The Greasy Gospel According to Reuzel: An Expert Review of Reuzel‘s Rebel-Approved Pomades and Men‘s Grooming Products
Hey there, fellas. Today we‘re diving headfirst into the greasy, gritty world of Reuzel – the pomades and men‘s grooming products that have become the gospel truth for hard rockers, bikers, and gentlemen scumbags the world over. But is this stuff the real deal, or just more snake oil?
As your resident expert on all things pomade, I‘ve put Reuzel‘s products through their paces to bring you the straight dope. We‘ll cover Reuzel‘s origins and ethos, review their most popular offerings, and see how they stack up to the competition. By the end, you‘ll know if Reuzel deserves a place in your grooming arsenal. Let‘s get greasy.
Who Is Reuzel? The Unlikely Origins of a Global Pomade Powerhouse
Reuzel may be a household name among 21st century greasers, but the brand‘s beginnings were downright humble. Founders (and childhood pals) Leen Bergmann and Bertus Rietveld were just a couple of small-town Dutch dudes who dug rock-n-roll, hot rods, and pompadours.
In 2010, these self-proclaimed "scumbags" scraped together enough cash to open Schorem, a tiny barbershop in Rotterdam. But the duo quickly discovered that the mass-market pomades and styling products just didn‘t cut it for the kind of hardcore holds and timeless looks they and their customers craved.
So Leen and Bertus did what any self-respecting rebels would do – they said "screw it" and cooked up their own formulas right there in the shop‘s kitchen. Turns out, the boys had a knack for this stuff. Word of their homemade pomades spread like wildfire through the rockabilly and underground biker scenes.
Fast forward a few years, and Reuzel (Dutch for "lard," an homage to old-school pomade ingredients) was born. Today, this once small-time brand has a global cult following. But Reuzel still does things the old-school way: all of their products are manufactured in Holland, most are vegan-friendly, and none are tested on animals.
With greasy roots like these, it‘s no wonder Reuzel‘s become the go-to for guys who want to look good while living outside the lines. But hey, even if you‘re not a tattooed headbanger, there‘s a lot to love about this brand. Let‘s take a closer look at some of their most popular products.
Reuzel Product Reviews: The Heavy Hitters
Reuzel Pomades
The core of Reuzel‘s lineup is their extensive range of pomades. With both oil-based and water-based options in varying degrees of hold and shine, there‘s a Reuzel pomade for every kind of hair and style.
Reuzel Grease Medium Hold Pomade
A rich, oil-based pomade ideal for classic looks and all hair types. Provides a medium hold and a high shine. Expect a fresh, subtle scent of apples and peppermint.
Hold: Medium
Shine: High
Scent: Apple, peppermint, light vanilla
Key Ingredients: Beeswax, castor oil, mineral oil, fragrance
Reuzel Fiber Pomade
This pliable, low-shine pomade is perfect for messy, textured styles on short to medium-length hair. Water-soluble formula washes out easily.
Hold: Medium
Shine: Low
Scent: Vanilla, mint
Key Ingredients: Aqua, ceteareth-25, PEG-7 glyceryl cocoate, propylene glycol
Reuzel Blue Strong Hold High Sheen Pomade
Reuzel‘s firmest water-based pomade. Ideal for gravity-defying pompadours, slick backs, and other heavily-sculpted styles. Washes out with just water.
Hold: Firm
Shine: High
Scent: Sweet vanilla
Key Ingredients: Aqua, ceteareth-25, PEG-7 glyceryl cocoate, propylene glycol
Reuzel Grooming Tonic
A pre-styling tonic that adds body and texture while taming frizz and fly-aways. Works on all hair types, but best for longer styles.
Key Benefits:
- Boosts volume
- Smooths hair
- Light hold
- Subtle shine
Scent: Bright, crisp apple
Key Ingredients: Aqua, glycerin, propylene, glycol, peg-40 hydrogenated castor oil
Reuzel Beard Foam
Reuzel‘s answer for taming and conditioning coarse facial hair. The rich foam formula softens scruff, soothes skin, and leaves behind a light, pleasing scent.
Key Benefits:
- Softens and detangles beard hair
- Relieves itching and flaking
- Light, non-greasy formula
- Two scent options
Scents: Wood & Spice or Fresh Mint
Key Ingredients: Aqua, glycerin, polyquaternium-37, propylene glycol, fragrance
Reuzel Matte Texture Powder
Instant volume and texture, without the greasiness or shine of a pomade. Just sprinkle a small amount of this lightweight powder onto dry hair and work through with fingers to bulk up fine or thinning locks.
Key Benefits:
- Adds instant fullness
- Absorbs oil and boosts texture
- Matte, natural-looking finish
- Easy to use
Fragrance: Fresh, clean scent
Key Ingredients: Silica silylate, althaea officinalis root extract, kaolin, hydrated silica
What Customers Are Saying About Reuzel
Don‘t just take my word for it – let‘s see what actual Reuzel customers have to say. I scoured hundreds of online reviews from the brand‘s website, Amazon, and other retailers. The verdict? Overwhelmingly positive.
Most reviewers raved about Reuzel‘s strong holds, pleasant scents, and non-greasy, non-flaky formulas. Many highlighted how little product you need per use, with a tin of pomade often lasting for months. Customers also frequently mentioned Reuzel‘s excellent customer service and fast shipping.
Of course, no product is perfect. A small minority of reviewers complained about the pomades being too waxy or difficult to wash out. Some also griped about the price compared to drugstore brands. But overall, the vast majority of users – from old-school greasers to modern-day hipsters – consider Reuzel well worth the investment.
Here are a few review highlights:
"As a barber, I‘ve tried countless pomades over the years. Reuzel Blue is hands-down my favorite for sculpting perfect pompadours that stay put all day. Easy to apply, smells great, and washes out with no residue. Can‘t recommend it enough!" – Tony, 5/5 stars
"The Reuzel Grooming Tonic is a game-changer. Just a few spritzes on damp hair and my hard-to-tame curls have never looked better. Soft, defined, and frizz-free. Plus, the apple scent is so refreshing!" – Marco, 5/5 stars
"I was skeptical about the beard foam at first, but wow – this stuff works wonders. My coarse, unruly beard has never felt so soft and look so neat. Definitely a new staple in my grooming routine." – Chris, 4/5 stars
Is Reuzel Worth It? My Verdict
So, after extensively testing Reuzel‘s line-up and poring over customer feedback, what‘s my take? In short, Reuzel is the real deal – a brand that truly lives up to its hype.
Yes, these pomades and products cost a bit more than your drugstore gel or supermarket shaving cream. But the difference in quality is palpable. From their strong-yet-pliable holds to their memorable scents, it‘s clear that Reuzel hasn‘t cut any corners.
I‘m also a huge fan of the brand‘s no-nonsense, eco-and-animal-friendly ethos. In an industry rife with wishy-washy claims and questionable practices, Reuzel‘s commitment to keeping things vegan, cruelty-free, and made in small batches is beyond refreshing.
Of course, choosing a pomade or grooming product is largely a matter of personal preference. If you‘re married to your $5 gel, Reuzel may not be for you. But if you‘re after salon-quality performance, timeless style, and that inimitable "greaser" factor, I can‘t recommend this brand enough.
In terms of which Reuzel products to start with, I highly suggest grabbing a tin of the Blue Pomade if you‘re looking for a water-based option, or the Grease Medium Hold if you prefer an oil-based pomade. The Grooming Tonic is also a must-have for pre-styling, and the Beard Foam is a revelation for anyone with dry, itchy, or unmanageable facial hair.
Where to Buy Reuzel
Ready to experience the Reuzel difference for yourself? You‘ve got options. The full product line is available directly from the brand‘s website, with perks like a rewards program, bundle deals, and special promotions for email subscribers.
You can also find Reuzel products at many neighborhood barbershops, as well as major retailers like Amazon and Walmart. Just be sure you‘re buying from an authorized seller to avoid counterfeits.
Reuzel offers free shipping on all US orders over $25, as well as a 30-day return policy on unused/unopened items. International shipping is also available, though rates and transit times vary.
So go ahead, embrace your inner rebel and give Reuzel a shot. Whether you‘re a die-hard greaser or just a guy who appreciates top-shelf grooming products, I think you‘ll be glad you did.
Until next time, stay greasy (in the best way possible).
