Hooded Eyes: Causes, Makeup Tips & Treatments

Written by an Expert Aesthetic Content Writer Lisa.
Reviewed by Expert Medical Director Dr. Raj Thethi
Published on: October 9, 2024
Hooded Eyes

How to get rid of hooded eyes

Hooded eyes, sometimes called saggy eyelids, occur when extra skin from the brow bone folds over the eyelid, hiding the crease and making the eyes appear smaller. Some people are born with this feature, while others develop it over time due to ageing, lifestyle habits, or certain medical conditions.

In more pronounced cases, the excess skin can interfere with vision, making everyday tasks like reading more challenging. Fortunately, there are several ways to address hooded eyes, from non-surgical treatments to cosmetic and surgical procedures.

Options range from minimally invasive approaches like dermal fillers and anti-wrinkle injections to surgical solutions such as blepharoplasty or brow lifts, depending on individual needs and goals.

Keep reading to explore everything about hooded eyes.

What Are Hooded Eyes?

Hooded eyes describe an eye shape where a fold of skin from the brow bone hangs down over the upper eyelid, often covering or obscuring the crease. This trait is largely genetic, though it can also develop or worsen with age as skin loses elasticity.

For many people, hooded eyes are simply a natural variation in eye shape and not a medical concern. However, when the excess skin droops heavily, it can make the eyes look smaller, create a tired appearance, or, in some cases, even interfere with vision. If vision becomes restricted or the skin presses uncomfortably on the eye, medical treatment or surgery may be considered.

What Do Hooded Eyelids Look Like?

Due to the extra skin hanging from your brow bone, hooded eyelids appear smaller and less open. That skin fold sometimes also hides your natural eye crease. The upper eyelid droops slightly, often giving the eyes a narrower or deeper-set appearance.

What Causes Hooded Eyes?

Any of the following factors may cause hooded eyes:

1. Genes

Many people are born with hooded eyes. This trait may be in your genetic makeup, and if your parents or siblings have it, it’s likely you do too.

2. Ageing

The skin around your eyes is delicate. As you age, the decreased production of collagen and elastin leads to decreased skin firmness, so the eyelid skin sags, causing a hooded look.

3. Weak Muscles of the Eye

The muscles around the eyes, particularly the levator muscles, can weaken over time. This muscle is responsible for lifting the eyelid. The hood may appear prominent when the eyelid droops due to a weak levator muscle.

4. Fat Redistribution

Fat keeps redistributing in your body over your lifetime. If the fat moves or builds up in your upper eye area, it may lead to a hood over your eye. 

5. Certain Medical Conditions

Conditions like ptosis, which is the weakening or paralysis of the muscles that control the eyelids, can cause them to droop significantly. 

6. Eye Rubbing

Tugging or rubbing often around the eyes will contribute to loosening the skin and cause sagging over time.

7. Previous Eye Surgery

In some cases, surgical procedures on or around the eyes can stretch the eyelid skin, accelerating sagging.

Do I Have Hooded Eyes? Let’s Check

Are you asking yourself this question, “Do I Have Hooded Eyes?”

If you have this query, here’s a quick test. Simply look in the mirror and open your eyes naturally. If most or all of your upper eyelids are covered by skin from the brow area, chances are you have hooded eyes. Another way to tell is that the skin might touch or stay near your lash line.

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Most hooded eyes have a hidden or non-existent crease, which gives them a deep set and minimises or eliminates eyelid space. This is usually the main difference between hooded and non-hooded eyes.

Spotting The Difference: Hooded VS. Non-Hooded Eyes

Do you want to know the difference between hooded and non-hooded eyes? Here it is. 

Non-Hooded Eyes 

They have the natural eye crease visible when the eye is open, and there is no folding of skin over the crease onto the upper eyelid. This gives the impression of an “open” eye, and the eyelids hang less heavily.

Hooded Eyes

The crease is invisible in hooded eyes, though, because the skin folds or wrinkles around the brow bone are folded over the eyelid. This frequently adds to the look of fatigue and droopiness in such eyes. 

However, something more important to recall is that hooded eyes are simply another natural variation in eye shapes and not inherently less attractive than non-hooded eyes.

Makeup Tips For A More Alert Look On Your Hooded Eyes

Did you know makeup can minimise the appearance of a hoodie? But there’s a catch: the “hood” itself often covers the eye shadow or eyeliner, but there are techniques that may make your eyes look more open.

1. Put Light Shadings

To lighten the eyebrow, apply a no-colour or light-coloured eye shadow. This will result in the impression of a wider, more open space.

2. Wing Your Eyeliner

An extended winged eyeliner can achieve a longer eye, creating the illusion of an eye-lifting crease. 

3. Tightline Your Lashes

For a definition, apply eyeliner close to the upper lash line without occupying the small eyelid space. 

4. Highlight the Brow Bone

Adding a light, shimmery shade under the brow bone can lift the eye area and make the eyes more striking.

How To Get Rid Of Hooded Eyes? Here Are 7 Professional Ways

  1. Dermal fillers
  2. Anti-wrinkle injections
  3. Eyebrow thread lift
  4. Morpheus8 
  5. Laser resurfacing
  6. Ultherapy
  7. Blepharoplasty

Let’s get into details of these 7 dermatologists-approved methods on ‘how to get rid of hooded eyes

1. Dermal Fillers

Dermal fillers may be a fast treatment for hooded eyelids, especially if you’re dealing with mild to moderate drooping. Comprising mainly hyaluronic acid, these fillers help replenish lost volume around the brow and eye region. When injected correctly, they offer a subtle lift and a smoother upper lid.

This hooded eyes filler method is ideal if you’re not ready for surgery but want visible improvements. Patients often see results instantly, with effects lasting up to a year. It’s a popular hooded eyelid treatment in many aesthetic clinics across the UK.

2. Anti-Wrinkle Injections

Another popular option for those asking how to fix hooded eyes naturally is anti-wrinkle injections. These treatments help lift the brows by relaxing the downward-pulling muscles, allowing the upward-pulling muscles to dominate. The result? A naturally lifted look.

This minimally invasive hooded eye treatment is especially effective for those with dynamic wrinkles or early signs of hooded eyelids.

3. Eyebrow Thread Lift

eyebrow thread lift to fix hooded eyes

If you’ve wondered why you have one hooded eye more than the other, you’re not alone. Facial asymmetry is normal. However, a thread lift can help correct this imbalance by physically lifting sagging skin and tissues.

The treatment for hooded eyes UK clinics offer is great for those looking for a subtle, natural result without the need for surgery. Collagen production also increases, enhancing results over time.

4. Morpheus8

Morpheus8 treatment combines microneedling and radiofrequency technology to rejuvenate and tighten your skin. This treatment penetrates deep into the skin to stimulate collagen production, which gives firmer, lifted-looking skin around the eyes. It is most effective for mild to moderate hooding. Because the results are achieved by working at a deeper level, there’s often a further improvement over the following weeks as more collagen forms. Patients also appreciate less downtime and a longer-lasting effect, with some results still there after a year, even after only a few treatments.

5. Laser Resurfacing

Still asking how to get rid of hooded eyes naturally or at least non-surgically? Laser resurfacing may be your answer. It uses focused light beams to remove dead skin and stimulate new collagen.

This hooded eyes treatment not only lifts the upper eyelid skin but also smooths out fine lines. It’s ideal for those who want a visible lift without incisions.

6. Ultherapy

Ultherapy uses ultrasound energy to lift and firm the eyes and brow area without surgery. The ultrasound energy travels to the deeper layers of your skin, heating the tissues and stimulating collagen production. After two to three months, this collagen increase causes skin sagging and minimises the look of hooded eyelids. Ultherapy is a no-down-time procedure with minimal discomfort. It’s perfect for someone who desires gradual natural-appearing results. Although multiple sessions are often required for optimal benefit.

7. Blepharoplasty

Blepharoplasty especially upper blepharoplasty is a surgical hooded eyelid removal procedure that delivers dramatic and permanent results. It involves removing excess skin and sometimes fat, improving both aesthetics and vision.

For those with severely hooded eyes, this is the most definitive answer to how to fix hooded eyes. Though downtime is longer than with non-surgical options, the results are often life-changing.

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8. Plasma Pen Treatment

The Plasma Pen is a favourite among non-surgical options for hooded eyelid treatment. It delivers electrical energy to stimulate skin contraction and is ideal for those wondering how to get rid of hooded eyes without incisions.

9. RF Skin Tightening

Radiofrequency (RF) skin tightening treatments heat the lower layers of skin to encourage collagen production. It gradually firms the eyelid area, reducing sag and correcting one hooded eye over time. RF is ideal for younger patients just starting to see signs of hooded eyes.

10. Plexr (Soft Surgery)

Plexr uses plasma energy to contract and lift excess eyelid skin. This innovative method is especially beneficial for those wondering, “are hooded eyes attractive if they sag?” While hooded eyes are indeed beautiful, Plexr gives those who want a sharper eyelid contour an excellent non-surgical option.

Conclusion

Hooded eyes are a natural, beautiful variation in eye shape—but if they affect your confidence or vision, you’re not out of options. From clever makeup tricks to advanced aesthetic treatments, there are countless ways to enhance or rejuvenate the look of hooded eyes. 

Whether you choose to embrace them fully or explore cosmetic solutions, the key is knowing your options—and choosing what feels right for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

01. Can I apply eyeshadow if I have hooded eyes?

Yes! Use matte shadows above the natural crease and keep shimmer on the centre lid for a lifted look.

02. Do hooded eyes get worse with age?

Yes, ageing can deepen the appearance of hooded eyes due to loss of skin elasticity.

03. Is surgery the only way to fix hooded eyes?

No, non-surgical treatments like fillers, RF, and laser can improve their appearance significantly.

04. How can I tell if I have hooded eyes or droopy eyes?

Hooded eyes are usually genetic and symmetrical, while droopy eyes (ptosis) result from muscle weakness or age.

05. Are hooded eyes a medical concern?

Typically no—but if they obstruct your vision, consult a medical professional for evaluation.

6. What is the best age to consider surgery for hooded eyes?

Surgery is usually considered after the mid-30s, but the timing depends on individual ageing, genetics, and cosmetic goals.

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About Dr. Raj Thethi - Medical Reviewer

Dr. Raj Thethi

Yorkshire Skin Centre in Leeds is a CQC-registered medical clinic. It is led by Dr Raj Thethi who completed his core surgical training in hospitals around West Yorkshire before branching into aesthetics. Dr Raj Thethi is a Northern Territory Regional Expert for an international dermal filler company called Teoxane. He also sits on their National UK Faculty.

View all posts by Dr. Raj Thethi

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Blepharoplasty

Blepharoplasty, also known as an eye lift, is a surgical procedure performed on the eyelids to improve their appearance. It can address concerns like:

  • Excess skin on the upper eyelids: This can obstruct vision and create a hooded appearance.

  • Bags under the lower eyelids: These can make you look tired or aged.

  • Drooping lower eyelids: This can also obstruct vision and contribute to a tired appearance.


Types of Blepharoplasty:

  • Upper blepharoplasty: This addresses concerns with the upper eyelids, removing excess skin and sometimes fat or muscle tissue.

  • Lower blepharoplasty: This addresses concerns with the lower eyelids, removing excess fat or skin and sometimes repositioning tissues.

  • Asian blepharoplasty: This addresses specific concerns related to the anatomy of Asian eyelids, creating a more defined crease.