All About Bondage Hoods

Hoods, also known as BDSM Hoods, Gimp Mask or Bondage Mask are very popular on the fetish scene. They can even be found in popular culture, notoriously known in the films Pulp Fiction and American Horror Story. Hoods can be part of an outfit or a stand alone item. They can cover the head entirely or partially depending on what type of look is desired. One of the deciding factors in purchasing a hood (apart from the material) will be how it covers the face.

How Are They Used?

Hoods are used mostly in a sub/dom relationship, as an item for the sub to wear. One of the effects hoods have is depersonalisation, the Unisex Head Mask. is great for this. Desired to make the sub feel more like an item or possession, it helps to detach emotion between two people and focus on the actions of BDSM. Another way hoods are used is for disorientation. By putting a hood over someone's head, even with an eye hole or even a face hole, they can become unfamiliar with their surroundings or what their Dom is doing. With a full head hood, you can even transport you sub to a different place to make them really unaware of their surroundings. Using a hood for sensual deprivation can be really effective and satisfying because hoods are so effective at achieving this. With a full head hood, you can deprive a sub of hearing, sight, smell and being able to speak.

Safety

Due to the nature of a hood, there are many safety aspects that go alongside it and should be carefully considered before using a hood. Practicing outside of sex or BDSM play is always a good practice to have.

Airways



Even though you can restrict a sub by covering their mouth and nose, you should always try to make sure there are nose holes at least for those that are unfamiliar. Some materials, like latex, are completely unbreathable if sealed entirely, this is because they constrict to the body form. It is also important to consider that a full face mask can be difficult for someone who suffers from claustrophobia (they may not know they suffer from this until wearing a hood). Less air in the mask can cause a panic that the wearer has never experienced so making sure airways are clear is important so it doesn’t make anything worse.

Safe Words

A safe word is always important in all forms of BDSM, but especially when using hoods because of how the head is restricted. Some hoods can be used to silence a sub, but it is important that you have a safe action as well as a word for this. Rocking the head back and forth or snapping fingers are great examples of safe actions.

Step by Step


Hoods can be a really intense experience, so if you are playing in BDSM, it is a good idea to put a hood on last, or later on in your playtime. Checking in on your sub at regular intervals can also be a good idea. This means you will have to break character, but it is how a good sub/dom relationship is formed and sustained.

Why Do People Wear Hoods?

There are many reasons for people to wear hoods. It is mainly to complete the look of an outfit, but there are benefits for both the sub and dom.

Doms Benefits:
When wearing a hood, a sub has no facial features. Allowing the doms to make it easier to objectify their sub, and assert their dominance. Some hoods come with locks and belt attachments meaning that the sub can be restricted even further, take a look at our hood range for an example of using belt loops. Humiliation, for the extreme participants, hoods can be a great tool for humiliation by walking their sub in the streets with a hood on.

Sub Benefits:
A hood can give a sub further restriction, sometimes a catsuit and a pair of bed cuffs just isn’t enough. Using a hood allows a sub to be fully emersed into the feel of bondage. Completing the look is a great way to use a hood for a sub. Pleasing a dom bring great satisfaction to a sub, and nothing is better than a completed look. A great hood that completes a popular look is our Rubber Maids Hood.

Summary

Hoods can also be attractive in appearance and feel. For some people, the feel of latex hoods can be more sexy and sensual than touching skin. Hoods are a great way to really step up your experience in the bedroom (or dungeon). There are many types of hoods so getting more than one is common to use in different situations. To view our entire range of hoods Click here!
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