Trevor John Sorbie MBE, a renowned British celebrity hairdresser and innovator, passed away after a courageous battle with cancer.
Born on March 13, 1949, in Paisley, Scotland, Sorbie became a multi-award-winning hairstylist who revolutionized the world of hairdressing and inspired countless individuals throughout his lifetime.
His legacy includes not only his creative innovations, such as the iconic wedge haircut, but also his philanthropic efforts through his charity, “My New Hair,” which provides vital support to cancer patients experiencing hair loss.
Sorbie’s career began in 1964 when he started working as an apprentice under his father in Ilford, England. By the age of 20, he had already opened his first barbershop in Edmonton, North London. His undeniable talent soon caught the attention of industry icons, and by 1972, he became a stylist for the prestigious Vidal Sassoon salon.
A year later, Sorbie was promoted to Artistic Director of the salon, where he made groundbreaking contributions to the world of hairstyling, including the creation of the wedge haircut, which became one of the most recognizable haircuts of the 1970s.
Over the years, Sorbie worked with other major names in the hairdressing world, including Toni & Guy and John Frieda, before eventually opening his own salons. In 1977, he launched his first salon in Stamford Street, London, which was followed by a second location in Covent Garden in 1979.
His salons quickly became known for their high standards of creativity and excellence, and in 1986, he launched his own range of hair care products. These products were designed using direct feedback from his clients, and they further cemented his status as a household name in the beauty industry.
Sorbie’s influence went beyond salons and products, as he became a media personality, appearing in various television programs such as *The Wright Stuff*, *GMTV*, *This Morning*, and *Faking It*.
His expertise and insights were frequently sought after by magazines such as *Harper’s Bazaar* and *Grazia*. Throughout his career, Sorbie won numerous awards, including four British Hairdresser of the Year titles, and he was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in 2004 for his services to hairdressing.
Despite his fame and success, Sorbie remained committed to giving back, particularly after a personal experience in his family changed his perspective. When his sister-in-law was battling bone cancer and struggling with hair loss, Sorbie created a wig for her that resembled real hair, helping restore her confidence.
