How many times have you tried to create the perfect volume fan—and it just didn’t come out right? If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone. The volume lash technique is a skill that even experienced lash artists struggle with. But here’s the truth: most of the frustration comes from missing a few key fundamentals before you even start making your fans.
I’ve been there—frustrated, stuck, trying fan after fan, wondering why it didn’t look anything like what I saw online.
So let’s break it all down. If you want to actually master the volume lash technique, here are the real, no-fluff essentials that will change the game for you.
1. The Right Tweezers Make or Break the Volume Lash Technique
First thing first: classic lash tweezers won’t cut it. When you’re using the volume lash technique, you’re not picking up just one lash—you’re picking up multiple, fanning them out, and forming a precise base.
And for that, your tweezers have to work with you, not against you.
What to Look For:
- Sharp, short tips for light volume fans (2D–5D)
- Longer tips with strong grip for mega volume fans (10D+)
- A sweet spot that grabs and holds multiple lashes without slipping
I’ve personally tested over 30 pairs of tweezers in my studio. No exaggeration. It took me two years to find the pairs that finally helped me work faster, cleaner, and with way less frustration.
My Go-To Tweezers:
If you’re struggling to make fans consistently, stop blaming yourself—it could just be your tweezers.
2. Lash Quality = Fan Quality
The volume lash technique requires lashes that fan out smoothly, hold their curl, and don’t fall apart the second they hit the glue. If you’re buying cheap lashes from random websites, you’re sabotaging yourself.
Here’s what I learned the hard way: low-quality lashes may look okay right after the full set… but give it a few days. Suddenly:
- Curl drops
- Color fades
- Fans look sloppy
- Retention tanks
Check out Limitlashes™ Fans. They fan out like butter on the strip—no pinching required—and they actually save me about 30 to 45 minutes per full set. That’s huge.
3. Don’t Sleep on Your Adhesive
If your adhesive isn’t working with your fans, the volume lash technique becomes a nightmare.
Bad glue causes:
- Fans to close before you can apply
- Poor retention (aka clients calling you 5 days later mad their lashes fell out)
- Thick, messy bases
My Favorite Adhesive:
Super Bonder By Limitlashes™: This glue changed everything. Since switching, I’ve had clients come back after 4 weeks with 70% retention.
That’s not just good—it’s unheard of. Especially with volume sets.
Remember, you don’t need to dip your entire fan in glue. Just touch the tip of the fan lightly to the adhesive. More glue = closed fans. That’s a mistake a lot of beginners make.
4. Skip Pinching (Unless You Love It)
There are lots of ways to master the volume lash technique—pinching, shimmying, fan-on-strip. I personally don’t do pinching. I like working directly off the strip.
Here’s why:
- It’s faster once you get the hang of it.
- You can fan the lashes out by placing them back on the strip and shimmying them.
- The base stays thinner and cleaner than with pinching.
That said—if pinching works for you, go for it. But don’t force a method that doesn’t fit your hand or your brain.
5. Understand Light Volume vs. Mega Volume
Not all volume sets are the same. The volume lash technique shifts depending on how many lashes you’re working with per fan.
Light Volume (2D–6D):
- Lashes: 0.07mm
- Tweezers: Short tip with firm grip
- Application: Strip method or shimmy
- Look: Natural but fluffy, perfect for everyday wear
Mega Volume (10D+):
- Lashes: 0.03mm
- Tweezers: Long-tip volume tweezers
- Application: Strip method or pinching
- Look: Dense, dramatic, super full
When I do mega volume, I work gently and build the fan slowly. You’ll need more patience, but once you find your flow, it’s very satisfying.
6. The Glue Tray Hack
Here’s something simple that helps with fan precision: a square glue tray.
Why?
- You can fix your fan base in the corner if it looks uneven
- You get better control over the glue pickup
- It keeps your station more organized
If your base isn’t perfect, don’t toss the fan—use the tray corners to adjust it. Tiny things like this will level up your volume lash technique fast.
7. Speed Comes From Setup, Not Rushing
When you’re first learning the volume lash technique, don’t focus on speed. Focus on consistency.
Once you:
- Have the right tweezers
- Use quality lashes
- Master your glue technique
8. Real Talk: Stop Comparing Your Fans to Instagram
If you’re watching those perfect fan videos online and wondering why yours look like spider legs, trust me—I’ve been there. What you’re not seeing in those videos is:
- The hours of practice behind it
- The failed fans that didn’t make it on camera
- The lighting, editing, and angles
Perfecting the volume lash technique isn’t about making every fan perfect. It’s about staying consistent and making progress each set.
Keep it real. Focus on improving 10% every week. That’s how you win.
9. Troubleshooting Your Volume Fans
Here’s a quick cheat sheet to fix common fan problems:
Problem | Likely Cause | Fix |
Fans closing before applying | Too much glue or wrong glue consistency | Use less adhesive and touch only the base to glue |
Fans falling apart when grabbing | Poor tweezer grip or bad lash quality | Switch tweezers or upgrade to better lash brands |
Fans won’t spread evenly | Lash strips are too sticky or stiff | Use softer lash brands like Revolution |
Thick, bulky fan bases | Too much glue or improper pickup technique | Adjust glue dip and practice strip method |
10. Final Thoughts: What Actually Makes the Volume Lash Technique Work?
To really master the volume lash technique, you need three things locked in:
- Tweezer Control – Find your perfect pair and learn where your grip “sweet spot” is.
- Fan Control – Practice on the strip until your base is razor thin every time.
- Glue Control – Light dip, don’t overdo it, and always use adhesive that matches your working conditions.
I promise—if you get those three things right, your fans will finally start looking how you want them to.
Bonus: My Daily Lash Setup
Here’s what I use every day to crush volume sets in 2 hours or less:
- Tweezers: Fiber Tip Black Tweezers by Limitlashes™, Isolation Curved Tweezer Limitlashes™
- Glue: Super Bonder By Limitlashes™
- Fan Technique: Strip method, no pinching
- Glue Tray: Square well for clean bases
- Sponge Practice: Great for fan drills and muscle memory
Wrap Up
The volume lash technique isn’t just about fanning—it’s about setting yourself up for success. Tools, product quality, and consistent technique are what separate frustrated artists from confident pros.
So stop blaming your hands—and start upgrading your setup. Once you have the right tools, fan creation becomes fun again.
And remember: don’t rush it. The volume lash technique takes time to master. But with the right training and product setup, you’ll get there faster than you think.
Get in touch with Limitlashes™
- Call Us: (781) 996-4048
- Email Us: cosmy@limitlashes.com
- Send DM: Instagram
- YouTube Channel: Lash Tutorials
- Podcast: My Lash Journey
- Free Lash Class: Online Lash MasterClass
