Open face hood

Open face hood by Libidex

An open face hood is a hood which, as the name suggests, leaves the face uncovered. While less common than full face hoods, they are popular with some (mostly female) wearers as they frame the face in a striking manner and do not damage make-up. The effect of wearing one is much like that of a nun's wimple.

Usage

Open face hoods are worn by clubbers who want the visual impact of wearing a hood but do not want their face hidden. These hoods are popular for pony play, as they do not interfere with the wearing of head harnesses and bit gags. Some manufacturers produce ponytail hoods (both open face and traditional) with a pony tail of fake hair attached to the top of the hood.

This type of hood can also be worn by people who find it difficult to wear full face hoods, due to claustrophobia, breathing difficulties or overheating.

Conversely, they do not depersonalise the wearer in the way that a hood that covers the face does.

Safety

Open face hoods are safer to use in BDSM play than other hoods, as they do not obstruct breathing, even if the wearer is gagged. Also, as the face is visible it is easier for the captor to gauge the condition of their captive and to see if they have become unconscious.

See also

• Hood
• Nun
• Ponytail hood