Kapper or Barbershop? The Difference
Kapper or Barbershop? Understanding the Difference in Amsterdam
If you're searching for a haircut in Amsterdam, you'll notice two distinct terms: "kapper" and "barbershop." While both can cut your hair, they offer fundamentally different experiences. Here's what you need to know.
What Is a Kapper?
A kapper (Dutch for "hairdresser") is the traditional Dutch hair salon. Kappers typically:
- Serve both men and women
- Focus on scissor-based cutting techniques
- Offer colouring, highlights, perms, and treatments
- Have a salon-style atmosphere
- Require longer appointments (45–90 minutes)
- Are trained through the Nederlandse Kappersakademie
When to Choose a Kapper:
- You want colour treatment or highlights
- You have longer hair that needs layering
- You prefer scissor cuts over clipper work
- You need styling for a special event
What Is a Barbershop?
A barbershop is a men's grooming specialist. Barbershops typically:
- Serve men exclusively (or primarily)
- Specialise in fades, clipper work, and razor techniques
- Offer beard trims, clean shaves, and hot towel treatments
- Have a casual, social atmosphere — more lounge than salon
- Faster appointments (20–45 minutes for most services)
- Many barbers trained internationally or through apprenticeships
When to Choose a Barbershop:
- You want a fade, skin fade, or taper
- You need a beard trim or clean shave
- You prefer a quick, efficient haircut
- You want the full barbershop experience (hot towels, drinks, conversation)
Price Comparison in Amsterdam
| Service | Kapper (avg.) | Barbershop (avg.) |
|---|---|---|
| Men's Haircut | €30–€50 | €35–€50 |
| Beard Trim | Not usually offered | €25–€40 |
| Fade/Taper | Rarely available | €35–€50 |
| Haircut + Beard | N/A | €55–€75 |
| Colouring | €50–€120 | Not usually offered |
Prices are comparable for basic haircuts, but the specialisation differs significantly.
Why Barbershops Are Booming in the Netherlands
Ten years ago, barbershops in Amsterdam were rare. Now there are dozens across the city. Why?
The Fade Revolution
Social media (especially Instagram and TikTok) popularised sharp fades and detailed beard work. These require clipper and razor skills that traditional kappers don't specialise in.
The Experience Factor
Barbershops offer more than a haircut. At Porem, for example, you get a welcome drink, hot towel treatment, and the kind of relaxed atmosphere where you actually enjoy sitting in the chair.
International Influence
Amsterdam's diverse population brought barbering traditions from Morocco, Turkey, Greece, Italy, and the Caribbean. These cultures have deep barbershop traditions that enriched the local scene.
Men's Grooming Growth
The men's grooming market in the Netherlands has grown significantly. Men are investing more in their appearance, and barbershops cater specifically to that demand.
The Best of Both Worlds at Porem
Porem is a barbershop: eleven barbers across two shops, fades, beards and hot towel shaves all day. A few of them came in through the kapper side first. Gian did two years at the Nederlandse Kappers Akademie before the Barbers school; Ozzy designed wigs for the Dutch National Opera before training at The Barber School in Amsterdam.
This means we can handle everything from a classic scissor cut to a zero-guard skin fade — all under one roof.
Haircut €45 · Hot towel beard trim €35 · Haircut & beard trim €68 · Buzzer €30 — styling and a drink included.
Two locations in Amsterdam Centrum: Jordaan (Nieuwe Willemsstraat 14) and near Dam Square (Raadhuisstraat 12). Open 7 days a week.
Book at Porem Barbershop — a barbershop, with the scissor work to match. No account needed, and walk-ins are welcome when a chair is free.