TREVOR REMEMBERED

We share Trevor’s legacy, as well as precious memories from the people that knew and loved him

“Trevor Sorbie was a true hairdressing titan and is a huge loss to our industry. He was a good man with a good heart and will be missed by young and old.”
^{Akin Konizi}

November brought the heartbreaking news that hairdressing legend Trevor Sorbie MBE had died aged 75 from cancer.

After Trevor revealed in October that he had ‘weeks left to live’ in an interview with This Morning’s Cat Deeley and Ben Shepherd, the industry has been forced to come to terms with losing one of their most beloved members. Trevor was first diagnosed with bowel cancer five years ago, and only recently gave up hairdressing, ever determined to carry on his passion.

“Trevor Sorbie – it was an absolute ‘Privilege’ having you in my life – I’m so grateful that you took a chance on this country girl. You will forever be that voice in my ear and hold that place in my heart.”
^{SALLY BROOKS}

His career has seen him awarded an MBE in 2004 and crowned HJ’s British Hairdresser of the Year four times. Speaking on his career beginnings, he said: “I was 14 and got bullied at school, so my dad told me to come work in his barbershop. I wanted to be an artist, but I swapped paint for hair and I never looked back.”

That love of artistry thrived in the hairdressing industry. Setting up the first flagship Trevor Sorbie Salon in 1979 in London’s Covent Garden, Trevor set a new standard for excellence and mentorship. He was responsible for creating iconic hairstyles such as The Wedge and The Scrunch.

“From all of us at Sassoon, we celebrate the life of a gentleman and a creative force whose contributions to the industry will be felt for generations. Trevor Sorbie was, and will always be, an enduring icon. Rest in peace, Trevor.”
^{MARK HAYES}

Back in 2014, he spoke to HJ about those trademark styles. “I don’t see myself as an inventor of styles but creating mistakes that have worked,” he shared. “When I was working on shoots and shows I was always searching for something different and sometimes accidents happen in your favour, which go on to make hairdressing history.”

“Trevor often reminded us to ‘be bold, be different, but always do everything in good taste.’ His ethos of kindness, care, and excellence continues to guide us. He expressed immense pride in our team and confidence in our commitment to carrying forward his legacy.”
^{TREVOR SORBIE TEAM}

Trevor’s influence extends beyond his creative output and his salons. In 2016 he founded My New Hair, a charity dedicated to supporting cancer patients with personalised wig styling, inspired by his sister-in-law’s battle with cancer. This initiative emphasised his belief that hairdressing is not just about aesthetics, but is about transforming lives. Carole, his loving wife, continues this mission, aiming to expand My New Hair globally and fulfil Trevor’s dream. Carole has been by his side and reflected on the final months of Trevor’s life, saying: “There’s more than 20 people who have worked with him for 20 - 30 years, and they’re all family. We are supported by the whole Trevor Sorbie family.”

“Trevor was one of the last hair legends that inspire us with his iconic images and creative vision. His collections and images such as the Wedge were ground-breaking and we are unlikely to experience that again. The industry has lost a true icon.”
^{COS SAKAS}

Earlier this year, the Trevor Sorbie brand launched its 1979 campaign and celebrated 45 years of the salon brand. Speaking at the launch of the 1979 campaign Trevor himself shared: “Yes, we’re called hairdressers, but we don’t just cut hair. I still work in photography and media – I feel purely creative. I hope the new generation sees this profession as a door that opens you to being as creative as you want to be.” Wise words from a wise man.

Head to hji.co.uk/trevor-sorbie to see our Gallery of Trevor’s work

TREVOR’S ICONIC IMAGES