Handmade vs Premade Fans: Which is Better?

Volume Lashes: Which Fans Are Better, Handmade or Premade?

When it comes to volume lashes, one debate that never seems to end is the comparison between handmade lash fans and premade lash fans. If you’ve been in the eyelash extension industry for a while, you probably remember when premade fans were heavy cluster lashes that could harm natural lashes. Luckily, those days are gone, but the question remains: how do premade fans stack up against handmade fans now? Let’s explore the pros and cons of each option and decide which one might be the best fit for your clients and your eyelash extension kit.

What Exactly Are Lash Fans?

A lash fan is a group of fine eyelash extensions fanned out and applied to a single natural lash to create fuller, fluffier volume lashes. This technique can offer a range of looks from natural and chic to bold and dramatic, depending on your client’s style preferences. Whether you’re working with hybrid lashes or volume lashes, lash fans are key to creating custom looks. For more details on volume lashes, check out our other blog posts.

The Art of Handmade Volume Fans

Handmade lash fans are crafted by the lash technician during each appointment, giving them the ability to completely customise the lash extensions based on each client’s needs. Whether your client prefers a more natural look with classic lashes, or something more dramatic like wispy lashes, handmade fans give you the flexibility to deliver exactly what they want.

One of the biggest benefits of handmade fans is their customisability. You can mix and match styles, creating anything from full and fluffy looks to light, textured designs. Whether it’s the classic wispy lashes or something more personalised, handmade fans allow you to experiment and craft the perfect look.

However, this level of control takes time. Learning to create fans takes a lot of practice, especially when it comes to using the right eyelash glue and finding the correct fan size that’s safe for natural lashes. For lash techs still mastering the technique, making fans can be fiddly and time-consuming. Additionally, creating custom fans during appointments can result in longer application times, so if you’re short on time, your set might not look as full as it could.

Effortless Lashes with Premade Fans

Now, let’s talk about premade lash fans. Gone are the days of heavy, damaging cluster lashes. Today’s premade volume fans are hand-crafted to be safe for natural lashes and give that perfect volume lash look. While you don’t make them yourself, premade fans can still deliver gorgeous results in a fraction of the time.

At London Lash, we work closely with our suppliers to ensure that every single premade fan meets the highest quality standards. Each fan is uniform, safe for natural lashes, and easy to apply, giving you consistent results every time. For Lash Techs, especially those who are newer to volume lashes, premade fans are a fantastic way to save time while still offering a beautiful, fluffy finish.

One of the key advantages of premade fans is the time they save. While they do take a little longer to apply than classic lashes, they’re much faster than creating fans by hand. For clients in a rush, or when you have back-to-back appointments, premade fans can be a lifesaver. 

However, premade fans may not offer the same level of customisation as handmade fans, especially if your client wants something more specific like wet-look lashes or a more textured top line. In these cases, you might opt for tools like Easy Fan Lashes, which give a customised, wispy look while still saving time.

Handmade vs Premade: Which to Choose?

So, how do you decide which option is right for you and your clients? It really depends on your experience level, client preferences, and the amount of time you have during each appointment. If you’ve got time and your client wants a truly bespoke look, handmade fans are a great choice. For a faster, more convenient option, premade fans are a reliable alternative—especially when your client shows up late or has fewer extensions left for their fill.

It’s always a good idea to have both options in your eyelash extension kit. Premade fans can help you manage your time efficiently, while handmade fans allow you to create more personalised, high-end results. And don’t forget to have essential products like under eye patches, eyelash primer, lash cleanser, lash shampoo, and tools like lash tape and eyelid tape on hand to complete your service.

Whether you prefer handmade or premade lash fans, both have their place in the world of lash extensions. Ultimately, it’s all about knowing your tools, understanding your clients’ needs, and finding the best solution to deliver those perfect, long-lasting volume lashes.