How to Create PERFECT Volume Fans

Finding the right fanning method for you isn’t an easy feat. Like Cinderella's shoe, finding the one that fits you best takes time. However, when you find that perfect method everything starts falling a little more into place - you become your own personal lash fan making machine! So what exactly makes the PERFECT fan? 

Well, of course the most important element issymmetry. This basically means that each lash within the fan is an equal distance apart. How far apart each lash is will however, depend on the size of the fan itself. To give you an example, when creating a 2D fan the lashes will of course be a greater distance apart than 3D or 4D fans. 

 

 

The spacing is what will help identify whether you are working with a narrow, normal or wide fan. If the fan is not symmetrical this will make a crooked or closed fan which is something NO lash tech ever wants to see. Just imagine, if you for example created a 5D fan but 3 of the fans were closed, the fan would look really out of place amongst a sea of symmetrical 5D fans. This would also lead to gaps in your top line rather than the gorgeous fluff we all know and love.

The next element is thebody of the fan. Best practice is that the base should make up one third of the fan and the body to make up two thirds. REMEMBER, always taper the base of the fan otherwise it might split. This can lead to stickies, discomfort and of course poor retention. 

Now onto theglue zone. One of the most important elements of the ‘perfect fan’. This is located right at the base of the fan and is a 2mm section. This is where you dip your glue and anything less than this you can end up with poor retention. 

Remember that the thickness of the lashes you decide to use should be based on the strength of your clients natural lash. Lashes that are too thick or too long could cause damage to the natural lash.

The general rule of thumb is as follows:

 

Mega-Volume sets	0.03/ 0.04 lashes
Volume up to 9D	0.05 lashes
Volume up to 5D	0.07 lashes
2D Volume	0.10 lashes

 

Of course this will fully depend on the final look style and look your client is aiming for - you can absolutely complete a full 3D set with 0.05 lashes for a light and fluttery look!

Like with anything there are a few options to choose from when creating the perfect fan. It might take you a few tries to find the correct technique for you and you may even find the one that becomes your go-to technique, was one you initially struggled with. It does take practice and there will be an element of trial and error. So here they are, our TOP 3 fanning techniques & how you can use them to create the PERFECT fans for your clients...

LONELY FAN METHOD

This method begins by selecting the lashes you want to use and then moving them along the strip away from the rest of the lashes. Then using the tip of your volume tweezer, roll the lashes in an outwards motion and you’ll see a beautiful fan begin to take shape. With a strong and controlled grip pick up your gorgeous fan and dip into the glue and attach to the natural lash. This technique is widely used and is a great technique to start with on your lashing journey.

This technique gives a flatter base, so is ideal for attachment to the top or bottom of the lashes. 

RAINBOW METHOD

The Rainbow method AKA the rolling technique, is not a millions miles away from the Lonely fan method, just with one one minor difference. You keep all the lashes together rather than removing them from the rest of the lashes, then using your tweezer you roll side to side and create your fan.

The base on this type of fan is more stacked in appearance which makes it great for attaching to the side of the natural lash.

 

PINCHING METHOD

This final method is slightly different. This one takes a little more practice and some good ol’ hand-eye coordination to ensure that they don't end up with twisted bases 

Start by taking the lashes from the strip and this time you're going to place the lashes in between your thumb and index finger at the first knuckle in each. Whilst doing this, you need to keep constant grip with your tweezers. When you have the lash fan base in a safe position between your fingers, slowly loosen your grip with the tweezers and simultaneously pinch the base together with your thumb. This pinching action is where the technique gets its name from.

To create a more open fan, just wiggle your fingers but keep pinching the base with your forefinger and thumb. When you are happy with your fan, use your tweezers to grip tightly, then dip your fan in the glue and attach to your natural lash.

Of the three techniques, this is definitely the most difficult to master, but when you do finally get the hang of it, watching the fans be created can be hypnotising! 

Similar to the Rainbow method, this technique produces more of a stacked base, so works really well when attaching to the side of the natural lash. 

 

So there you have it, our 3 favourite fanning methods but the best tip we can give you is practice, practice, practice. Just remember, some techniques may seem difficult at first but with a little perseverance, you’ll be fanning like a lash baddie in no time!