The Battle of Lash Fans: Handmade vs Premade

Volume Lashes Showdown: Handmade Fans vs Premade Fans: Which is the Better Option?

Let’s chat about a topic that often sparks some debate in the lash world: premade lash fans compared to handmade volume fans. If you’ve been in the lash game for a while, you might remember when premade fans were basically cluster lashes and weren't the most gentle on natural lashes. Thankfully, those days are long gone! So, let’s break down the pros and cons of each and see which one might be the best fit for your lash extensions.

Lash Fans 101

First off, what are lash fans? A volume fan consists of multiple fine lash extensions applied to a single natural lash. The end result is a fuller, fluffier look that can range from subtly chic to dramatically glamorous. If you’re curious about how to create the best lash extensions looks with volume lashes, check out our detailed guide which goes into everything you need to know about volume lashes.

Handmade Volume Fans: Your Custom Creations

Handmade fans are created right at your lash station, using various techniques to craft a fan that’s tailored to each client’s unique needs. The great thing about handmade volume fans is how customizable they are. Whether your client wants mega volume lashes, a softer look with smaller fans, or a more unusual curl such as M Curl lashes, you can achieve it with handmade fans.

However, crafting handmade fans takes time and skill. You’ll need to master the art of fan-making, which involves learning how to create fans and ensure they’re safe for natural lashes, which means a lot of practice to become proficient. If you haven’t spent hours perfecting your technique, handmade fans can be tricky and time-consuming, which can feel quite overwhelming to beginners in particular.

Premade Volume Fans: The Convenience Factor

Now, let’s talk about premade lash fans. Gone are the days when premade fans were a no-go. Today, they’re crafted with precision, ensuring they’re gentle on natural lashes while giving you that gorgeous, fluffy look.

One of the biggest perks of premade fans is the time they save. They’re quicker to apply than creating handmade fans, making them perfect for busy days or for when you’re short on time. They do take a little longer to apply than classic lashes due to the way you need to take them off the strip, but they’re still a faster option compared to crafting fans by hand.

On the downside, Premade fans are less customizable than handmade ones. If your client wants a specific lash map that’s more tailored than a simple doll eye lash map—such as something with a wispier top line—you might be better off creating fans by hand or using something like Easy Fan Lashes, which are a faster option than traditional handmade fans and result in a textured, wispy look simply due to the way they are made.

Choosing between Premade and handmade fans comes down to your experience, your client’s preferences, and how much time you have for each appointment. In terms of the way they look and how safe they are for the natural lashes, they’re basically one and the same! 

Keeping a supply of premade fans on hand can help you handle those busy days or unexpected changes, ensuring you deliver beautiful lashes without stress.