As a lash artist, one of the most significant decisions you'll make when creating volume lash sets is choosing between premade volume fans and handmade volume fans. Both options have their advantages, and understanding these differences can help you optimize your lash sets for faster application, better retention, and stunning results. Whether you're just starting out or you're a seasoned pro, understanding when and how to use these fans will improve your technique and elevate your services.
In this blog post, we will explore the benefits of premade volume fans versus handmade volume fans, helping you choose the best option for your business. We will also highlight how Aki Lashes can provide you with high-quality products and training to enhance your lash artistry.
What Are Premade and Handmade Volume Fans?
Before we dive into the benefits, let’s define what each type of fan is:
Premade Volume Fans
Premade volume fans are pre-arranged lash extensions that come in different fan sizes, ready for application. These fans are typically made using a machine or by hand, but they are already glued at the base, making them easier and quicker to use. They are usually available in different diameters and lengths.
Handmade Volume Fans
Handmade volume fans are created by the lash artist during the application process. These fans are made by carefully picking up individual lashes and fanning them out by hand to create a customized volume fan. This method allows for complete control over the fan size and shape, making each fan unique.
Now that we know what they are, let’s take a look at the benefits of each and when you might choose one over the other.
The Benefits of Premade Volume Fans
1. Faster Application
One of the biggest advantages of using premade volume fans is the speed they offer. Since the fans are already fanned out and ready to be applied, they save you time during the lash application process. This is especially useful when you're working with clients who have a busy schedule or when you need to speed up your service to fit in more clients.
2. Consistency and Precision
Premade volume fans are designed to be consistent in shape and size. This allows for a uniform look across all lashes in the set, which can be particularly helpful when you’re trying to achieve a symmetrical and polished look. If you're a beginner or if you're struggling with creating uniform fans by hand, premade fans offer an easy solution.
3. Ideal for Volume Sets
Premade volume fans are a great option when you're aiming to create dense volume lash sets quickly. They allow you to place multiple extensions on each natural lash, giving your clients a fuller and more dramatic look without compromising on retention.
4. Great for Beginners
For lash artists who are just starting with volume lashes, premade fans provide an easier, less intimidating entry into creating volume sets. They eliminate the learning curve involved in making handmade fans, allowing beginners to focus on technique and placement rather than fan creation.
5. Reduced Hand Fatigue
Since premade volume fans don’t require the same intricate work as handmade fans, they can help reduce hand strain and fatigue during long lash sessions. This is particularly important for lash artists who work on multiple clients each day.
6. Cost-Effective
Because they save time and reduce the need for skillful fan-making, premade volume fans can be more cost-effective for lash artists looking to streamline their workflow. By spending less time on each client, you can maximize your income.
The Benefits of Handmade Volume Fans
1. Full Control Over the Design
One of the biggest advantages of handmade volume fans is the complete control you have over the design. You can customize the size, length, and shape of each fan, which allows you to create unique, tailored sets that perfectly match your client's natural lash characteristics and desired look.
2. Stronger Retention
Because you are carefully placing each lash, you can ensure that the fans are applied with precision. This often results in stronger retention compared to premade fans, as the handmade process allows you to adjust the fan size and angle to better suit your client's natural lashes. You can also avoid the overuse of glue that may be present in some premade fans, which can contribute to poor retention.
3. Highly Customized Looks
With handmade volume fans, you can create more customized lash sets that take into account your client’s individual features. Whether your client has shorter natural lashes, a more delicate lash line, or wants a specific style, you can adjust the fans to suit their unique needs. This allows for a more personalized, high-quality service.
4. Perfect for Complex Designs
If you're looking to create intricate, multi-layered lash sets or want to incorporate different styles into the same set (such as a mix of classic and volume lashes), handmade volume fans provide the flexibility to experiment and create these complex designs with ease.
5. Better for Lash Health
Handmade volume fans allow you to be mindful of the weight distribution on each natural lash. By choosing the right diameter for each fan and ensuring the fan is appropriately sized, you can ensure the natural lashes remain healthy and undamaged over time.
6. Developing Lash Artistry Skills
Making handmade volume fans is a skill that takes practice but offers immense satisfaction and pride once mastered. If you're looking to perfect your volume lash technique and offer more creative, customized services, learning how to make handmade fans is a rewarding skill to develop.
When to Use Premade vs. Handmade Volume Fans
Use Premade Volume Fans When:
- You need to complete a full set quickly without compromising quality.
- You have clients with sparse or short lashes who want a fuller look.
- You’re working with clients who prefer a more uniform, symmetrical appearance.
- You are new to volume lashes and need to build speed and confidence.
- You want to reduce hand fatigue during long sessions.
Use Handmade Volume Fans When:
- You want complete control over the fan design and placement.
- You’re aiming for custom, tailored sets that match your client's natural lashes.
- You want to offer a more luxurious, personalized service.
- Retention and lash health are your top priorities.
- You’re looking to expand your skill set and offer more intricate lash designs.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
1. Using Premade Fans with Too Much Glue
Premade fans can sometimes have too much glue at the base, which can negatively affect retention. To avoid this, always check the fan’s base before application and make sure it’s not overloaded with adhesive.
2. Not Using the Right Diameter
Using the wrong diameter for your client’s natural lashes, whether you’re working with premade or handmade fans, can lead to lash damage. Always choose the correct diameter based on your client’s lash strength.
3. Overloading Natural Lashes with Too Many Extensions
Whether using premade or handmade fans, always be mindful of the weight you’re placing on each natural lash. Overloading can cause stress and premature shedding.
FAQs About Premade vs. Handmade Volume Fans
1. Which is better for retention: premade or handmade fans?
In general, handmade volume fans tend to offer better retention as they can be more precisely applied. However, premade fans can also provide good retention if they’re used correctly.
2. Can I mix premade and handmade volume fans in the same set?
Yes! Many lash artists use a combination of premade volume fans and handmade fans in the same set to create texture and dimension.
3. Which is easier for beginners: premade or handmade fans?
Premade volume fans are generally easier for beginners because they save time and eliminate the need for hand-fanning. This allows new artists to focus on placement and technique.
Conclusion: Choose the Right Fans for Your Clients and Business
Both premade volume fans and handmade volume fans have their unique advantages, and understanding when to use each can elevate your lash artistry and improve your client’s experience. Whether you’re looking to speed up your application or create custom, intricate designs, Aki Lashes offers a wide selection of high-quality products to suit your needs.
Ready to take your lash game to the next level? Explore our range of premade volume fans, handmade volume fans, and professional tools at Aki Lashes. Or, sign up for our training sessions to perfect your technique and boost your business!