Premade vs. Handmade Fans: Which one Is right for you?

Lash artists, let’s talk fans—because when it comes to volume lashes, your choice of fans can make or break your efficiency, retention, and overall artistry. If you’ve ever debated between premade and handmade fans, you’re not alone! We want to break down both options, covering the pros, cons, and which one reigns supreme for different situations. Whether you’re a seasoned lash artist or just starting your lash journey, we’re diving deep to help you make the best choice for you and your guests. 

What Are Premade Fans?

Premade fans are exactly what they sound like—volume fans that are pre-manufactured and ready to apply. Instead of hand-making fans during the appointment, artists can pick up a premade fan and place it directly onto the natural lash, making the volume application process much faster. This means quicker appointments and getting more clients through the door.

How Are Premade Fans Made?

Premade fans are crafted in a controlled environment using precise manufacturing techniques. They are designed to be lightweight and consistent, with evenly spaced lashes that maintain symmetry. There are several types of premade fans, each with unique bonding methods:

• Heat-Bonded Fans: These fans are fused together using heat instead of adhesive, creating a seamless, lightweight base.
• Glue-Bonded Fans: These fans are pre-attached using a small amount of adhesive, adding extra stability.
• Loose Fans: These come in a tray or container, giving artists the freedom to pick them up individually.
• Strip Fans: These fans are attached to a strip, making them easy to grab and apply.

Borboleta's Pre-Made fans are heat-bonded at the base and perfectly attached to the strip, offering an efficient pick up, everytime. No matter the type, premade fans are designed to save time, improve consistency, and enhance your overall lashing appointment efficiencies.

Pros of Premade Fans

There’s a reason pre-made fans are becoming a go-to for lash artists. Let’s break down their biggest advantages:

1. Time-Saving – Faster Application Process

One of the biggest perks of premade fans is speed. Handmade fans require time to create, but with premades, the fans are ready to go. This means quicker appointments, the ability to see more guests in a day, and ultimately, increased revenue.

2. Consistency – Consistently Fluffy Fans for a Perfectly Polished Look

With pre-made fans, every fan is identical! This means your sets will always have a uniform, symmetrical look—no wonky or uneven fans here!

3. Easier Learning Curve – Great for Beginners and Busy Artists

 

Creating volume fans by hand is a skill that takes time to perfect. Premade fans eliminate that learning curve, making it easier for new artists to offer volume services right away. They’re also a lifesaver for busy artists who don’t have time to hand-make fans during back-to-back appointments.

Cons of Premade Fans

While premade fans have plenty of advantages, there are a few things to keep in mind when choosing pre-made fans instead of handmade fans:

1. Higher Cost – more expensive than handmade fans

Premade fans are a bit pricier because they require precise manufacturing. However, many artists find the investment worth it since they can complete sets faster and take on more appointments.

2. Less Customization – limited control over fan sizes and artistry 

Since premade fans come pre-made (obviously!), artists have less control over the exact shape, width, or curl of each fan. This might not be a dealbreaker, but for those who prefer full creative control, it’s something to consider. Keep in mind, if every fan looks the same, where is that wispy texture going to come from? 

What Are Handmade Fans?

Handmade fans are created by the lash artist in real time during the appointment. Using tweezers and techniques on the lash strips, the artist pinches or wiggles the base of the lashes to form a custom fan before placing it onto the natural lash.

The Technique Behind Handmade Fans

Making handmade fans requires skill, patience, and plenty of practice. Although the technique used to create Volume Fans is dependent on the artist, here at Borboleta, we teach 4 different fanning techniques in all our Volume Certification Courses.  Download BorboletaPro's APP on iOS or Android to enroll in our FREE Lash & Learn: Fanning Technique Workshop

1. Fan & Grab 

2. The Lonely Fan 

3. The Borby Method 

4. Pinching 

Pros of Handmade Fans

Handmade fans come with their own set of benefits, especially for artists who love having full creative control over their artistry:

1. Full Customization – the artist has control over fan size, shape, and symmetry

When you make fans by hand, you can customize them for each guest’s natural lashes, eye shape, and desired style. Want to create a wispy angel set? Go for it! Need ultra-dense volume? You can do that too.

2. Cost-Effective – less expensive upfront

Since you’re making the fans yourself, there’s no need to purchase pre-made ones, which can save money in the long run.

3. Skill Development – Improves artistry and technique

Handmaking fans takes time to master, but it can elevate your skills as a lash artist. If you love the artistry of lashing and enjoy the creative process, this might be a huge advantage. Remember, challenging your artistry can only lead to more clients and bettering your lash skills. Knowledge is power! 

Cons of Handmade Fans

Now, let’s talk about the challenges that come with making volume fans by hand:

1. Time-Consuming – takes longer to create each fan

Creating volume fans in real time adds an extra step to the application process. If you’re fully booked and running behind or trying to fit in more guests, this can be a drawback.

2. Steeper Learning Curve – requires dedicated skill and time to perfect 

Unlike premade fans, handmade fans require precision and technique. It takes time to master the art of fanning, which can be frustrating for beginners. But the payout is high! 

3. More Hand Strain – Can lead to hand/finger fatigue with repeated micro movements

 

Spending hours gripping tweezers tightly and manually creating fans can lead to hand fatigue, especially when you're just starting out in your lash journey. Over time, this strain can contribute to discomfort and even long-term tension if proper body mechanics and muscle care aren’t prioritized while building muscle memory

Which Is Better? Drumroll, please… 

Only you, as the artist, can decide that!! While handmade fans give the lash artist full control, the benefits of premade fans outweigh the cons for some. Here’s why:

• Faster application – More guests, more revenue!

• Consistent results – No inconsistencies with the fan's base or size.

• Easier to learn – Start offering Volume Lashes sooner in your lash career as pre-mades have a smaller learning curve.

• Less hand strain – Say goodbye to pinching and death gripping all day.

Whichever volume fan preference you have, both will help streamline your workflow, build your clientele, and make your artistry shine! Borboleta’s pre-made fans are designed for efficiency, consistency, and jaw-dropping results. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned lash pro, our lightweight, high-quality lashes make volume fanning effortless.

Shop BorboletaPro for the best pre-made Fans and award-winning OG Volume Lashes, and experience the difference with Borboleta’s Lash Extensions. Your guests (and your hands!) will thank you!