Fanning Methods: Lash Fan Technique for Beginners

For beginners, the biggest challenge in lash art is making lash fans — so the most common question is, “How to make lash fans?” With different fanning methods out there, learning each technique’s strengths and proper steps will boost your lash skills. Below is one of the most popular methods for volume and mega volume lash extensions!

1. Pinching Lash Method

This is one of the most widely used techniques for volume lash fans. It gives lash artists full control to create symmetrical, even fans, and works great for thin lashes (like 0.03 or 0.05 mm).

How to do it:

1. Pick up lashes: Use tweezers to grab a small group of lashes from the strip. The number depends on how voluminous you want the fan to be.
2. Tilt tweezers: Pull the lashes slightly toward you at an angle, holding them steady.
3. Pinch the base: While still holding the lashes with tweezers, use your thumb and index finger to pinch their base. The lashes will naturally fan out as you pinch.
4. Adjust the fan: If needed, gently loosen the tweezers or adjust the lashes to fix the fan shape.
5. Dip and apply: Dip the fan’s base in a little adhesive, then apply it directly to the natural lash.

This method lets you control the fan’s symmetry, size, and base width. It’s perfect for artists who like hands-on work, and for clients wanting full, defined lashes. Use thin lashes with it to get light, airy volume.

Pros and Cons

The Pinching Method offers exceptional precision, enabling lash artists to control the size and shape of each fan with high accuracy—ideal for detailed work. Its pinched base also creates a stronger bond with natural lashes, ensuring longer retention. However, this technique is time-consuming, demanding more patience and attention to detail than faster methods like the Wiggle or Rolling techniques.

. Shimmy or Wiggle Lash Method

The Shimmy (or Wiggle) Method is renowned for its speed and consistency. By fanning lashes while they remain on the strip, artists can quickly create symmetrical, uniform fans. This method is highly efficient, especially for large volume sets.

How to Do the Wiggle Method?

1. Pick up lashes: Use tweezers to lift a small group of lashes while keeping them attached to the strip.
2. Wiggle the tweezers: Gently wiggle tweezers back and forth to separate lashes into an even fan.
3. Pull off the strip: Once the fan forms, carefully remove the lashes from the strip while maintaining the fan shape.
4. Dip and apply: Dip the base in glue and attach directly to the natural lash.

The Wiggle Method is perfect for experienced artists needing to create large fans quickly without compromising quality. It is commonly used for Russian and mega-volume lashes, where wide, full fans are required.

Pros and Cons

The Wiggle Method is one of the fastest ways to create lash fans and naturally yields symmetrical results. However, despite its efficiency, it can be challenging for beginners to master and may require extra practice to perfect.

3. Rolling Lash Method

The Rolling Method excels at creating wide, symmetrical fans by rolling the lash fan between fingers, spreading lashes evenly for a full, voluminous effect—ideal for Russian volume sets.

How to Do the Rolling Method?

1. Pick up lashes: Grab a small group from the strip.
2. Roll the lashes: Roll between thumb and index finger; lashes will fan out evenly.
3. Dip the base: Once fanned, dip the base in adhesive and apply to natural lashes.

Best for 0.05 or 0.07mm lashes, which hold the fan shape well.

Pros and Cons

Great for dramatic, wide fans with consistent shapes (even for beginners). Not suitable for thinner lashes, which may struggle to hold shape.

4. Sticky Dot Lash Method

Easy for beginners: uses a sticky surface (dot/pad) to hold lashes while fanning.

How to Do the Sticky Dot Method?

1. Place a sticky dot: On your workspace.
2. Pick up lashes: Place a small section on the dot with tweezers.
3. Fan out the lashes: Use tweezers to fan; the dot holds them in place.
4. Dip and apply: Shape the fan, dip in glue, and apply.

Pros and Cons

Stable base for even, symmetrical fans (easy for beginners). Slower than other methods, especially for advanced artists.

5. Lonely Fan or Fan Off The Strip Lash Method

Perfect for beginners: a straightforward technique to practice before advancing.

How to Do the Lonely Fan Method:

1. Place lashes back on the strip: Select the desired number of lashes with tweezers, set them apart, and place them back on the strip away from the rest.
2. Roll the tips: Gently roll the tips over the base to open the fan, then adjust lash spacing.
3. Dip and apply: Lift the fan, dip its base in glue, and apply.

Pros and Cons

Great for beginners (simple, quick, precise spacing builds confidence). However, it may not look as full as volume fans, becomes repetitive for large sets, and doesn’t fully prepare artists for advanced techniques.

Other Factors for Perfect Lash Fans

Perfect fans depend on more than just technique:

• Symmetry: Even spacing between lashes for a polished look.
• Glue Control: Dip only the base in glue to avoid closing the fan.
• Tweezer Precision: Use fine-tipped volume tweezers for effective gripping and spreading.
• Lash Quality: Choose soft, lightweight lashes with consistent curl and thickness.
• Humidity and Temperature: Aim for 40-60% humidity and stable temperature for optimal adhesive performance.
• Lash Length Variation: Mix lengths for dimension and texture.
• Glue Tape: Select glue tape with appropriate stickiness for the lash diameter. For a guide, watch the video below:

Common Challenges in Fan-Making and Solutions

• Fans Closing Up: Dip only the base in glue (too much adhesive causes closing).
• Uneven Fans: Pick up even amounts of lashes and hold tweezers at the correct angle.
• Fans Not Opening: Check lash strip/tweezers quality; use proper technique when pulling lashes.
• Thick Fan Bases: Use thinner extensions (0.03/0.05mm) or pinch the base more tightly.

Best Product for a Perfect Lash Fan

Mastering fanning can be overwhelming, but premade fans simplify the process. At XXXLASH, our premade fans deliver fast, easy, professional results—ideal for all skill levels!