The world of lash extensions is evolving faster than ever. If you are a lash artist, you know that time is your most valuable resource. Long gone are the days when creating a full volume set meant spending three to four hours meticulously hand-making every single fan. Today, the industry has gifted us with incredible innovations that allow us to provide stunning results in half the time. However, as we look for the best premade fan lashes, a common debate arises in the lash community: should you choose heat-bonded premade fans or glue-bonded premade fans?
Understanding the difference between premade and promade fans, as well as the bonding methods used, is essential for any professional. Whether you are looking for wholesale premade lash fans to stock your salon or searching for the perfect pointy base premade fans for a seamless blend, the choice you make impacts retention, weight, and the overall health of your client’s natural lashes. Let’s dive deep into this comparison to see which one deserves a permanent spot in your lash kit.
I. What are glue-bonded premade fans?
To understand which option is right for you, we first need to look at how they are made. Glue-bonded premade fans are created by using a tiny amount of adhesive at the base to hold the lash fibers together in a fan shape. Because they use a bonding agent, these fans are generally very sturdy. They are often the go-to for beginners because they do not fall apart easily when you pick them up from the strip with tweezers.
When you use premade volume fan lash extensions that are glue-bonded, you might notice the base is a bit thicker. This is because the weight of the fan includes both the lash fibers and the adhesive used to create the fan itself. While this makes them durable, it also means you have to be very careful with your own adhesive application. Adding too much glue during the attachment process can lead to heavy bases, which might cause discomfort or premature shedding for the client. Many artists who prefer a very structured look still find that premade lash fans with glue bonding offer great consistency across a full set.
II. The magic of heat-bonded premade fans
Now, let’s talk about the fan favorite for many high-end lash stylists: heat-bonded premade fans. Unlike their glue-bonded counterparts, these fans are fused using a high-temperature heating process. There is no additional adhesive at the base of the fan. This double-heating method, which is a signature of quality premade fan lash extension products, creates a bond that is incredibly slim and lightweight.
Because heat-bonded premade fans have no extra glue at the base, they are essentially the same weight as a handmade fan. This makes them one of the best premade fan lash extension options for clients with fine or weak natural lashes. When you look at pointy-base premade fans that are heat-bonded, you will see a micro-thin base that wraps beautifully around the natural lash. This allows for a much more natural and seamless transition from the eyelid to the extension.
III. Weight and lash health: Why it matters
One of the biggest concerns for any lash technician is maintaining the health of the natural lash. When we use premade fan volume sets, we are adding multiple extensions to a single natural hair. If the fan is too heavy, it can cause “traction alopecia”, or permanent damage to the lash follicle.
This is where heat-bonded premade fans truly shine. Since they lack the added weight of the factory glue, they are much lighter on the eye. If you are aiming for mega volume lashes, premade fan lashes, using heat-bonded options allows you to use higher dimensions (like 10D or 12D) without overloading the natural lash. On the other hand, if you use glue-bonded premade fans for mega volume, the cumulative weight of the factory glue plus your extension adhesive can become quite heavy.
For those looking for fluffy premade fans that feel like air, heat-bonded is usually the way to go. They offer a softer texture and a more flexible bond that moves naturally with the client’s own lashes.
IV. Ease of use and retention
If you are a beginner, you might find that premade fan lash trays with glue-bonded bases are easier to manipulate. They stay together regardless of how you grip them. However, as you advance, you will likely start searching for premade lash fan suppliers who offer high-quality heat-bonded options.
The retention for heat-bonded premade fans is often superior when applied correctly. Because the base is slightly more porous (since it isn’t “sealed” by a layer of factory glue), your professional adhesive can penetrate the fibers better. This creates a stronger “wrap” or bond with the natural lash. If you are struggling with fans “popping off”, it might be time to switch to a heat-bonded premade fan to see if the attachment improves.
V. Comparing aesthetics: The final look
When it comes to the final result, both types can look beautiful, but they offer different vibes. Glue-bonded premade fans tend to provide a more “uniform” and slightly bolder look at the lash line because of the thicker bases. This can sometimes act like a built-in eyeliner effect.
If your client prefers a soft, dark, and dense look without any visible “chunks” at the base, heat-bonded premade fans are the winner. They are the best-selling lashes for a reason: they mimic the appearance of a custom handmade set so closely that even other lash artists might have trouble telling the difference.
For those who want to experiment with different styles, you might also consider YY lashes or W lashes. These are specialized types of premade fan eyelashes that offer a unique texture, sitting somewhere between a classic and a volume set. They provide a criss-cross effect that is very popular for creating a “wispy” or “textured” look.
VI. Which one is for you?
Choosing between heat-bonded premade fans and glue-bonded premade fans often comes down to your personal lashing style and your client’s needs.
You should choose glue-bonded premade fans if:
- You are a beginner and want fans that are very easy to pick up without breaking.
- You are looking for a more affordable entry point into volume lashing.
- You prefer a slightly more defined, dark lash line.
You should choose heat-bonded premade fans if:
- You prioritize lash health and want the lightest possible extension.
- You want to achieve a “pointy base” for the best possible retention and blending.
- You are creating mega volume sets and need to minimize weight.
- You want your work to look exactly like a handmade volume set.
Many professionals choose to keep both in their inventory. You might use long-stem premade volume fans that are glue-bonded for a quick, dramatic look while saving your premium premade fan lashes that are heat-bonded for your regular volume clients who value a lightweight feel.
VII. Tips for success with premade fans
Regardless of which bond you choose, the quality of the fiber is paramount. Always look for premade Russian volume fans made from high-quality PBT silk or synthetic mink. This ensures the curl doesn’t fall straight after a week and the color remains a deep, true black.
When purchasing from premade lash fan suppliers, check if they offer promade loose fans. These are often heat-bonded and come in large quantities, making them a cost-effective way to get the high-end look of heat-bonded lash extensions without the higher price tag of individual trays. Using a large tray of premade fans is also a great way to ensure you have enough sizes to complete several full sets without running out of the most common lengths, like 10mm or 12mm.
If you are still confused about the terminology, remember that the difference between premade and promade fans is often just in the packaging and how they are handled, but the bonding method (heat vs glue) is what really affects the application. Whether you call them pre-fanned lash extensions or eyelash extension premade fans, the goal is the same: beautiful, efficient, and safe lashing.
VIII. Final thoughts
The debate between heat-bonded premade fans and glue-bonded premade fans isn’t about which one is “better” in an absolute sense, but about which one serves your business and your clients best. If you want the ultimate in luxury and lash safety, heat-bonded is the gold standard. If you want ease of use and durability during application, glue-bonded is a fantastic tool to have in your kit.
Ready to level up your lash game? Experimenting with different premade volume fan lash extensions is the best way to find your signature style. From the effortless application of eyelash extension premade volume fans to the delicate beauty of fluffy premade fans, there is a perfect option out there for every set.
Happy lashing, and may your fans always be perfectly symmetrical!
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