If lashing is an art, then mastering creating and applying volume lash extensions is the true mark of an artist. Unlike classic lashing where the application is one-to-one, volume lash application requires a lash extension artist to create a fan of multiple lashes. It involves a delicate balance of weight, diameter, and length—not to mention creating a perfect fan that must be carefully wrapped around the natural lash.

Creating a symmetrical fan can be tricky and takes extreme precision, along with many hours of practice to master the skill. As an alternative, many companies specializing in volume lash extension supplies now offer a solution to bypass the practice time altogether: pre-made fans. 

Pre-mades have changed the game for lash artists everywhere, but they've also sparked a great debate—are handmade or pre-made volume fans better? (Spoiler alert: we support both! Pro-made fans showcase a lash artist's dedication to the art, but our Dirty Little Secret Volume Fans show just how amazing pre-mades can be.)

What's the Difference Between Handmade and Pre-made Volume Fans?

Handmade AKA pro-made volume lash extension fans are crafted by an individual artist, without the use of machinery, and are typically created during the appointment. The lashes are pulled off the strip in groups of two to up to ten lashes, carefully separated and arranged, dipped into adhesive, and then wrapped to the client’s natural lash. It’s important to note handmade/pro-made fans can be created in advance and stored for later use. Lash extension artists will either dip the pro-made lash into a tiny bit of adhesive or return to the strip in order to maintain the fan long-term.

Pre-made volume fans, just as the name implies, are built and sold by a lash extension supplier in advance and delivered to the artist ready to be dipped and placed on a client’s lash. The process for creating pre-made fans is similar to that of strip lashes in that a person is involved but assisted by a machine. Pre-made lash fans are then either heat-bonded or connected via a small amount of adhesive. The finished product is shipped out on a tray, similar to strips of lashes. This picture shows just how similar pre-mades and pro-mades can look - can you guess which is which?

What are the Pros & Cons for pre mades?

THE CON: LESS CUSTOMIZATION

Like fingerprints, no set of natural lashes are the same. It’s incredibly important that lash diameter, length, and weight are precisely balanced to protect a client’s natural lash while also achieving the ideal look. Hand-making fans—while more complicated—customizes the extension to the client’s natural lash. If you want full control in creating your fans to balance the weight of the extensions on the natural lash, while still achieving the ideal look of the full set, pro-mades are for you. While it’s not the easy way out, hand-making volume fans is the ultimate tool in customizing each set for your clients. 

Pre-made fans, on the other hand, don’t provide as much flexibility to adapt to different lash textures, lengths, or strengths. Additionally, the artist doesn’t have control over the amount of adhesive already on the fan, meaning there may be added weight due to having to dip the volume fan a second time. Without careful calibration on the part of the artist, the result could be a higher likelihood of lashes falling out due to a weak bond. 

Ultimately, it comes down to the preference of the artist and what works best for you and your skill level.

THE PRO: MORE TIME

As we’ve mentioned, handmaking fans is time-consuming. Purchasing pre-made lashes can save you time and energy, which you can spend booking more clients or growing your business. We've put our Dirty Little Secrets Pre-Mades to the test and found that they've cut our application time in half!  Handmade or pro-made fans, on the other hand, allow you more control of the lashing process from start to finish and ensure a custom fit to your client’s natural lash. 

Decide what works best for you!

Whatever you choose, take the time to perfect your craft. Without proper technique and good adhesive control, it won’t matter which method you choose.

Either way - pre-mades are here to stay! Love 'em or leave 'em, choose your own way that gives you the best results. If you're looking to give pre-mades a chance, or you're just looking for the most symmetrical, pointy bases in the biz - try our brand of Dirty Little Secrets. 

We’re also happy to help you master the complex precision volume lashing demands through our online Volume Eyelash Extension Course. With this advanced course, we cover everything from layering and fanning techniques, proper lash pickup, adhesive control, and more. You'll also get our 146-page professionally published manual to guide your practice so you'll have a good grasp of what you need to work on post-course.