Trevor Sorbie: Remembering the Innovator Behind the Wedge Haircut

Legacy: Creator of the iconic &#8220;wedge&#8221; haircut.
Influence: Inspired by cultural movements of the 1970s.
Innovator: Known for his scrunch drying method popularized in the 1980s.
Recognition: Featured in major publications like Vogue .

Trevor Sorbie: A Tribute to a Hairdressing Pioneer

Trevor Sorbie, a renowned celebrity hairstylist, passed away on Friday at the age of 75 in his home located in Fareham, England. His death was confirmed by Bree Davie, the chief executive of Sorbie’s company. Just a month prior, Mr. Sorbie had revealed that he was battling bowel cancer that had unfortunately spread to his liver.

Throughout his illustrious career, Mr. Sorbie was celebrated for his innovative approaches to hairstyling and was particularly famous for creating the iconic “wedge” haircut, which gained immense popularity through figure skater Dorothy Hamill. This distinctive style not only captured the attention of the public but also became a defining look of the 1970s, thanks to Hamill’s captivating performances during the 1976 Olympics and her appearances in various shampoo commercials.

The wedge haircut, characterized by short hair at the nape of the neck with longer layers framing the face, was originally designed by Mr. Sorbie in 1974. This groundbreaking style emerged almost serendipitously as he styled a model for a stage show in Paris. The overwhelming demand for the haircut led to its feature in a two-page spread in Vogue magazine, cementing its place in fashion history. As Mr. Sorbie reflected on the impact of the wedge, he stated, “The wedge captured the spirit of the time and was flaunted in nightclubs around the world.” He further acknowledged, “I now understood the power of invention.”

Mr. Sorbie believed that hairstyles, much like clothing trends or musical melodies, possess the remarkable ability to evoke the energy and rebellion of a specific era. Throughout his career, he endeavored to embody the cultural spirit of different times while fearlessly pushing the boundaries of self-expression in hairstyling.