4月 01, 2025

What's the Difference Between Promade Fans and Premade Fans?

Abstract: Torn between promade and premade lash fans? This comprehensive guide reveals which option saves more time, delivers better results, and perfectly matches your business model and client needs.

Introduction

Choosing between promade and premade fans can make a real difference in your daily lash work. Despite their similar names, these two techniques offer distinct advantages depending on your situation. You might wonder which option saves more time, delivers better results, or fits your specific client needs. The confusion between these two fan types frustrates even experienced lash technicians, but with a simple breakdown of their key differences, you'll know exactly which option to reach for with each client who sits in your chair.

What Are Promade Fans and How Do They Work?

When we refer to promade fans, we're really referring to lash fans that you create by hand during the appointment. Instead of using something that's pre-made, you're actually designing each fan there and then when you're working on your client. This means that you can make it up as you go along, merging the fan perfectly with your client's natural lashes as well as with the intended look. Although it does require a bit of practice to get the hang of it, creating fans in this manner provides a lot more freedom to tailor each client's lash set.

What Exactly Are Promade Fans?

Promade fans (sometimes also called handmade fans) are volume lash extensions that are created by the lash artist by hand during the appointment. It is the technique of taking individual lash extensions and laboriously fanning them out into shape using tweezers or other professional tools. The fans are then adhered to the client's natural lashes using glue. The "pro" in promade signifies that the fans are created professionally during the service and not beforehand.

How Can Promade Fans Be Customized?

The main advantage of promade fans is their adaptability to each client's specific needs. Lash artists can adjust several aspects:

Fan Density: The number of lashes in each fan can be modified (2D, 3D, up to 10D or more)
Fan Width: The spread of the fan can be made wider or narrower
Lash Length: Different lengths can be selected based on the client's natural lashes
Lash Thickness: The diameter of lashes can be chosen to match the strength of natural lashes
Curl Type: Various curl options (J, B, C, D, L, L+) can be used within the same set
Application Angle: The direction of the fan can be adjusted for the most flattering look

What Are Premade Fans and Why Are They Used?

Premade fans are volume lash extensions that are pre-made and can be used straight from the packaging. Unlike promade fans, these are pre-made with the fan already formed, so lash artists can apply them directly to clients' natural lashes. Premade fans offer consistency and time-saving, making them a popular choice for newer and experienced lash technicians who wish to make their applications easier.

A clear plastic case open to reveal a pile of individual eyelash extensions.

What Exactly Are Premade Fans?

Premade fans are pre-clustered lash extensions with multiple lash fibers that are already fanned out and connected at the base. Premade fans are made in factories with specialized equipment to make standardized fans with identical shapes. The base of each fan generally has a small dot of adhesive or heat-bonded connection that holds the individual lashes together in the fan form. Lash artists can simply pick up these pre-fanned ones and attach them to the lash natural lashes without needing to manually shape the fan.

How Are Premade Fans Standardized and Available?

Premade fans come with set specifications that offer predictability and convenience:

Standard Sizing: Available in common configurations (2D-10D fans)
Consistent Quality: Each fan within a package has identical spread and shape
Ready Packaging: Sold in trays or strips for easy access during application
Variety Options: Available in different curls (B, C, D, L), lengths (8-16mm), and thicknesses (0.03-0.07mm)
Wholesale Purchasing: Can be bought in bulk for studio use
Storage Capability: Longer shelf life compared to adhesive that must be used during promade creation
Brand Selection: Multiple manufacturers offer different quality levels and price points

Promade vs. Premade Fans: Which Is Better?

When choosing between promade and premade fans, understanding their fundamental differences helps lash artists make informed decisions for their business and clients. These two options represent different approaches to volume lash application, each with distinct advantages and limitations.

Feature	Promade Fans	Premade Fans
Creation Method	Made during appointment by lash artist	Factory-manufactured before purchase
Customization	High (adjustable width, density, direction)	Limited (fixed specifications)
Fan Width	Adjustable during creation (narrow to wide)	Fixed width based on manufacturer specifications
Base	Thinner, more natural-looking base	Slightly thicker base with adhesive dot
Curl	Can be customized by mixing curl types	Uniform curl throughout the fan
Finish	More natural, tailored appearance	More uniform, consistent appearance
Result	Highly customized to client's eye shape	Standardized look across different clients
Application Time	Longer (30-45 minutes more per full set)	Shorter (faster application process)
Learning Curve	Steep (requires significant practice)	Gentle (easier for beginners)
Cost Per Set	Lower materials cost, higher labor time	Higher materials cost, lower labor time
Client Retention	Better for unique eye shapes and special requests	Better for consistent, repeatable results
Inventory Needs	Fewer individual lash types needed	Multiple premade fan varieties required
Pricing Structure	Often commands premium pricing	Generally more standardized pricing
Durability	Can be customized for better retention	May have slightly shorter retention due to glue dot

Need custom lashes for clients with unique eyes or delicate natural lashes? Go with promade fans. Busy with back-to-back appointments or still perfecting your technique? Premade fans will save you time and give consistent results.

A close-up of an eye with voluminous eyelash extensions, being carefully applied with tweezers.

How Do You Choose Between Promade and Premade Fans?

Choosing between promade and premade fans really comes down to what makes sense for your daily routine and keeps your clients happy. There's no perfect answer that works for everyone—it all depends on your unique situation and what you're trying to achieve.

Save Time and Money

If you're just starting your lash business: Premade fans can be more cost-saving because they require less technical skill and allow you to complete more appointments while building up your client base.
When you're working with tight appointment schedules: Premade fans can save 30-45 minutes on the application per full set, allowing you to fit more clients in a day.
If you operate in a high-volume salon environment: Premade fans enable you to maintain better timing between appointments and not fall behind.
For studios with multiple lash artists at different skill levels: Premade fans give you more uniform results throughout your team while newer artists perfect their promade skills.
When calculating your hourly earning potential: Premade fans can generate more hourly income despite costing more in material since they are faster to apply.
If you're concerned about initial investment costs: Promade fans require fewer inventory items (just single lashes and adhesive) than stocking multiple kinds of premade fans.

What Your Clients Really Want

For clients with sensitive eyes or allergies: Promade fans allow you to avoid the adhesive dot found in some premade fans, potentially reducing irritation risks.
When working with clients who have very fine or weak natural lashes: Promade fans can be created with lighter weight and customized to prevent damage to delicate natural lashes.
If your client has uneven or asymmetrical natural lash patterns: Promade fans offer better adaptability to create balanced looks on challenging eye shapes.
For clients requesting dramatic volume looks (6D and above): Premade fans in higher volumes maintain consistent fan shape better than handmade options for dramatic effects.
When serving clients who prioritize longer retention: Promade fans can be customized for optimal attachment to each natural lash, potentially improving longevity.
If your clientele expects premium, personalized service: Promoting your use of custom promade fans can justify higher pricing and position your services as luxury offerings.
For clients who return frequently for the same look: Premade fans ensure consistent results from visit to visit, meeting expectations for repeatable outcomes.

When working with clients who have limited time for appointments: Premade fans significantly reduce chair time while still providing beautiful volume results.

Choose Your Perfect Lash Fan Today

Promade fans let you get creative and customize for each client's unique eyes, and premade fans are your time-saving best choice for consistent results time and time again. Why not use both in your lash business? Sell premade fans to clients who want fast, guaranteed results and save promade fans for those special, one-time custom designs. Ready to scale your business? Experiment with both and figure out what works best for your clients—you may even develop varying pricing packages depending on the technique you employ!