The last article about the tattooed craftsmen of Schorem seemed to strike a chord with many of you. Honestly, while writing it, I couldn’t help but gush over this stylish little barbershop. If I ever make it to Rotterdam, Netherlands, visiting Schorem will be a must! How could anyone resist their perfect pompadours and slick-backs, crafted with such artistry by their tattooed hands?
Bertus: The "Butcher" Behind Schorem
With that in mind, here’s an exclusive interview with Bertus, the co-founder of Schorem, about the art of barbering. If you're captivated by Schorem and their gritty charm, you’ll want to hear Bertus share his perspective. He also explains the differences between a "barber" and a hairstylist - two sides of the hair industry that are often misunderstood. This interview was conducted by Barbereile.
Q: Could you introduce yourself to our readers?
Bertus: My name is Bertus, and I’m one of the two founders of Schorem, Haarsnijder en Barbier. Schorem is Dutch slang for "scumbags," but it also means "I shaved." Haarsnijder en Barbier translates to "haircutter and barber" in Old Dutch.
I started the shop with my friend Leen in 2011. We’ve been cutting hair for over 22 years and have known each other for 19 of those years.
Leen and Bertus
Q: Schorem is well-known. Can you talk about the barbering techniques you use with your customers?
Bertus: We strive for perfection with every customer. The difference between hairstyling and barbering lies in approach: hairstyling is about creativity and artistry, while barbering requires craftsmanship.
A barber’s work demands precision and consistency to perfect classic hairstyles for repeat clients. It might sound monotonous, but at Schorem, we view it as a challenge. Passion and dedication are essential to help clients rediscover something special, even in the familiar.
Q: Your hot towel shave is iconic. Can you tell us more about it?
Bertus: We use two types of razors. The first is the classic straight razor, but it must be the client’s own. Many regulars leave their razors at the shop, where we store them in mirrored cabinets labeled with their names. The second type is a disposable blade for most clients.
Shaving uses the classic hot towel method at Schorem.
At Schorem, we combine hot and cold towel methods. A hot towel infused with lavender oil relaxes the client, opens pores, and makes for a smoother shave. After shaving, a cold towel with peppermint oil refreshes the skin.
The process involves a hot towel, followed by warm shaving cream and a gentle massage. The barber then carefully shaves, avoiding nicks. Post-shave, another hot towel is applied before moisturizer, and the experience concludes with a chilled towel and a splash of aftershave - stored in the fridge for an invigorating kick!
Q: If stranded on a deserted island, which tools would you grab in two minutes?
Bertus: Haha, if there are no clients, why worry? But if I had to choose, I’d grab a few favorite razors, a strop, my Wahl Super Taper clipper, and a comb. With those, I could tackle any hairstyle.
Q: How do you find apprentices?
Bertus: Both ways - some come to us, and sometimes we seek them out. In the Netherlands, barber schools no longer exist. Hairdressing programs teach everything, from coloring to perming, but barbering as a craft is fading.
Our first apprentice was a skater who worked in waste management. After a year and a half of intense training, he became a full-fledged Schorem barber.
Q: What level do apprentices need to reach before joining the team?
Bertus: There are no ranks. We value passion and dedication above all. Anyone can become a Schorem barber, regardless of age or background. We don’t charge for training - what matters is a love for the craft.
Q: What about women in the barbering profession?
Bertus: There’s little difference, but men have the advantage of firsthand experience with their own hair and beards. However, we’ve met incredible female barbers, like Linda in Waldorf.
The everyday "chaos" at Schorem.
At Schorem, we maintain a men-only space. Even my wife, mother, or daughter aren’t allowed inside. It’s a place for men to read Playboy, enjoy beer, smoke cigars, and chat freely.
Q: Any message for our readers?
Bertus: Have fun and be proud to be a barber - it’s the best profession in the world!
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