Celebrity hairdresser Trevor Sorbie dies aged 75 after revealing he had ‘months to live’-Emily Bashforth-Entertainment – Metro

Celebrity hairdresser Trevor Sorbie has died (Picture: Ken McKay/ITV/Shutterstock)

Celebrity hairdresser Trevor Sorbie has died, aged 75.

It comes after he was diagnosed with terminal cancer, with posts on his social media accounts confirming the sad news.

A statement from the brand’s official page shared that Sorbie ‘passed away peacefully with his family and beloved dog by his side.’

The Scottish-born stylist, who gained fame with the creation of the wedge cut as well as his TV appearances, revealed in October he had weeks to live after his bowel cancer had spread to his liver.

Paying tribute to their esteemed founder, a statement read: ‘Trevor’s journey, marked by unparalleled creativity and kindness, has left an indelible mark on the world of hairdressing and beyond.

‘From pioneering The Wedge five decades ago to establishing our first salon in 1979, Trevor’s vision set new standards and continues to inspire generations. As we commemorate 45 years of Trevor Sorbie salons, we remain steadfast in upholding the passion, artistry, and dedication that he embodied.

Sorbie started cutting hair as an apprentice to his father in 1964 before opening his own barbers in North London aged 20 in 1969 (Picture: Patrick Barth/Shutterstock)

‘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.’

On the plans to honour Sorbie’s wishes, the statement confirmed that there will not be a funeral.

‘In lieu of flowers, we invite you to support four charities: Marie Curie, Cancer Research UK, Rowans Hospice, and My New Hair, all close to his heart.

‘We also plan to celebrate his remarkable life and contributions with a special event next year and will share details in due course,’ his team added.

‘Thank you for being an integral part of our community and for your continued support as we honour Trevor’s legacy,’ their message concluded.

Sorbie was known for cutting the hair of the rich and famous, including Grace Jones, The Beach Boys, and Dame Helen Mirren.

He dedicated much of his work to helping people suffering from hair loss due to sickness (Picture: Ken McKay/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)

However, it was the opportunity to help sick people suffering from hair loss that made him proud.

Born in Paisley, Scotland, on March 13 1949, his family later moved to England where Sorbie was bullied at school, leading him to drop out as a teenager when he began as an apprentice in his father’s barbershop.

In 1979, he opened the first Trevor Sorbie salon in Covent Garden, London, with the company going on to open locations in Brighton, Bristol, Hampstead, Manchester, and Richmond.

Sorbie was a four-time British Hairdresser of the Year winner, and his methods helped to transform the world of hairdressing through trend-setting styles such as the wolf man, sculpture, and the wave – and a fast-drying process called the scrunch.

He garnered increased public attention thanks to various broadcast appearances, including This Morning, The Wright Stuff, GMTV, and Mary Queen of Shops.

He also appeared on Channel 4 programme Faking It, where a professional would show a novice how to excel in their field as a mentor, along with TV chef Gordon Ramsay.

Paula Yates presents the British Hairdresser of the Year trophy to Sorbie in1986 (Picture: Peter Stone/Mirrorpix via Getty Images)

Despite numerous awards and styling the hair of Chris Tarrant, Chesney Hawkes, and Olympic skaters Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean, Sorbie said his ‘biggest accolade’ was being made an MBE by Queen Elizbeth II in 2004.

Sorbie began volunteering at Princess Alice Hospice in Esher, Surrey, after beginning to step back from the salon floor in 2006.

He told The Times ‘it really unnerved’ him when he was asked to cut the wig of a patient for her wedding, but told she might die before then.

‘She died the next day, but as I shut the door (after cutting her wig), I remember thinking for the first time in my life, “I’m not just a hairdresser; I feel special”,’ he recalled.

In 2009, he began to focus his efforts on his charity, My New Hair, which gives advice to patients and NHS staff on wig styling, hair loss, and re-growth after treatment.

In 2018, he launched a free wig customisation service for NHS patients who have experienced medical hair loss, including those undergoing chemotherapy, at his home through My New Hair.

Sorbie cut and styled the hair of many stars throughout his life (Picture: REX/Shutterstock)

Being made an MBE in 2004 was one of his proudest acheivements (Picture: Richard Gardner/REX/Shutterstock)

A year later, he revealed to BBC Radio 4’s Desert Island Discs that he was seeking to retire but would continue to cut wigs for people who had lost their hair.

Sorbie also told the Sunday radio show that he had been going through depression and anxiety for much of his life.

He was later diagnosed with bowel cancer and revealed the extent of his condition in October 2024 during an appearance on ITV’s This Morning.

Sorbie said he was told in June 2024 that he had ‘maybe six’ months to live after the cancer spread to his liver and he underwent a six-and-a-half-hour operation to remove sections of it.

He explained that his surgeon would no longer operate as it was too close to a major blood vessel.

Sorbie shared his plans to spend the time he had left with his wife, Carole, and loved ones.

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