Volume Lashes and the Great Debate: Are Handmade Fans or Premade Fans the Superior Choice?

When it comes to volume lashes, there’s an ongoing debate in the lash world: handmade fans versus premade fans. If you’ve been lashing for a while, you might remember when premade fans were really just clumpy “cluster lashes,” often criticized for being heavy and potentially damaging to natural lashes. But times have changed, and both handmade and premade fans have come a long way. So, which one reigns supreme? Let’s break it down by exploring the pros and cons of each method.

Lash Fans: A Quick Overview

So, what exactly are lash fans? A volume fan is created by fanning out multiple, fine eyelash extensions and applying them to a single natural lash. This technique results in a fuller, fluffier look that can range from subtle volume to dramatic glamour.

For more information about volume lashes, check out our detailed blog post!

Handmade Volume Fans: The Personal Touch

Handmade volume fans are just that—created by hand during the application process. Lash artists use various techniques to craft fans that perfectly suit each client's individual preferences.

Pros:

• Customization: Handmade fans are fully customizable, allowing you to tailor the look to your client’s specific needs. Whether it’s a full, fluffy look, a wispy finish, or a mix of both, the possibilities are endless.
• Mastery: Because each fan is crafted during the application process, you have total control over the look and quality of each fan. As a lash artist, this allows you to provide a truly personalized experience.

Cons:

• Time-Consuming: Creating handmade fans takes more time, especially when you’re first learning the technique. It involves not only mastering the fan-making process but also practicing to perfect your skills, which can take hours of training.
• Inconsistency: Without sufficient practice, it can be easy to produce uneven fans, leading to inconsistencies that are visible to the naked eye.
• Appointment Length: Making fans by hand will naturally extend the time of your appointments. While this can lead to a beautiful, customized finish, it may result in a less full lash look if you’re pressed for time.

Premade Volume Fans: The Convenience Factor

In contrast to handmade fans, premade volume fans are crafted by a manufacturer. These fans are pre-fanned and ready for application, saving you valuable time during the procedure.

Pros:

• Time-Saving: Premade fans cut down on application time. While they’re slightly slower than classic lashes (since you need to pick them up from the base), they are much faster than creating fans by hand, especially for beginners or when you're pressed for time.
• Consistency: Every premade fan is uniform, ensuring a consistent look across the entire set, without the risk of inconsistencies that can come with handmade fans.
• Ease of Use: Premade fans are an excellent choice for lash artists who want to speed up the process or those who may be still perfecting their fan-making skills.

Cons:

• Less Customization: While premade fans are easy to apply, they’re not as customizable as handmade fans. If a client requests a specific lash look, such as a wispier top line or a "wet" look, premade fans may fall short.
• Quality Control: Although high-quality premade fans exist, it’s essential to work with a trusted supplier. Not all premade fans are created equal—some may not be as safe or effective for the natural lashes as others.

All in All: Handmade vs. Premade

Which one is better? The answer depends on several factors:

1. Experience Level: For beginner lash artists, premade fans can be a lifesaver, allowing them to create a full, voluminous set without spending too much time or energy. However, as your skills grow, handmade fans offer more flexibility and control over the final result.

2. Client Needs: If your client has specific preferences for the look or texture of their lashes, handmade fans might be the way to go. On the other hand, if you’re doing a quick fill or need to work within a tight schedule, premade fans could be a better fit.

3. Time Constraints: If you're working on a tight timeline or trying to maximize productivity during a busy day, premade fans can help you stay on track without sacrificing the quality of the lash set.

Final Thoughts

Ultimately, both handmade and premade volume fans have their place in the lash artist’s toolkit. It’s not necessarily about one being "better" than the other—it’s about knowing when to use each technique to achieve the best result for your client. Whether you’re crafting custom handmade fans for a highly personalized look or turning to premade fans for speed and consistency, the right choice will depend on your expertise, the client’s needs, and the time you have available.

Having both options at your disposal allows you to adapt to each situation and provide the best lash experience possible!