How to Retouch Haircuts

If a brand new client is in your chair ready for a haircut and they say “Just clean it up, I want to grow it out more.” How are you supposed to recreate what the previous stylist did? The truth is, you don’t have to , with these pro tips for navigating a retouch haircut with a new client plus cutting tips for a softer grow out and why you should never forget the fundamentals.
1 The Consultation
It doesn’t matter who did the client’s previous cut. What matters is that they are in your chair now. The biggest consideration to take during the consultation is: We are here, how do we get to the end result together.
Manage expectations. Talk to the client about what they want and what is achievable with their current haircut.
Don’t be afraid to create a journey with the client. Depending on your client’s starting canvas, getting to your client’s desired look may take time and that’s ok! “Tell them, we have a goal, but today we need to do x, y and z. I will hold your hand the next three times I cut your hair and we will do this together.”
2 Cuts Are To Fine-Tune & Customize
If the client’s cut already has a shape, don’t become upset. Instead, focus on any areas that might require improvement and consider how you can add your own style to the final product.
3 You Don’t Have To Use The SAME Method
Retouch haircuts are all about figuring out what worked and what didn’t (especially with a new client). Don’t worry about adhering to the prior haircut to the letter, and don’t be hesitant to substitute a technique that better serves the intended outcome.To ensure that the hair is cut uniformly when working around an uneven hairline, it is advised to rotate the cutting comb in different directions. Make sure you are approaching the areas where the hair develops from different angles. A useful method is to rotate your comb and cut the hair in the opposite direction of the growth pattern.
4 Keep Cutting Fundamentals in Mind
It could be time to start again from the beginning if your customer wants to change the style of their grown-out cut. If necessary, refer back to the elevation rules in the textbook. Weight is produced by elevation, while the softness of the cut is caused by the cutting method itself.

Source: Behind The Chair