Trevor Sorbie, the iconic Scottish-born celebrity hairdresser known for revolutionizing the world of hairdressing, has passed away at the age of 75. His death, confirmed by his company on November 8, 2024, comes just weeks after he revealed that his bowel cancer had spread to his liver and was deemed terminal.
In a statement shared on his salon’s social media accounts, it was announced that Sorbie passed away peacefully with his family and beloved dog by his side. According to the statement, we regret to inform you of the demise of our renowned founder, Trevor Sorbie MBE. The hairdressing industry and beyond have been forever changed by Trevor’s journey, which was characterized by unmatched generosity and inventiveness.
Sorbie’s legacy as one of the most influential hairdressers of his generation extends far beyond his innovative cuts and styling techniques. He was a true visionary, renowned for his ability to set trends that transformed the hairdressing industry.
A Life Dedicated to Hairdressing Innovation
Sorbie’s career began humbly, cutting hair in his father’s barber shop in Scotland before heading to London to work at prominent salons such as Toni & Guy and John Frieda. However, it was in 1979 that he took a major step by opening his own salon in Covent Garden, London. His business quickly grew, with more locations opening across the UK, including in Brighton, Bristol, and Manchester.
Trevor Sorbie was perhaps best known for creating the “wedge” cut, a style that became one of the most famous and enduring haircuts of the late 20th century. This bold, geometric style captured the attention of fashion-forward celebrities and clients alike, and it became synonymous with his name. His innovative approach didn’t stop there—he also pioneered other notable styles, such as the “wolf man” cut, sculpture cuts, and the “wave,” alongside a fast-drying technique called the scrunch.
His contributions to the industry were recognized with numerous accolades, including being named British Hairdresser of the Year four times. His influence, however, went beyond just the beauty world. He appeared on TV shows such as This Morning, The Wright Stuff, GMTV, and Mary Queen of Shops, where his expertise was showcased to a wider audience.
A Charitable Legacy: My New Hair
In addition to his groundbreaking work in the salon, Sorbie’s commitment to helping others extended into charitable endeavors. In 2009, he founded My New Hair, a charity aimed at providing advice and support to individuals experiencing hair loss due to cancer treatments or other medical conditions. The charity also works with independent salons to train professionals in wig styling, helping cancer patients regain their confidence through high-quality, customized wigs.
Sorbie was inspired to launch My New Hair by his own experience supporting a family member during cancer treatment. He related a really touching story about being requested to trim a patient’s wig for her wedding only to find out the following day that she had died. He claimed that this encounter opened his eyes to the significant influence he may have on people’s lives outside of the hairdressing industry.
In honor of his wishes, Trevor Sorbie family has requested that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to four charities that were close to his heart: Marie Curie, Cancer Research UK, Rowans Hospice, and My New Hair. The family also plans to hold a special event next year to celebrate his remarkable life and contributions to both the hairdressing industry and his community.
A Man of Humility and Resilience
Throughout his career, Sorbie’s humility and dedication to his craft earned him the respect and admiration of his peers. Despite achieving incredible success, including styling the hair of high-profile clients like Grace Jones, The Beach Boys, Dame Helen Mirren, and Olympic skaters Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean, Sorbie remained grounded.
He often reflected on how his passion for the craft was about more than just hair—it was about making people feel special. Trevor Sorbie once shared a poignant story about a time when he was asked to cut a wig for a patient who was due to marry, but who might not survive to see the day. The patient died the day after their appointment, but Sorbie later reflected that this was the moment he realized that being a hairdresser was about much more than just the hairstyle—it was about touching lives in a meaningful way.
His career also came with personal challenges. Trevor Sorbie had struggled with depression and anxiety, sharing that he had considered suicide during a tough period in his life when intrusive media coverage of his personal life took a toll on his mental well-being. He found solace in his dog, attributing the animal’s companionship with helping him cope with these difficult emotions.
A Permanent Effect on the Hairdressing Industry
Beyond his technical innovations, Trevor Sorbie philosophy of “be bold, be different, but always do everything in good taste” left a lasting imprint on the generations of stylists he mentored throughout his career. His influence was not only felt by the clients he worked with but also by the younger stylists he helped train. Through programs such as the Trevor Sorbie Award launched in 2023, the Fellowship for British Hairdressing ensures that his legacy of creativity and commercial innovation continues to inspire the next wave of talent.
Mark Hayes, international creative director at House of Sassoon, expressed his admiration for Sorbie’s contributions, calling him “a true visionary and icon in the hair industry.” Hayes described Sorbie as someone whose “inventive spirit, exceptional talent, and leadership” helped shape modern hairdressing.
A Legacy of Kindness and Creativity
In his final months, Trevor Sorbie spoke candidly about his illness and the time he had left. Despite the severity of his condition, he maintained his trademark optimism and resolve, cherishing his remaining time with his wife, Carole, and his loved ones.
An era in the hairdressing industry comes to an end with the passing of Trevor Sorbie. His kind and giving nature, together with his inventive ideas, have had a lasting impression on the business and beyond. Future generations of stylists and professionals will surely be inspired by his legacy of innovation, generosity, and quality, even as the world grieves the death of a beloved figure.
In their homage, the Trevor Sorbie team said: His values of excellence, compassion, and kindness still serve as our compass. Trevor Sorbie’s contributions to the salon and the community will make him a cherished and enduring personality whose influence will extend for many years.
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