probably because it is still young. beech grown as a hedge doesnt drop its leaves all in one go but a free standing tree of the same age would. is this in a pot or in the ground?

It's in the ground & about fifteen years old.

I've seen several hamamelis that do this. If you dislike the look of the borwn leaves then I'd gently pull them off rather than cutting. The species must have some reason for hanging on to them although I have no idea what the scientific explanation might be.

some keep the leaf on so it is a frost protection. when the new leaf buds open the old leaves then drop off. I was reading up on this last night. my witch hazel doesnt seem to have many buds this year but hey ho as long as it has survived the winter I dont mind.

I did try pulling the leaves off, but they didn't want to come so it was easier to cut them off. It's now looking lovely especially this morning with the sun shining through the lemon flowers. Thank you for all your answers. Pam.