Premade Fans vs Handmade Fans: Which Should Lash Artists Use?

If you lash volume, you have probably asked yourself this at least once: premade fans vs handmade fans, which one should I actually use? Both can create a full, soft volume set. The difference is in how the fan is made, how much time it takes during the appointment, and how much control you have over every fan. This guide breaks down premade fans vs handmade fans in plain terms, with a placement routine you can use on your next client and tips for deciding what belongs in your lash station.

Premade fans come already shaped and bonded at the base, so you pick one up, dip and place. Handmade fans are made by you, during the appointment, from a strip of volume lashes. Premade fans save time and give you consistent, symmetrical fans. Handmade fans give you full control over fan width, the number of lashes in each fan and how open or closed it is.

Most working lash artists don't pick only one. They keep premade fans for speed and consistency, and make fans by hand when a client needs something custom.

Premade fans are volume fans that arrive ready to use, lined up on a tray. Our Premade Fans are perfectly symmetrical with a small, pointed base for easy placement. They come in C or D curl, in 8D, 10D and 16D fan sizes, and in lengths from 8 mm to 15 mm plus a mixed tray.

Because the fan is already formed, the skill you need is clean isolation and placement, not fan-making. That's why many newer volume artists start here while they practice making fans on their own.

Handmade fans are built one at a time with volume tweezers. You pick up several lashes from the strip, open them into a fan, then dip the base in adhesive and place it. Common methods include the pinch method and the sticky strip method.

Handmade fans take practice. When you get comfortable, you can adjust every fan for that client: narrower in the inner corner, wider in the middle, lighter where the natural lashes are fine.

• You're new to volume. You can offer volume sets while your fan-making catches up.
• Your schedule is full. Skipping the fan-making step can shorten a full set or a fill.
• You want fans that match. Symmetrical, uniform fans make it easier to keep both eyes even.
• Fills and quick fixes. A tray of premade fans in your go-to curl and lengths makes it easy to fill gaps fast.

• Custom density. You decide exactly how many lashes go into each fan.
• Fine or sparse natural lashes. You can make smaller, narrower fans for those areas.
• Textured or wispy looks. Mixing fan widths and lengths gives more texture than a single fan size.
• Growing as an artist. Fan-making is a core volume skill, and practicing it pays off in every style you offer.

Yes, and many artists do. A practical way to work: use premade fans across the fuller middle and outer sections where you want speed and even density, then make fans by hand for the inner corners and any sparse areas. Keep the curl the same across both (for example, D curl premade fans with D curl volume lashes) so the set blends.

If you want fan-making to feel easier, CC Easy Fan Lashes and DD Easy Fan Lashes are made to help you create fans, in .03 or .05 diameter and lengths from 8 mm to 17 mm.

1. Map first. Mark your lengths and curl on the eye pad so you know which fan goes where.
2. Pick the fan at the base. Use volume tweezers and grip just above the pointed base so the fan stays closed at the bottom and open at the top.
3. Dip lightly. Dip only the base in a fresh glue drop. Too much adhesive can make the fan close or stick to neighbors.
4. Isolate and place. Isolate one natural lash, then place the fan with the base wrapped along it, a small distance from the eyelid.
5. Check as you go. Brush through each section and look for stickies before you move on.

Match your glue to your speed. Pro Eyelash Extension Glue has a 0.5-second dry time and works in any humidity range. N1 Eyelash Extension Glue has about a 1-second average dry time and works for classic and volume lashes.

• Work from the tip of the strip and pick up close to the base so the fan opens evenly.
• Use a firm, short-base volume tweezer for control.
• Practice the same fan size over and over on a practice strip before you try mixing sizes.
• Keep a lash tile near your hand so you're not reaching between fans.
• If fans keep closing, change your glue drop more often.

• Want speed and matching fans:Premade Fans in C or D curl, 8D, 10D or 16D.
• Learning to make your own fans:CC Easy Fan Lashes or DD Easy Fan Lashes.
• The right tool for fans:Volume Lash Tweezers have a short base and firm grip for control, or try Fiber Tip Volume Tweezers for extra grip.
• Want to learn volume step by step: the Online Volume Lash Training is $395 with a kit, unlimited access and a downloadable certificate of completion. A certificate is not a state license, and licensing rules depend on your state.
• In Arizona:Phoenix Lash Training is an Arizona-accredited 30-hour, hands-on program in Scottsdale covering Classic, Hybrid, Volume and Mega Volume. Arizona licensing rules are set by the state, so check the Arizona Barbering & Cosmetology Board for the current requirements for your situation.

Are premade fans better than handmade fans?

Neither is better for every client. Premade fans save time and are uniform. Handmade fans give you more control. Many artists use both in the same set.

Do premade fans look natural?

They can. Choose a fan size and length that suit the client's natural lashes, and use smaller fans or handmade fans in the inner corners for a softer look.

Are premade fans good for beginners?

Yes. They let newer volume artists offer volume while they practice making fans by hand. You still need clean isolation and correct placement.

What does 8D, 10D or 16D mean?

The number tells you how many lashes are in each fan. A 16D fan has more lashes than an 8D fan and gives a fuller look.

Can I use premade fans for fills?

Yes. Keep a tray in your client's curl and most-used lengths so you can fill gaps quickly.

Ready to stock your lash station? Shop Premade Fans in C or D curl, and pair them with Volume Lash Tweezers for easy pickup.