Premade fans lash extensions: A deep dive into fan shapes, bases, and innovations

In today’s fast-moving lash industry, the demand for faster application times, longer retention, and flawless results is pushing lash artists to become more selective and strategic with their tools—especially when it comes to volume fans.

Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned lash stylist, chances are you’ve encountered premade fans lash extensions terms like wide fan, narrow fan, pointy base, laser-cut, or ultra-speed premade fan. But what do these terms really mean? And how do they affect your lash sets?

This guide explores the different types of premade and promade lash fans, breaking down their shapes, base designs, and production formats—along with their respective advantages and disadvantages. By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of how to choose the right fan for your application style and your clients’ unique needs.

A. What Are Premade Fans Lash Extensions?

Premade Fans Lash Extensions are volume fans that have been manufactured and pre-fanned before reaching the lash artist. Instead of creating a fan manually during the appointment, the artist simply picks up a ready-made fan and applies it directly to the natural lash.

Premade fans are loved for their:

• Time-saving convenience
• Consistency in fan design
• Beginner-friendliness

Over time, premade fans have diversified into more advanced types, such as promade fans (which offer more flexibility) and ultra-speed fans (which combine speed with superior base quality).

B. Fan Width: Wide vs. Narrow vs. Super Narrow

One of the most important visual differences between lash fans is their width—how far the individual lashes in the fan spread apart.

🔹 Wide Fans

Description: Wide fans open up significantly, creating a fuller, fluffier appearance.

Best For:

• Fluffy volume and mega volume sets
• Clients who want dramatic, open-eye looks
  

Pros:

• Creates a denser, more dramatic lash line
• Ideal for masking gaps in the natural lashes
• Great for textured or wispy styles
  

Cons:

• Heavier due to wider span
• May not adhere well on small or weak natural lashes
• Risk of fans overlapping if not isolated properly

🔹 Narrow Fans

Description: These fans are slightly more condensed, with less lateral spread compared to wide fans.

Best For:

• Structured volume sets
• Classic + volume hybrids

Pros:

• More controlled application
• Neat and uniform lash line
• Ideal for clients seeking a balanced, elegant look

Cons:

• Less fluffy or dramatic
• May require more fans to achieve dense volume

🔹 Super Narrow Fans

Description: Ultra-tight fans where lashes in the fan are almost parallel, creating an intensely black, sharp lash line.

Best For:

• Precision styles
• Defined lash lines (e.g. eyeliner effect or Kim K look)

Pros:

• Produces bold, clean lash lines
• Excellent retention
• Lightweight and ideal for clients with weak lashes

Cons:

• Less fullness and fluff
• Can look heavy if not mapped correctly

C. Fan Base Types: Pointy vs. Flat vs. Laser-Cut

The base of the fan is the part that attaches to the natural lash, and it plays a key role in adhesion, retention, and lash weight.

🔹 Pointy Base

Description: A needle-like tapered base that mimics the appearance and performance of handmade fans.

Best For:

• Seamless, natural-looking lash sets
• Lash artists who prioritize retention

Pros:

• Wraps snugly around the natural lash
• Offers maximum contact and bonding
• Feels lightweight and comfortable for clients

Cons:

• More delicate and requires careful handling
• Slightly more expensive to manufacture

🔹 Flat Base

Description: A blunt, cut-off base created by heat or glue bonding during manufacturing.

Best For:

• Beginners or those focusing on speed
• Clients with strong, healthy lashes

Pros:

• Easier pick-up and faster placement
• Stable during application
• Affordable and widely available

Cons:

• Bulkier and more visible at the base
• Doesn’t wrap as well around the natural lash
• Potentially reduced retention if not placed properly

🔹 Laser-Cut Base (Textured Base)

Description: A modern base type with microscopic laser etchings designed to increase surface grip and adhesive absorption.

Best For:

• Lash techs aiming for long-term retention
• Active or oily-skin clients

Pros:

• Excellent glue retention
• Superior bond strength
• Enhances durability without added weight

Cons:

• Slightly higher cost
• Requires precision handling during application

D. Types of Lash Fans: Premade, Promade & Ultra-Speed

Now let’s explore the formats these fans come in and how they affect workflow and results.

🔹 Premade Fans (on Strip)

Description: Ready-made volume fans attached neatly to strips inside a tray.

Best For:

• Beginners or time-sensitive lash artists
• Busy salon environments

Pros:

• Consistent fan design
• Speeds up application process
• Easy to use directly from tray

Cons:

• Most come with flat bases
• Limited flexibility in styling
• May not offer as high retention as handmade or promade fans

🔹 Promade Fans (Loose Fans)

Description: Pre-fanned lashes that are handmade or machine-made, then packaged loosely.

Best For:

• Experienced lash techs who want flexible application
• Artists who prefer custom mapping or lash line control

Pros:

• Usually have pointy or laser-cut bases
• Lightweight and mimic handmade fans
• Great for customizing lash sets

Cons:

• Require a silicone pad or extra prep surface
• Slightly longer pick-up process
• Storage and fan organization needed

🔹 Ultra-Speed Premade Fans

Description: Hybrid fans that offer the speed of premades and the retention of promade fans, usually with pointy bases.

Best For:

• Lash techs looking for maximum efficiency
• Salons with high client turnover

Pros:

• Handmade-like pointy base
• Ultra-fast application without sacrificing retention
• Great for 4D–10D volume sets

Cons:

• Delicate; requires gentle handling
• More expensive than regular premades

E. Choosing the Right Fan for Your Clients

Let’s match fan types to client needs and technician preferences.

F. Advantages & Disadvantages Summary

Here’s a final comparison to sum up all key differences:

📌 Fan Width Comparison

📌 Fan Base Comparison

📌 Fan Format Comparison

G. Final Thoughts: Lash Smarter, Not Harder

As lash artists, we’re always balancing speed, retention, artistry, and client satisfaction. The secret to getting it all right? Understanding your tools.

By recognizing the differences between fan widths, base types, and fan formats, you’ll not only improve your lash sets—but also work more efficiently and confidently.

Whether you’re striving for mega volume drama or minimalist elegance, there’s a perfect lash fan out there for you. Choose wisely, apply skillfully, and always adapt to your clients’ unique needs.

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