Today, let’s step away from our usual style tips and delve into a unique experience that combines the charm of the Netherlands with the grit of a vintage barbershop. Picture this: navigating through the red-light districts and the sweet scent of brownie shops until you land at Schorem, a barbershop where the term "bad boys" takes on a whole new meaning.
Schorem: A Vintage Barbershop with a Rebellious Edge
Schorem, officially known as Schorem – Haarsnijder en Barbier, embraces a rebellious spirit that starts with its name. "Schorem" translates to "scumbags," and "Haarsnijder en Barbier" means "Haircutter and Barber." This barbershop exudes retro charm with a touch of mischief.
Meet the Schorem Team: The “Scumbags” of the Barber World
The barbers at Schorem may look intimidating with their tattoos and imposing presence, but they’re far from your average barbershop crew. They sport impressive hair and beards, and their powerful, masculine style makes you want to splurge just to get a fraction of their look. Despite their tough exterior, these barbers are some of the most dedicated and courteous professionals you’ll encounter. The eclectic mix of street folks, rockers, bikers, and artists among the staff only adds to the shop's unique atmosphere.
As Bertus, the leader of Schorem, puts it: “In life, there are three people who get to ‘touch’ a man: the doctor, the tailor, and the barber.”
“In life, there are three people who ‘touch’ a man: the doctor, the tailor, and the barber,” said Bertus, the leader of Schorem.
Behind the rough exterior and the dark undertones of the barbers at Schorem, there are certainly meticulous artistic souls and eyes that recognize true beauty. Just look at the long line outside Schorem, and you'll understand. The concept of being short on customers is foreign to them; in fact, sometimes they wish for fewer customers just to keep their loyal patrons outside from getting restless. There are even those who travel 4 to 5 hours, only to wait an additional 5 hours for a haircut, yet still leave with a satisfied smile. This is because Schorem doesn’t operate on a booking culture; they follow a classic approach of serving the first-come, first-served. They don’t care about trends; instead, they cut hair with a rock ‘n’ roll vibe, featuring stylish pompadours and quiffs that harken back to the golden days of Elvis and James Dean. So, don’t walk in and boldly declare, “Yo, I want Kanye West’s new haircut,” unless you’re ready to be grabbed by the scruff of your neck and thrown out by one of those tough guys.
Don't come here asking for an indie cut, a bob, a mushroom cut, or for one side to be tapered while the other is styled up with small, messy curls. “Do you know the hairstyle from Zegna's Spring Summer 2015 runway? I want that look.” Such requests are completely out of Schorem's vocabulary. They confidently tell customers, “If the hairstyle you want isn’t on the posters hanging in our shop, then you’ve probably come to the wrong place.”
Above all, Schorem is an awesome place for more than just haircuts. You'll be immersed in the pleasant vintage atmosphere of the 1930s, experiencing what a once-vibrant barbershop felt like, in contrast to the glossy pretentiousness of modern salons. At Schorem, you can enjoy a beer while getting your hair cut and share some good-natured banter with the barbers.
You'll pay 33 Euros for a haircut and another 33 Euros for a hot towel shaving service. If you opt for both, it’ll set you back 61 Euros - not exactly cheap for regular grooming. Yet, people flock to Schorem, not just for the skilled craftsmanship that skillfully transforms classic hairstyles into modern looks, but also for the vintage charm in the shop’s decor and the “tough yet artistic” style of the barbers.
Before and after being "transformed" by Schorem.
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