Premade fans are one of the hottest topics in the lash extension industry today. Many lash artists have probably asked themselves questions like:
- Can premade fans actually replace handmade fans?
- What to consider when choosing premade lash fans?
- Where to buy high-quality pre-made lashes?
In this article, we answer the most common questions about premade fans, explain what to consider when choosing the best ones, and highlight the red flags to avoid.
What are premade fans?Premade lash fans are ready-made volume fans, created by the manufacturer before they reach your lash tray. Instead of making fans by hand during the appointment (as you would with regular volume lashes), you simply pick up a premade fan, dip it into glue, and apply it directly to the natural lash. Each fan is made up of 2 to 12 ultra-fine lashes, depending on the desired volume, and is pre-bonded at the base – either by heat or with a minimal amount of adhesive. |
The anatomy of a perfect premade fan
A high-quality premade fan is built for speed, consistency, and long-lasting retention, while still looking soft and natural. Here's what to look for:
1. Symmetry & Uniformity
Each lash should be evenly spaced within the fan to create a clean, symmetrical look. Whether you’re using narrow, medium, or wide fans, they should be consistent throughout the tray.
From the top view, all lash tips should align perfectly. Avoid fans with twisted or crisscrossed lashes.
2. Ultra-Fine Base
Pinched or heat-bonded base: The base must be narrow, fine, and smooth. This allows for easy attachment to the natural lash without bulk or "sitting" on top.
A perfect fan will have no visible extra adhesive or stiffness at the base. That’s crucial for both comfort and retention.
3. Consistent Curl
Each fan should hold its curl (C, CC, D, etc.) with no warping or inconsistencies.
A heat-processed quality fan will keep its curl over time, especially important for long-term retention.
4. Lightweight & Soft Fibers
Fans should be made from high-quality PBT fiber – this gives a natural matte finish and softness while keeping fans durable.
Correct diameter is also important: 0.03–0.07mm depending on the volume you’re going for. A perfect fan should feel feather-light and not stress the natural lash.
5. Reliable Bonding Surface
The base should be just long enough to adhere securely to the natural lash without creating a bulky bond.
A gradual taper from base to tip provides a softer, fluffier appearance and blends better with natural lashes.
6. Stability on the Strip
Perfect fans should come off the strip easily without losing their shape.
Each fan should be placed far enough apart to grab with tweezers, without sticking to neighboring fans.
Red flags in poor-quality premade fans
Not all premade fans meet professional standards. Here are some common signs of low-quality products to avoid:
- Thick, bulky glue bases
- Uneven or asymmetrical fans
- Twisted lashes within the fan
- Curls that flatten over time
- Shiny, stiff, or plastic-looking fibers
- Fans that stick to the strip or fall apart when picked up
Keep in mind that mastering the correct technique for picking fans from the strip takes time. Sometimes fans may fall apart because of the wrong picking technique.
Look for affordable premade fans
Being a lash artist means balancing quality and cost-efficiency. Using premium-quality premade fans that are affordable is key to maintaining healthy margins and staying competitive.
If the fans you use are too expensive, you may need to raise your service prices, which can make it harder to attract new clients or compete with nearby salons.
Always look for suppliers that offer professional quality at reasonable, direct-from-manufacturer pricing. That way, you get excellent results without breaking your budget.
The importance of a wide selection
When your supplier offers a large, consistent selection of premade fans, you will be able to:
- Create various lash styles without switching between different brands.
- Choose between various tones of premade fans like black and (dark) brown.
- Develop muscle memory and speed by working consistently with the same product.
- Reduce waste, especially when individual-length trays are available (avoiding leftover lengths from mix trays).
Mix trays are great when you're starting out, but individual-length trays give you more control and help minimize product waste over time.
Final thoughts & recommendations
Choosing the best premade fans doesn’t have to be complicated – once you know what to look for. Focus on symmetry and consistency in fan shape, fine bases and product affordability (price per fan).
Take your time testing different options, and once you find the right ones, stick with them. If you’re just starting out, begin with mix trays to test lengths and curls. When you find what works best for your style and clientele, switch to individual-length trays for efficiency.
The more familiar you are with your tools, the better your sets will look – and the faster you’ll work.
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Please keep in mind: no matter which brand you choose, occasional defects can still happen – even with well-established suppliers. This applies not only to premade fans but to all handmade lash products. If you receive a tray with noticeable defects, don’t hesitate to contact the brand directly about the problem. When combined with proper lash application technique, the right premade fans can significantly reduce application time and improve retention – leading to higher client satisfaction. |
At Starry, we offer over 300 types of premade fan trays, with prices starting from 0.018 EUR per fan. With over 10 years of experience in professional lash supply manufacturing, we focus on high quality at competitive prices. More than 5,000 lash artists use our premade fans every month.
