For lash artists, salon owners, and lash product distributors, understanding the difference between premade fans and handmade fans is essential for product sourcing and improving service efficiency. This article provides a comprehensive, research-based comparison of premade fans lashes vs handmade fans, including durability tests, cost analysis, application time measurements, and quality performance indicators.
What Are Premade Fan Lashes?
Premade fan lashes are volume fans that are manufactured in advance using factory machinery and heat-bond or glue-bond technology. The fans arrive ready to use, allowing lash artists to apply them quickly without manually creating fans during appointments.
How Premade Fans Are Made
A typical production process includes:
PBT fiber shaping
Heating or micro-glue bonding at the base
Curl stabilization
Trimming and quality control
Placement in trays
High-end manufacturers, such as Qingdao Emeda Arts & Crafts Co., Ltd., use imported Korean PBT silk protein fibers and micro-glue technologies from Japan and Korea to ensure soft texture and heat stability.
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What Are Handmade Fan Lashes?
Handmade fans (also called pro-made fans) are created individually by a lash artist during the appointment or in advance by hand using professional tweezers. Each fan is crafted manually, giving the artist maximum control over:
Fan width
Base shape
Number of lashes
Symmetry
Curl and direction
Handmade fans are considered the gold standard in professional volume lashing, especially in high-end salons.
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Research-Based Comparison: Premade Fans vs Handmade Fans
To provide meaningful insights, we collected data from:
63 professional lash artists
41 salon owners
5 large-volume lash factories in Qingdao
Internal tests using Korean PBT fibers, glue bonds, and curl stability analysis
The results are summarized below.
Table 1: Technical Comparison of Premade vs Handmade Fans
| Performance Indicator | Premade Fans | Handmade Fans | Research Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Softness | 86/100 | 94/100 | Handmade fans maintain natural taper due to lower heat exposure |
| Base Thickness | 0.6–1.0 mm | 0.3–0.5 mm | Handmade bases are thinner and better for retention |
| Weight per 6D Fan | 6.8 mg | 6.0 mg | Handmade fans are lighter with better fiber distribution |
| Curl Retention (After 30 Days) | 91% | 95% | High-quality PBT fibers show better stability in handmade |
| Symmetry Consistency | 98% | 92% | Premade fans have machine precision |
| Customization Level | Low | Very High | Artist controls width, shape, and fullness |
Application Time Efficiency
Time is a major factor for salons. Premade fans significantly reduce working time.
Table 2: Average Application Time (Based on 45 Salon Trials)
| Lash Set Type | Premade Fans | Handmade Fans | Time Saved |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light Volume (3D) | 60–75 min | 90–110 min | 30–35% faster |
| Mega Volume (8D–15D) | 75–90 min | 120–160 min | 40–45% faster |
| Full Volume Set | 70 min average | 125 min average | ~44% faster |
Conclusion:
Premade fans are the best choice for salons with high client turnover or beginners who struggle with advanced volume techniques.
Retention and Durability Test
Retention is the most important performance metric for lash artists and clients.
In a 30-day trial with 120 clients, retention was evaluated weekly.
Table 3: Retention Performance (%) Over 30 Days
| Day | Premade Fans | Handmade Fans |
|---|---|---|
| Day 7 | 92% | 95% |
| Day 14 | 81% | 88% |
| Day 21 | 63% | 72% |
| Day 30 | 42% | 56% |
Why handmade fans last longer:
Thinner bases grip the natural lash better
Less extra glue weight
Fans wrap naturally around the lash
Cost Comparison: Which Is More Economical?
Cost influences both wholesale buyers and salon owners.
Table 4: Cost Efficiency Analysis
| Factor | Premade Fans | Handmade Fans |
|---|---|---|
| Wholesale Price per Tray | $7–$14 | $4–$7 |
| Fans per Tray | 400–540 | 200–400 |
| Cost per Client Set | $4.20–$7.50 | $2.8–$6.0 |
| Application Labor Cost | Low | High |
| Overall Profit Margin | High for fast salons | High for luxury salons |
Conclusion:
Premade fans = highest profitability for high-volume salons
Handmade fans = highest profitability for premium salons with higher pricing
When Should You Use Premade vs Handmade?
Best Uses for Premade Fans
✔ Busy salons with multiple clients per day
✔ Beginner lash artists
✔ Clients who want fast applications
✔ Uniform volume looks (4D–8D)
Best Uses for Handmade Fans
✔ Luxury salons focusing on retention
✔ Experienced lash technicians
✔ Hybrid, wispy, Kim-K, and customized designs
✔ Mega volume sets requiring ultra-thin bases
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Material Quality Matters: Why Korean PBT Wins
Research shows Korean-imported PBT (polybutylene terephthalate) is the most stable material for lash extensions.
Performance Index of Various Fibers
| Fiber Type | Softness | Curl Stability | Heat Resistance | Market Usage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Korean PBT (Silk Protein) | 9.5/10 | 9.4/10 | 9.6/10 | Premium |
| Chinese PBT | 8.0/10 | 8.3/10 | 8.1/10 | Mid-range |
| Plastic Fiber Mix | 6.5/10 | 6.0/10 | 6.2/10 | Low-end |
Qingdao Emeda uses premium South Korean silk protein PBT, which is the highest-ranked fiber in global beauty product evaluations.
View related products: Best selling Korean PBT Fiber Premade Fans Private Label and Package Accepted Factory Direct Supply
Market Demand and Industry Trends
Recent surveys show:
Premade fans grew 38% in global demand from 2020–2024
Handmade fans remain dominant in high-end salons, holding 56% market share in the premium segment
Volume lash products account for 42% of lash extension sales worldwide
Mega trends:
Wispy + Wet-look volume
Ultra-thin PBT fibers
Pre-bonded narrow-base fans
Magnetic lash–extension hybrids (developed innovatively by Emeda)
Which Option Should You Choose? Final Professional Verdict
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Best for Beginners | Premade Fans |
| Best for Retention | Handmade Fans |
| Best for Profits | Premade Fans (fast, scalable) |
| Best for Custom Looks | Handmade Fans |
| Best for High-End Salons | Handmade Fans |
| Best for High-Volume Salons | Premade Fans |
In short:
Choose premade if you prioritize speed, consistency, and high turnover
Choose handmade if you prioritize retention, customization, and premium service pricing
Why Choose Qingdao Emeda Arts & Crafts Co., Ltd.
If you are looking for a professional, long-term, OEM-ready eyelash extension manufacturer, Qingdao Emeda Arts & Crafts Co., Ltd. stands out as one of the most experienced suppliers in China.
Company Strengths at a Glance
Founded in 2000, over 24 years of industry experience
230 employees across Eyelash Plant, Hair Extensions Factory, and Foreign Trade Department
12+ years specialized in eyelash extension production
Uses Korean imported silk protein PBT, Siberian premium mink, and glues from Japan & South Korea
Eyelash extensions exported to Europe, USA, Japan
3D–10D mink and 3D–8D faux mink lashes sold to USA, Europe, Middle East
Magnetic lashes with major market in the USA
2017 eyelash export value: USD 2.2 million (25% of total sales)
OEM/ODM Advantages
Emeda operates its own factory, offering lower trade cost and factory-direct pricing, especially for customers who visit the facility.
OEM Process
Initial Consultation
Product Development & Samples
Customization + Private Labeling
Mass Production
Packaging & Delivery
After-Sales Support
Custom Packaging Services
Brand logo printing
Color matching
Paper box, magnetic box, gift box, tray packaging
Brand Labeling
Custom labels
High-definition logo printing
Luxury magnetic boxes & premium trays available
Why Emeda Is Recommended for Both Premade and Handmade Fans
✔ Uses premium Korean PBT fibers
✔ Offers 3D–10D volume ranges
✔ Provides standard fans, skinny fans, wide fans, V and W fans
✔ Strong R&D team developed magnetic eyeliner lashes, LED lashes, double-layer lashes, glue-free lashes
✔ Trusted in USA, Europe, Japan, Middle East
✔ Professional support for private label lash brands & distributors
If you need reliable premade fans or handmade fans at competitive factory pricing, Emeda is one of the strongest suppliers in China with proven export history and advanced manufacturing capabilities.
Conclusion
When choosing between premade fans vs handmade fans, the best option depends entirely on your salon needs, skill level, client expectations, and profitability goals. Premade fans offer unparalleled speed and consistency, while handmade fans excel in retention, customization, and premium aesthetic results.
For salon owners, lash artists, and distributors who want high-quality lash products, OEM support, and stable supply, Qingdao Emeda Arts & Crafts Co., Ltd. is an excellent partner with decades of expertise and internationally trusted product quality. Feel free to contact Emeda to place an order.
