insider tips to help you create beautiful lash looks that will have your clients returning. Today, we will master the art of eyelash extensions for hooded eyes. As we know, eyes come in all shapes and sizes, each as unique as the lash extensions that sit upon them; learning how to offer your clients captivating lash looks no matter their eye shape is a must-have to broaden your client base.
Eyelash extensions have taken the beauty industry by storm, offering lash technicians more business and the chance to get creative as their popularity grows. They promise longer, fuller lashes without mascara. For those with hooded eyes, eyelash extensions can open up the eyes, add definition, and enhance their natural beauty. Knowing how to transform hooded eyes as a lash tech requires understanding eye shape, patience, and practice to create transformative lash looks for your clients.
Today's blog will help you master applying eyelash extensions to hooded eyes. We'll guide you through every step of the process—from understanding the unique features of hooded eyes to choosing the right type of extensions, preparing the eyes for application, mastering the placement techniques, maintaining the extensions, and looking at some common issues. This will equip you with the knowledge to offer stunning lash extensions for hooded eyes.
Understanding Hooded Eyes
When mastering the art of lash extensions, understanding the different types of eye shapes you may come across is crucial. Hooded eyes, or “bedroom eyes”, usually have an extra layer of skin that droops over the crease, which makes eyelids appear smaller.
These distinct eye shapes often give the eyelid a “heavy” look compared to other eye shapes like monolids, almonds or rounder eyes, respectively have characteristics like a non-existent crease, elongated eye shape with a more visible crease or make eyes a prominent feature with their leather and distinguished appearance.
Due to their hooded look, you may face a few challenges when applying your client's lash extensions; below, we will discuss some common challenges.
The Challenges with Hooded Eyes
When applying lash extensions to clients with hooded eyes, one of the most common issues you may have is the tendency for the extensions to get hidden under the 'hood' of excess skin. This can be frustrating after you have spent time crafting stunning, dramatic lashes for your clients. It's like creating a beautiful painting and then having it hidden beneath a curtain so you can’t see it.
Another common challenge is that the droopiness of the skin can also lead to quicker wear and tear of the lash extensions, as constant friction against the skin could cause the extensions to fall off prematurely.
The typical application techniques you have learned may not work as effectively for hooded eyes. Without strategic placement and the right extensions, the lashes may look too heavy, giving the eyes a closed-off appearance instead of opening them up.
The Importance of Understanding Your Eye Shape
As a lash tech, whether you're applying a natural lash or a mega volume lash look, understanding the different eye shapes you may face is a must. It allows you to create tailored application processes that suit each eye shape's needs. For instance, you might need longer extensions in the middle to create a 'wide-open' effect or require a different curl type to ensure the lashes aren't hidden beneath the hooded lid.
Moreover, understanding your eye shape can help avoid common pitfalls and ensure more comfortable, long-lasting wear. After all, eyelash extensions aren't a one-size-fits-all solution; they should be customised to each individual for the best results.
The following section will walk you through the Silk Touch Lashes guide to lash application for hooded eyes.
Choosing the Right Eyelash Extensions
Whether we are creating a classic, soft volume, Russian, or mega set of lashes, the principles for hooded eyes remain the same. No matter the lash type you choose, the curl is the most important thing to consider.
Before we delve into the world of curl length, eye mapping, and application, let's quickly recap our knowledge of the different types of eyelash extensions you may use.
Types of Eyelash Extensions
Classic lashes are one-to-one, with one extension applied to one natural lash. This gives a natural yet defined look, perfect for those who want to subtly enhance their lashes without going over the top.
Volume lashes involve applying multiple lightweight lashes to each natural lash, creating a dramatic, fuller look. While they add volume, care should be taken not to overpower the hooded eye's limited visible lid space.
Hybrid lashes. They combine classic and volume lashes in a mix, offering a balance of definition and volume. This makes them an excellent choice for hooded eyes, striking an ideal balance between drama and subtlety.
Considerations: Length and Curl
The curl is the most important consideration when selecting eyelash extensions for hooded eyes because too soft of a curl won't cover the extra ‘hood’, and you can lose the lash extensions. On the other hand, too much of a curvier curl can be too much for the eye shape and not cover the top of the hood because they are too pronounced. We recommend always using a D curl compared to a C, CC or DD curl, especially where the hooded area is.
When applying lash extensions, choose an eye map that suits your client's eye shape. No matter the look you are going for—natural, volume, or mega volume—we recommend choosing longer lashes for the best look. Focus the longest lash extensions in the section where the ‘hood' is more prominent, allowing you to cover the area.
Consulting Your Client
As you choose the right eyelash extensions for hooded eyes, it is important to explain to your client what you are doing and why. Those looking for a more natural look may be worried that longer lashes or a D curl will create a look too bold for their everyday needs; by explaining the process, you can ease their worries before the application process starts.
Application Techniques for Hooded Eyes
When applying lash extensions to hooded eyes, it is vital to ensure you know the best application techniques; this sets you apart as a successful lash tech, no matter how long you have been doing this. Let's explore some methods tailored to these distinctive features.
Specific Techniques for Hooded Eyes
Hooded eyes possess an extra layer of skin that droops over the crease, causing the lid to appear smaller. In order to make them appear more open and dramatic, first, apply lashes under the natural line instead of on top. This technique helps open the eye, making it look more prominent and alert. In addition, apply longer lashes near the outer corner where the hood is more prominent and shorter lashes near the inner corners of your client's eyes to prevent them from appearing too heavy or droopy.
Strategic Placement and Mapping
As we said previously, correctly choosing an eye map for hooded eyes will go a long way in creating defined lashes that will flatter and enhance the eyes. Typically, longer lashes are placed in the middle of the eye to create a wide-eyed, awake appearance. However, placing the longest lashes towards the outer edge of hooded eyes can help elongate and visually lift the eye as they cover the hooded area.
Mastering eyelash extension application for hooded eyes requires understanding, practice, and, most importantly, patience. By focusing on lash placement, eye mapping, and even curl and length, you can create captivating looks that enhance your client's natural beauty, whether they are looking for a natural lift with classic lashes or the boldness of a volume lash extension.
Using a D curl for hooded eyes is a must, although some of your clients may be wary. These lashes are usually used to create bolder looks because they easily allow you to cover the ‘hood’ of the eyelid to open up the eye further. You will see that your clients will be taken away by the new look, allowing them to feel more beautiful and confident.
Troubleshooting Common Issues with Eyelash Extensions on Hooded Eyes
Let's face it: achieving the perfect lash look is not always smooth. Even with the right extensions and your expert application, you may face some challenges. Don't worry! We will address these issues and provide solutions to keep your client's lashes looking fabulous.
Confronting Lash Twisting and Tangling
One of the most frequent concerns with eyelash extensions, especially for those with hooded eyes, is twisting and tangling. This can occur due to various factors, including sleeping habits or the lashes' natural growth cycle. While it's normal for lashes to go through different growth phases, it can sometimes result in your clients' extensions facing different directions.
The good news is that there are ways to manage this. Regularly brushing the lash extensions using a clean spoolie brush can help maintain their direction and alignment. Advise your clients to comb them out once or twice a day gently. Additionally, recommend that they avoid sleeping on their face, as it can contribute to the misalignment of the lashes.
Navigating Lashes Poking into the Eyelid
Another common issue is the eyelash extensions poking into the eyelid, which can cause discomfort and even lead to eye irritation. This problem is often due to the curl type or length of the extensions needing to be more suitable for the unique eye shape of hooded eyes.
Make sure you adjust the curl type or shorten the length of the extensions to prevent the lashes from poking your eyelids, although for a hooded eye, we recommend sticking to a D curl no matter what so that they cover the hooded area.
Conclusion
So there you have it. You are now ready for your next client with hooded eyes to walk through your doors, ready for you to transform their lashes and enhance their natural beauty!
This blog has covered what makes hooded eyes unique, the challenges you may face when applying lashes to these distinct eye shapes, and the best practices for achieving the desired results. From choosing the right curl length to selecting an eye map focusing the most extended lash lengths towards the hooded area of the eyelid, you are ready to apply lash extensions to any hooded eye today.
Happy Lashing, and if you have any questions, don't hesitate to contact our DMs at Silk Touch Lashes. We are committed to seeing each lash tech succeed in their journey and are always ready to answer questions and offer tips.