Step off the cobblestone streets of the Netherlands, past Amsterdam’s infamous red-light districts, and into the time capsule that is Schorem. This vintage barbershop is no ordinary grooming spot; it’s where “bad boys” with tattooed arms and impeccable grooming turn haircuts into an art form.
The Schorem barbershop is full of vintage inspiration, with nostalgic items everywhere.
"Schorem" is a cheeky Dutch word with dual meanings - "scumbags" or "I shaved him." The full name, Schorem – Haarsnijder en Barbier, speaks volumes about their ethos: unapologetic, edgy, and steeped in tradition.
The barbers proudly embrace their "scumbag" reputation, wearing it like a badge of honor. With their fierce looks and rock’n’roll vibes, these barbers might intimidate at first glance, but their precision and passion for classic men’s grooming styles leave clients grinning.
"In life, there are three people who 'touch' a man: the doctor, the tailor, and the barber." – Bertus, leader of Schorem.
Beneath the rugged exterior and the darker, edgier side of the Schorem barbers lies an artistic soul, meticulous in its craft, with eyes that truly know what beauty is. Just look at the long line of customers waiting outside, and you’ll understand why. A quiet day is a rare occurrence at Schorem; in fact, there are times when they wish customers would slow down, to ease the restlessness of those waiting patiently outside. There are even customers who travel 4-5 hours, only to wait an additional 5 hours before getting their cut - and they leave with a smile on their face.
Schorem operates with a no-booking policy. It's first-come, first-served, just as it was done in the old days. Forget about chasing trends; Schorem cuts hair with a rock'n'roll twist, offering styles like pompadours and quiffs, evoking the golden age of Elvis Presley and James Dean. If you’re looking to ask for Kanye West’s latest hairstyle, don’t even think about it - one of the tough, tattooed barbers might just throw you out the door.
At Schorem, asking for an "indie cut," a bob, or a trendy hairstyle inspired by the runway (like the 2015 Zegna Spring/Summer collection) will definitely get you nowhere. They proudly declare: "If the haircut you want isn’t on our posters, you’re in the wrong place."
Schorem isn’t just a place to get a haircut; it’s a cultural experience. It’s about immersing yourself in the nostalgic, vintage vibe of a 1930s-style barbershop, the way they were back in the day, long before the glossy, pristine salons of today took over. At Schorem, you can enjoy a cold beer while getting your cut and chat with the rough-and-ready barbers in a friendly, if somewhat rowdy, atmosphere.
The price might seem steep - €33 for a haircut, €33 for a hot towel shave, or €61 for both - but the experience is worth every cent. People flock to Schorem not just for the skilled, precise haircuts that seamlessly blend classic styles with a modern touch, but also for the vintage ambiance and the “bad boy” yet artistic vibe of the barbers themselves.
Before and After: The Schorem Transformation
Schorem's magic isn’t just in their tools or their techniques - it’s in the attitude. When you sit in the chair, you’re not just getting a haircut; you're getting a piece of rock’n’roll history. Whether you're leaving with a slick pompadour or a classic quiff, you’re sure to feel like a part of something much bigger than just a typical barber visit. It's not just about the cut - it’s about the experience, the atmosphere, and the rebellious spirit that Schorem has built its reputation on.
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