If you’re a lash artist wondering how to make volume fans that are symmetrical, lightweight, and long-lasting, you’re in the right place. Whether you’re just starting or looking to perfect your fan-making technique, mastering the art of volume fans is essential for delivering stunning lash sets—from light volume to dramatic mega volume.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to make volume fans using several popular techniques, including the strip method, the pinching method, and tweezers designed for different fan sizes. This in-depth tutorial is based on real-life lash artistry techniques used by experienced professionals who create 2D, 3D, and even 10D lash fans every day.
Let’s dive into the ultimate step-by-step tutorial on how to make volume fans.
Why Learning How to Make Volume Fans Is Essential
Volume fans are the foundation of any volume or mega volume lash set. Knowing how to make volume fans correctly ensures that:
- Your clients’ lashes look fuller and more even.
- The base of the fan is thin and wraps seamlessly around the natural lash.
- You’re able to control lash weight and protect natural lashes from damage.
- You offer a variety of styles, including wispy sets, mega volume, and hybrid looks.
Mastering how to make volume fans means more flexibility in your lash sets and better results for your clients.
Tools You’ll Need to Make Volume Fans
Before we show you how to make volume fans, let’s get your tools ready. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Volume tweezers (different styles for light and mega volume)
- Sanitizer (for hands and tools)
- Lash tray with lashes in different diameters: 0.03, 0.05, and 0.10
- Jade stone or glue ring
- Fresh lash adhesive (e.g., Lashbox LA glue)
- Practice surface (e.g., makeup sponge or mannequin)
Step 1: Sanitize and Set Up Your Lash Station
Hygiene is the first step in mastering how to make volume fans. Begin by sanitizing your hands and tweezers. For volume work, you’ll want at least two types of tweezers:
- A light volume tweezer for 2D or 3D fans.
- A mega volume tweezer for making larger fans like 6D, 7D, or even 10D.
Shake your lash glue (like Lashbox LA) for at least 1 minute. Avoid squeezing the bottle—let gravity dispense the drop.
Step 2: How to Make Volume Fans with the Strip Method
This is one of the easiest ways to learn how to make volume fans, especially for beginners.
- Pick 2-3 lashes directly from the strip.
- Place them back on the strip.
- Separate the bases gently with your tweezers.
- Dip the fan slowly into the glue.
- Place on a makeup sponge or mannequin to practice application.
This is perfect for light volume (2D–3D) sets. Practicing this every day will help you gain confidence and precision.
Step 3: How to Make Volume Fans with the Pinching Method
If you’re wondering how to make volume fans with a tight, thin base, the pinching method is your go-to technique.
- Grab a chunk of lashes—especially effective with 0.03 mm lashes.
- Pinch the base between your thumb and index finger while holding with tweezers.
- Release pressure on the tweezer to allow the fan to open.
- Dip the base into glue and fan out lashes.
- Place on your practice surface.
The pinching method helps you build larger fans (4D–10D) with a narrow base and is ideal for mega volume sets.
Step 4: Choosing the Right Lash Diameter
Understanding lash diameter is crucial when learning how to make volume fans:
- 0.10: Best for classic or light volume (2D–3D). Avoid using more than 3 lashes to prevent excess weight.
- 0.05: Great for volume fans up to 6D without compromising lash health.
- 0.03: Ideal for mega volume. You can build fans up to 10D depending on natural lash strength.
Example: Use 0.10 for double or wispy classics, and 0.03 to experiment with bold volume looks like 7D–9D.
Step 5: Tips to Make the Perfect Fan Base
One of the secrets in mastering how to make volume fans lies in the fan base:
- The thinner the base, the better the retention.
- Avoid bulky bases—they create poor adhesion and discomfort.
- Practice fixing the base manually after dipping in glue or before placement.
- If your fan separates in the glue, reset by returning it to the strip and trying again.
Step 6: Dealing with Common Volume Fan Issues
While learning how to make volume fans, you may encounter a few obstacles:
- Fans not opening properly: Try brushing the lashes on the strip before picking them up.
- Fans collapsing in glue: Ensure you’re dipping just the base, not the entire fan.
- Bulky or uneven bases: Adjust the pressure of your pinch or re-separate the lashes on the strip.
Pro Tip: Don’t be afraid to discard a fan that doesn’t meet your quality standards. Perfect fans equal perfect sets.
Step 7: Practice Fan Counts and Styles
Knowing how to make volume fans in different sizes gives you more creative control. Practice these:
- 2D–3D: Light and natural, ideal for clients with weak natural lashes.
- 4D–6D: Fuller volume, perfect for glam looks.
- 7D–10D: Mega volume, best for clients with strong natural lashes and a bold preference.
Each fan count requires different tweezer control. Use shorter-tip tweezers for smaller fans and longer ones for mega volume.
Step 8: Combine Strip and Pinching Techniques
Advanced lash artists often combine methods to create custom fans. You can:
- Pick lashes from the strip.
- Pinch the base to refine the shape.
- Re-dip and re-separate as needed.
This hybrid approach gives you full control over symmetry and base width, which is vital when you’re scaling up fan sizes.
How Long Does It Take to Learn How to Make Volume Fans?
Like anything in the beauty world, learning how to make volume fans takes consistent daily practice. When starting out:
- Spend 15–30 minutes daily just creating fans on a sponge.
- Record your progress so you can spot improvements.
- Try all methods: strip, pinching, and hybrid.
- Switch lash diameters (0.10, 0.05, 0.03) to understand how each behaves.
With time, you’ll develop the muscle memory to make symmetrical, thin-based fans in just seconds.
Final Thoughts on How to Make Volume Fans
Learning how to make volume fans is a foundational skill that opens up endless possibilities in lash artistry. Whether you’re focusing on light volume or diving into full mega sets, your ability to control fan shape, size, and base thickness will directly affect your work’s quality and your client’s satisfaction.
Here’s a quick recap of what you’ve learned:
- Sanitize and prep your tools properly.
- Master multiple techniques: strip method, pinching, and hybrid.
- Use the correct diameter lashes for different fan sizes.
- Focus on creating thin, symmetrical bases.
- Practice consistently and experiment with styles.
If you’re committed to growing your skills, mastering how to make volume fans will elevate your lash business and increase client retention.
Ready to Level Up Your Lash Skills?
If you found this guide helpful and want more hands-on training on how to make volume fans, consider enrolling in our in-person lash training. I will guide you through every technique, provide personalized feedback, and help you master the art of volume lashes.
Whether you’re interested in private mentoring or small group training, we have lash training options to fit your schedule and goals.
Get in touch with Limitlashes™
- Call Us: (781) 996-4048
- Email Us: cosmy@limitlashes.com
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