As the weather warms up and summer seems not so far away, now is the perfect time to have conversations with clients about how they can refresh their look.
Whether they are open to a big chop and something brand new, or don't like big change but would like a seasonal update — here are three ways to get them leaving your chair looking and feeling fresh.
Texture Up Top
A clean fade and well-shaped texture high up is perfect for clients whose hair tends to get frizzy, huge, or out-of-control in the heat.
You’ll want to create a fade that gets right down to the skin. This will help them stay happy a week or two longer. Bonus: this look gives you a chance to use and recommend whatever product works best to keep their texture on point.
Pro Tip: When the client’s growth pattern changes a lot throughout their head, you have to accommodate for different patterns.
I always work against the grain underneath the parietal ridge, and above that I tend to follow grain and work with it, allowing me to soften the curl where the pattern changes.
My Tools: Wahl Barber Combo (Black Magic Clip Clipper & Detailer Li Trimmer)
Undercut
For clients who don’t want (or can’t achieve) the above textured look — this is a great way to segué into something tighter while keeping the “flow” up top. Go short on the sides and leave length where it matters.
Again, a little bit of product takes this from good to great – show them how and what to use.
Pro Tip: Section off the top above the parietal ridge to make sure you maintain the length up top. Fade the sides before working with the top, so you can see what needs to blend in after the sides are short.
My Tools: Wahl Senior Clipper, 5 Star A-LIGN Trimmer.
Hard Part
Instantly elevates a haircut. It works for every age group and every lifestyle from club DJs to CEOs. A great way to upgrade their look for clients who don’t like to leave their comfort zone.
Pro Tip: When creating the hard part, you want to follow right off the corner of the recession to make sure you’re following the natural parting.
When you place the trimmer down to create the line, don’t move it up and down ... you’ll want to place the trimmer on the head and take it off, moving from front to back. This keeps the line thin.
My tools: Wahl 5-Star Clipper, Vanish Shaver, Hi-Viz Trimmer
Another thing: It’s not just the adventurous clients who are open to bolder changes like accent lines or a new color. Have the conversation. They might surprise you.
With every consultation this spring, think about ways to encourage clients to make a subtle style update. The compliments they get once they leave your chair will keep them coming back to you forever.
Trevor Moots is an Orlando, FL-based barber educator for Wahl Professional and Hattori Hanzo Shears; a platform artist; and one of the top barbers working in the U.S. today.
