Trevor Sorbie, a pioneering figure in the world of hairdressing, left an indelible mark on both the industry and humanitarian efforts. Known for inventing the iconic wedge cut, Sorbie gained prominence styling hair for celebrities like Grace Jones, Dame Helen Mirren, and The Beach Boys. While his celebrity work brought fame, his commitment to helping individuals coping with hair loss showcased his profound empathy and dedication to making a difference.
The Early Years of Trevor Sorbie
Born in Paisley, Scotland, on March 13, 1949, Sorbie’s childhood was marked by challenges, including bullying after his family relocated to England. He left school as a teenager to apprentice at his father’s barber shop, an experience that laid the foundation for his hairstyling career. Sorbie’s creative instincts soon flourished, and by the 1970s, his innovative wedge cut revolutionized hairstyling, earning widespread acclaim.
The Telegraph | MSN | Trevor Sorbie left school as a teenager to apprentice at his father’s barber shop, an experience that laid the foundation for his hairstyling career.
Building the Trevor Sorbie Legacy
In 1979, Sorbie opened his first salon in London’s Covent Garden, quickly becoming a hub for innovation. Over time, the Trevor Sorbie brand expanded to cities like Brighton, Manchester, and Bristol, cementing his reputation as a leader in the industry. His appearances on television shows like This Morning and Mary Queen of Shops further elevated his profile, making him a household name.
Despite the glamour of styling for figures like Chris Tarrant and Olympic skaters Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean, Sorbie valued recognition for his craftsmanship. In 2004, Queen Elizabeth II honored him with an MBE, a moment Sorbie described as his “biggest accolade.”
A Turning Point: From Hairdressing to Humanitarian Work
As Sorbie began to step back from salon work in 2006, a life-changing request at Princess Alice Hospice in Surrey shifted his focus. A terminally ill woman asked him to style her wig for her wedding, an experience he later described as deeply unsettling yet profoundly meaningful. This moment inspired Sorbie to dedicate his efforts to helping people coping with medical hair loss.
In 2009, Sorbie founded My New Hair, a charity providing advice and wig customization services for individuals undergoing treatment. His personal experiences with family members battling cancer motivated this endeavor. The initiative also trained NHS staff and other professionals to support patients dealing with hair loss and regrowth after medical treatment.
Innovation Meets Compassion
Through My New Hair, Sorbie launched a free wig customization service in 2018, offering direct support to NHS patients. This initiative reinforced his belief in the transformative power of hairstyling beyond aesthetics, fostering confidence and dignity in people during their most vulnerable moments. Sorbie’s dedication to this cause showcased his ability to blend technical expertise with a deep sense of humanity.
Amy Watson | MSN | Through My New Hair, Sorbie launched a free wig customization service in 2018, offering direct support to NHS patients.
Challenges, Resilience, and Advocacy
While Sorbie achieved immense professional success, he openly spoke about personal struggles, including lifelong battles with depression and anxiety. In interviews, he credited adopting a dog for improving his mental health, describing the companionship and routine as transformative. Despite these challenges, Sorbie remained a steadfast advocate for mental health and resilience, using his platform to inspire others.
Sorbie faced another significant challenge when he was diagnosed with bowel cancer, later revealing the extent of his condition in 2024. Despite the prognosis, he emphasized spending time with his wife, Carole, and loved ones, underscoring the importance of family and connection in his final months.
