6 Reasons Your Fans Are Closing (and How to Fix Them)
By Frankie Widdows, Master Lash Artist – Volume Lash Specialist with 12 Years of Hands-On Experience
When I first started doing volume lashes over a decade ago, it was a completely different world. Volume was just landing in the UK, and information was scarce. There were no YouTube tutorials, no courses readily available, and certainly no one to ask when things went wrong. I learned everything the hard way, through trial, error, frustration, and pure determination.
One of the most common issues I see pop up time and time again (even now, 12 years later) is fan closure. I see it regularly on forums and from lash artists at all levels asking “Why do my fans keep closing after I place them?” And honestly, the answer is usually simple and totally fixable.
So, let’s get into it. Here are the 6 most common reasons your volume fans are closing and exactly how to fix them.
1. You're Using the Wrong Adhesive
Not all adhesives are created equal and for volume lashing, you must use one that’s specifically formulated not to wick. Wicking is when the adhesive travels up the fan, causing it to close prematurely. A good volume adhesive will stay put at the base and not creep up the lashes.
Sadly, many adhesives wick because suppliers don’t fully understand the chemistry behind their own products. It’s not just about “fast drying” or “great retention”, it’s about how it behaves with volume fans. If you’re struggling, look into a true non-wicking adhesive such as our Supersonic that was designed for volume application.
2. You’re Using Too Much Glue
This is a really common one especially with newer artists. Applying too much adhesive means it takes longer to cure, and if you're not holding the fan in place long enough, it will begin to close as it dries.
The fix? Use less glue and hold longer. If you do end up using more adhesive than intended, just remember: you may need to hold for up to 10 seconds to prevent the fan from collapsing.
3. Your Glue Is Too Slow
Let me be blunt — volume fans need fast glue.
If you're not a super-speedy lash artist (yet), and you're using a slow-curing adhesive, your fans don’t stand a chance. They’ll close before they even have time to bond properly. You don’t have to go straight for the fastest glue on the market, but you do need something quick enough to hold that fan in its open shape until it sets.
Pro tip: Work on speeding up your placement, and pair it with an adhesive that matches your pace.
4. You’re Not Holding the Fan Long Enough
This one’s simple but often overlooked. Volume lashing is not like classic lashing. You can't just pop a fan on and move on to the next lash. Fans need time to set.
If you're letting go too early, even the best fan will collapse. I recommend holding for at least 6 seconds or longer if your glue is slower or the room conditions aren't ideal.
Remember: volume takes time, and this extra hold time is part of the process.
5. Poor Lash Quality (PBT Matters!)
The quality of your lash extensions plays a bigger role than most people realise. If the PBT fiber (the synthetic material lashes are made from) is too shiny or slippery, your adhesive won’t bond as quickly or sometimes, at all.
Cheaper lashes may look the part, but if they’re overly glossy or coated in silicone, they will delay curing and cause fans to close. Know your lash quality. Always.
6. Your Room Conditions Are All Over the Place
This one might be the biggest game-changer of all. If your temperature or humidity is inconsistent, your adhesive will behave differently every single day and sometimes even by the hour.
You need to learn your ideal room conditions for your specific adhesive and working speed, then control them. Don’t get obsessed with the cure time listed on the bottle, it’s only relevant if your room matches the test conditions used in the lab.
To put it simply: If you want to master volume, you have to master your environment.
In Conclusion
Fan closure is one of those issues that can be solved with the right knowledge and a few adjustments.
I’ve been where you are, wondering why things aren’t working, trying every trick, and feeling totally stuck. But I promise, once you dial in these key factors, volume lashing becomes a breeze.
I hope this helped you troubleshoot what’s going wrong. If you’ve got a fan issue not listed here or just need some extra help feel free to reach out. I'm here to help you level up your lash game.