Why Reuzel Stands Out Among Barbershop Brands

⚡ The Article in 30 Seconds

✔️ Founded: 2013 in Rotterdam by Leen & Bertus of Schorem
✔️ Philosophy: Authentic products by barbers, for barbers
✔️ Difference: Every formula is tested on real customers
✔️ Range: 9 pomades, beard care, hair care, tattoo aftercare
✔️ Legacy: From cult brand to global barbershop standard

✨ In the world of men's grooming, there are dozens of brands promising "barbershop quality" products. However, very few can back up that promise with genuine barbershop origins. Reuzel isn't a brand that simply uses barbershop aesthetics for marketing — it's a brand that was literally born inside a barbershop, by barbers who worked daily with real customers.

✔️ Schorem Haarsnijder en Barbier in Rotterdam isn't just a shop — it's an institution that revived the art of classic barbering. When founders Leen and Bertus couldn't find products that met their standards, they created their own. That's how Reuzel was born — and today we'll explain why this brand stands out from all the rest.

The Birth at Schorem Barbershop ✨

In 2001, two Dutch barbers — Leen and Bertus — opened a small barbershop in Rotterdam with a radical vision: to revive the classic art of men's grooming. In an era when unisex salons dominated and classic techniques had almost been forgotten, Schorem Haarsnijder en Barbier became a refuge for men who valued tradition.

✔️ The name "Schorem" — meaning "scoundrels" in Dutch — wasn't random. Leen and Bertus wanted to create a space where men would feel comfortable being themselves, away from the pretentious atmosphere of modern salons. Rockabilly music, vintage aesthetics, and above all — exceptional technique.

✨ As Schorem gained fame, Leen and Bertus faced a problem: they couldn't find products that met their standards. Most pomades on the market were either too modern (without the right texture for classic looks) or too old-fashioned (with formulas that hadn't evolved in decades).

In 2013, the solution came with the creation of Reuzel — a brand that would bring the quality missing from the market. The name comes from the old Dutch word for "fat" or "grease", honoring the classic grease pomades used by barbers of the past.

Authenticity vs Marketing Hype ✔️

One of the main reasons Reuzel stands out is its authenticity. Unlike many brands that use "barbershop" aesthetics to sell mass-produced products, Reuzel was created by barbers who worked — and continue to work — daily with real customers.

✔️ This means every Reuzel product has been tested in real conditions. Not in focus groups, not in laboratories with artificial scenarios, but in barbershop chairs, with customers expecting results. If a formula didn't work in practice, it never made it to market.

✨ The difference shows in the details. Take for example the characteristic "Schorem" scent — a unique composition combining vanilla, tonka bean and subtle woody notes. This fragrance wasn't created by perfumers in some office. It was developed inside the barbershop, tested on thousands of customers, and evolved until it became what it is today — the "smell of Schorem".

This authenticity is why professional barbers worldwide choose Reuzel. It's not just a brand with nice packaging — it's a brand that understands their needs because it was created by people who face the same needs every day.

Discover the Reuzel Collection

Pomades, clays, beard care & grooming essentials

The Range That Covers Every Need ✨

One of Reuzel's biggest advantages is the completeness of its range. It's not a brand that has only one or two pomades — it offers 9 different pomade formulas, each designed for a specific hair type, style and finish. This variety isn't accidental — it's the result of years of work with thousands of different customers.

✔️ At Schorem, Leen and Bertus saw that every customer had different needs. Someone with fine hair needed a different product than someone with thick, curly hair. Someone who wanted a high shine slick back needed a different formula than someone who preferred a matte textured look. Instead of trying to make a "one size fits all" product, they created an entire family.

✨ Beyond pomades, Reuzel has expanded into beard care (oils, balms, wash), hair care (shampoos, conditioners, tonics), skincare (aftershave, scrubs) and even tattoo aftercare. This expansion didn't happen to "fill shelves" — each category was added because there was a real need in the barbershop.

This approach means that whichever Reuzel product you choose, you know it was created to solve a specific problem. There are no "filler" products in the range — each one has its purpose and its place.

Ingredient Quality Without Compromises ✔️

Reuzel doesn't compromise when it comes to ingredient quality. In a market where many brands use cheap bases and fragrance their products to "seem" premium, Reuzel invests in truly quality ingredients that make a difference in performance.

✔️ Take for example the water-based pomades (Red and Blue). Instead of using typical, cheap water-soluble bases that leave hair dry and stiff, Reuzel developed proprietary formulas that provide hold without dehydrating the hair. The result? Pomades that wash out easily but leave hair healthy.

✨ The grease pomades (Green and Pink) use traditional oil-based formulas that honor the heritage of classic pomades. But Reuzel didn't simply copy old recipes — they improved them. The modern Pink Grease, for example, offers the same heavy hold as vintage pomades but with better conditioning and less build-up.

Even in matte products (Clay, Fiber, Extreme, Concrete), Reuzel avoids synthetic polymers that make hair look plastic. Instead, they use natural clays and waxes that give texture without the "crunchy" feel that many competing products have.

✔️ This commitment to quality has a cost — Reuzel products aren't the cheapest on the market. But for those who understand the difference, the investment is worth it. Better ingredients mean better results and healthier hair long-term.

The Reuzel Community and Culture ✨

Reuzel isn't just a product brand — it's the center of a global community of barbers and enthusiasts who share the same philosophy. This community wasn't created accidentally. It was built organically around Schorem Barbershop and the authenticity it represents.

✔️ Schorem became a "holy place" for barbers from around the world. Professionals travel from America, Asia, Australia — just to sit in the chair and experience it. This "pilgrimage" dimension of the brand is something no marketing budget can buy.

✨ Reuzel supports this community in many ways. They organize educational events and seminars where top barbers share techniques and experiences. They sponsor barber competitions that showcase new talent. And most importantly — they remain accessible and open, without the arrogance that often accompanies "premium" brands.

This community creates a flywheel effect: barbers who use Reuzel become ambassadors, their customers discover the brand, and the cycle continues. It's no coincidence you see Reuzel in top barbershops in every corner of the planet — from Brooklyn to Tokyo and from London to Melbourne.

Consistency: The Key to Trust ✔️

One of the biggest problems with many grooming brands is inconsistency. You buy a product, you like it, and the next time you get it... it's different. The formula changed "for improvement", the scent is slightly off, or the texture isn't the same. Reuzel understands that consistency is fundamental to trust.

✔️ When you buy Red Pomade today, you get exactly the same product you would have gotten 5 years ago. The formula, the scent, the performance — everything remains stable. This is critical for professional barbers who need predictable results with every customer, every day.

✨ This consistency extends to the customer experience. Reuzel has a stable presence, stable branding, and stable communication. They don't change packaging every year to "refresh" their image. The iconic appearance with the characteristic colors (green, pink, red, blue) has remained recognizable since 2013.

Of course, this doesn't mean stagnation. Reuzel continues to innovate — Extreme Hold Matte, Concrete, and Fiber are all recent additions that address new needs. But every new product goes through the same rigorous testing process at Schorem before it hits the market.

✔️ This balance between consistency and innovation is difficult — and few brands achieve it. Reuzel is one of them, and that's another reason it stands out in the market.

Discover Matte & Strong Hold Products

Clays & strong pomades for every style

Reuzel vs Competition: The Real Comparison ✨

In the men's grooming market, there are dozens of brands claiming the title of "best barbershop brand". From classic American brands to new boutique brands, competition is intense. But when you compare objectively, Reuzel stands out in critical areas that make a real difference.

✔️ Let's take the most well-known competing brands. Suavecito, for example, has excellent marketing and affordable prices — but its formulas don't match Reuzel's quality in performance. Uppercut Deluxe from Australia offers good products, but with a more limited range. Layrite is a solid choice, but without the same barbershop authenticity.

✨ One area where Reuzel clearly excels is the variety of oil-based grease pomades. Many modern brands have abandoned classic grease formulas because they're more difficult to produce and require specialized expertise. Reuzel not only maintains them — they've perfected them. Green and Pink Grease are undoubtedly among the best oil-based pomades in the world.

Of course, the "best" choice always depends on personal needs. If you're looking for the cheapest option, Reuzel isn't for you. But if you want professional-grade products with authentic barbershop origins and unparalleled variety, it's hard to find a better choice on the market.

Why Choose Reuzel: The Conclusion ✔️

After everything we've analyzed, the answer to "why Reuzel stands out" becomes clear. It's not one factor — it's the combination of many factors that create a truly unique brand in the men's grooming market. From authentic origins to ingredient quality, each element reinforces the other.

✔️ Reuzel isn't for everyone. If you're looking for the cheapest possible product, there are more economical options. If you don't care about the story behind a brand, you might not appreciate what Schorem offers. But if you want products that actually work, that were created with passion and expertise, and that connect you to a global community of like-minded people — Reuzel is the answer.

✨ At HairMaker.Gr, we've tested dozens of brands in our 25+ years of barbering experience. Reuzel remains consistently among our top choices — both for professional use in the shop and for our personal routines. Quality, consistency and authenticity aren't just marketing buzzwords — they're tangible reality in every jar.

✔️ If you haven't tried Reuzel yet, start with Red Pomade — it's the ultimate all-rounder that works for almost every hair type and style. From there, discover the range and find the products that suit your needs. Welcome to the Reuzel family — welcome to the world of authentic barbershop grooming.

Giannis – Owner of HairMania Greece & Founder of HairMaker.Gr

Professional barber with 25 years of experience in hair and beard care. Owner of HairMania Greece and founder of HairMaker.Gr.

Together with the HairMaker.Gr team, I publish articles based on real testing, customer feedback and barbershop experience.

Questions about hair or grooming? Email us at info@hairmaker.gr.

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