explore news CONVERSATIONS HEADER Creative head x authentic beauty concept techniques header inform home inform content connect home connect inform header home explore documents header creative projects header
Industry Icon Trevor Sorbie Passes Away Aged 75

Industry Icon Trevor Sorbie Passes Away Aged 75

Industry Icon Trevor Sorbie Passes Away Aged 75

A icon in every sense of the word, Trevor Sorbie transformed hairdressing across the globe with his creative approach. 

by KELSEY | INFORM

Trevor Sorbie

Trevor Sorbie MBE, an icon in the world of hairdressing, has passed away peacefully with his family and beloved dog by his side.

Trevor leaves behind an incredible legacy of creativity, compassion and inspiration. His hairdressing journey began at the age of 14 when he became an apprentice in his father’s barbershop in Ilford. This early start in the industry ignited a passion that would see him rise to become one of the most celebrated figures in hairdressing.

The wedge

In 1974, Trevor took the industry by storm with his groundbreaking creation, The Wedge, which catapulted him to global recognition when it featured in a double-page spread in Vogue. This was followed by further innovations such as Scrunch Drying in 1979 and The Chop, showcasing his continuous drive to reinvent hair artistry.

His flagship salon in Covent Garden, London, opened in 1979, with the industry coming together to celebrate its 45th anniversary earlier this year. His leadership inspired hair professionals worldwide, earning him countless accolades and the honour of being the first hairdresser to receive an MBE from Queen Elizabeth II in 2004 for services to British hairdressing.

Trevor’s legacy will continue on, safe in the hands of the incredible team of talents he mentored and inspired, who continue to uphold the values and excellence he championed. His outstanding contributions are noticeable through the industry, and he will always be remembered for his commitment to innovation, compassion and mentoring future generations. As he once said, “The future of anything is in forward progression.”

Speaking of Trevor’s passing, Creative HEAD’s editorial director, Amanda Nottage, said:

“We knew we would be saying goodbye soon, but that doesn’t make this message any easier. Trevor Sorbie has taught this industry an immeasurable amount about hairdressing, creativity, innovation and disrupting expectations, and even in death he’s been breaking the rules, being so open and transparent about the impending end of his life. An inspiration until the very end.

In the mid 1980s, my sister would make a 200-mile round trip every six weeks to get her hair cut at Trevor’s Covent Garden salon. She was young, and couldn’t afford the great man himself, but she wanted that cachet of being a client of his salon. His shampoo sat on her shower shelf. I remember thinking, “That’s where I want to go when I grow up”.

In 2012, returning from maternity leave, my first big project was to interview Trevor at Salon Smart, as he and the team staged a brilliant hair show inspired by the Covent Garden street performers so close to his salon. Meeting him for breakfast, I was frankly terrified and overwhelmed at the prospect of working with such a bloody icon, whose name was mentioned in the same breath as Vidal Sassoon and Leonard. But he was an absolute gem, rude and funny and bolshy. He gave me confidence I was sorely lacking, having been at home with a newborn for the previous eight months. He was brilliant up there on stage.

I had the absolute pleasure of spending time this week with Bree, Giuseppe, Nathan and Ryan, the team that is leading the charge now at the salon group. They talked of how proud they are of his faith in them, and how they’d spent a wonderful day at his home very recently, laughing constantly, surrounded by cards and messages from well-wishers across the country. “Who knew dying would be so much fun?” he joked. Doesn’t that say everything?

Goodbye Trevor. You leave a legacy that is absolutely extraordinary. You have inspired and mentored some of the very best hairdressers working today. You have created looks that have caused jaws to drop. You have helped restore the confidence of thousands with your My New Hair endeavour. And you’ve built a business that will now carry on your name with real heart and soul and artistry. Thank you from us all.”

Irish Hairdressers Federation Join March to Leinster House As Rising Costs Threaten Businesses

Irish Hairdressers Federation Join March to Leinster House As Rising Costs Threaten Businesses

Irish Hairdressers Federation Join March to Leinster House As Rising Costs Threaten Businesses

Salon owners join other small business leaders at rally calling for government support

by MADDI | INDUSTRY NEWS

Siobhan-Taylor-ISME-Protest-Leinster-House-15thOct-11

Salon owners from across Ireland joined the Irish Hairdressers Federation (IHF) outside Leinster House to protest the financial pressures facing small businesses following Budget 2025. The rally, which brought together SMEs across various industries, voiced concerns over rising costs, impacting small business owners nationwide. 

Timed during the Dáil session, the protest featured salon owners and supporters with placards reading “Save Our Salons”. Lisa Eccles, IHF president, highlighted unsustainable cost increases, from VAT and wage hikes to new statutory demands. Eccles pointed to the success of the 9% VAT rate in 2011, contrasting it with today’s 13.5% VAT rate and additional financial burdens.  

“Past government initiatives like VAT 9, which was introduced in 2011, were proven to be among the most successful measures they had implemented,” said Lisa. “In 2018, the government published their own report showcasing how this initiative increased employment, helped people open businesses, and encouraged entrepreneurship.” 

While the IHF supports enhanced employee benefits, they argue that recent government policies lack consultation with salon representatives or SMEs. The protest underscored the IHF’s call for reforms, such as SME representation on the Labour Employer Engagement Forum (LEEF) and adjusted tax, PRSI and VAT measures. 

The IHF thanked salon owners who attended, emphasising the urgency of supporting small businesses to sustain the economy. As a member of the SME Alliance, the IHF continues to advocate for policies that recognise the contributions of SMEs. 

A Fresh Start for Your Clients’ Hair

A Fresh Start for Your Clients’ Hair

A Fresh Start for Your Clients’ Hair

Promotion – JOICO

A deep-cleansing shampoo that removes build-up, protects colour, and leaves hair soft and shiny—perfect for salon professionals.

by CAITLYN | INFORM

As stylists, you know that hair endures a lot—product build-up, hard water residue, and environmental impurities can leave it dull and lifeless. But keeping hair healthy shouldn’t come at the expense of colour protection or moisture. Enter JOICO’s Defy Damage Detox Shampoo—a salon-essential that delivers a deep detox while building bonds and keeping hair vibrant. 

A gentle yet powerful detox, The Defy Damage Detox Shampoo offers more than just a cleanse—it’s formulated to remove heavy metals, copper, and salts that accumulate from everyday life, while also preserving your client’s colour. With bio-based chelators and activated charcoal as its hero ingredients, this formula acts as a magnet for impurities without stripping away essential moisture. 

Want to ensure the best results before colour services? This shampoo not only preps hair for colour but also ensures it’s in optimal condition, so colour adheres better and lasts longer. Think of it as the perfect first step before any treatment.  

This shampoo is professional-tested and client-loved. Bruno Marc Giamattei, creative director at JOICO EMEA, shares: “Hard water and build-up can be the hidden culprits behind damaged hair. The Defy Damage Detox Shampoo works wonders to reset hair, preparing it for colour while keeping it protected and smooth.” 

Give your clients healthy hair that shines with the Defy Damage Detox Shampoo. It is not just about detoxing—thanks to Moringa Seed Oil and Vegan SmartRelease Technology, hair is left nourished, shiny, and protected from future damage. It’s a must-have for stylists who want to keep their clients’ hair looking and feeling its best after every wash. 

 

Why Your Salon Needs It: 

  • Removes stubborn build-up from hard water and product residue. 
  • Preps hair for optimal colour absorption. 
  • Protects colour and leaves hair soft and shiny. 
  • Formulated with activated charcoal and bond-building technology. 

Discover JOICO Defy Damage Detox Shampoo and transform the way you cleanse hair in your salon.  

UK Talent Triumphs At Davines’ International Hair Gala

UK Talent Triumphs At Davines’ International Hair Gala

UK Talent Triumphs At Davines’ International Hair Gala

Hair industry icons push the boundaries of style in a three-day celebration of coiffured creativity

by CAITLYN | INDUSTRY NEWS

The Davines 2024 World Wide Hair Tour (WWHT) in Berlin was a spectacular, three-day celebration of creativity and talent, drawing over 2,400 attendees from 53 countries. The event kicked off with the Davines Experience at Alte Munze, where attendees immersed themselves in exhibits and activities before the main events. During the Welcome Dinner, the top 10 finalists of the Talent Green House initiative showcased their interpretations of the Davines Hair Identity, setting the stage for the grand finale.  

The Talent Green House programme is Davines’ 18-month global mentoring initiative designed to develop the next generation of hairstylists. It offers aspiring talent from around the world a chance to hone both their technical and creative skills through a series of online modules and mentorship from industry heavyweights like Robert Lobetta and Candice McKay. Focusing on everything from trend forecasting to design principles, the program equips participants with the tools they need to thrive in the competitive hairdressing world.  

Ben Grace 

The winner? Ben Grace, a UK hairstylist from Radio London’s education team, whose “keen sensitivity and intuition for emerging trends” led him to reimagine a classic style with raw, innovative techniques. Ben now has the opportunity to create a collection for WWHT 2026, further cementing his place in the industry. 

The magic continued on day two, with world-renowned hairstylists taking to the stage to showcase their talent. Danny Pato, New Zealand’s 2024 Hairdresser of the Year, kicked off the performances with his collection inspired by “the feminine power of three royal sisters, the Nomad Queens.” His avant-garde hairstyles fused bold shapes and cultural elements, delivering a visual spectacle that wowed the audience. Next up was Annie Ankervik, who presented her Alchemy of Superheroes show, urging attendees to embrace their inner strengths and rise to the challenges of today’s world. 

Radio London made their mark with a performance celebrating Berlin’s creative subcultures. Their live styling sessions, enhanced with cinematic video footage, offered a behind-the-scenes glimpse into their process and captured the city’s vibrant diversity.  

Coray Absolut, the 2022 Talent Green House winner, continued the showcase with his Prioller show. Drawing on his Turkish heritage and personal memories, Coray blended vibrant prints, scarves, and his signature roller technique, promoting individuality and empowerment with every look. Following him was Jesus Oliver, who presented a performance inspired by amber, using structured cuts to bring out rich shades of red, copper, and yellow, creating a dazzling effect on stage. 

The event concluded with a show-stopping finale by Michael Polsinelli, whose “visual distortion” performance turned imperfection into art. Using unconventional materials like rubber tubing and mesh, he created complex hairstyles that took inspiration from nature and the universe, leaving the audience in awe. 

Work of Coray Absolut, Jesus Oliver and Michael Polsinelli 

Fellowship for British Hairdressing Announces Project Scotland

Fellowship for British Hairdressing Announces Project Scotland

Fellowship for British Hairdressing’s Announces Project Scotland, Leading the Charge to Elevate Scottish Hairdressers

This new project is going to be Scotland’s premier platform for creative hair professionals—offering education, exposure, and the tools to transform the industry.

by CAITLYN | INFORM

Project Scotland, in partnership with The Fellowship for British Hairdressing, is designed to showcase and elevate the very best of Scottish hairdressing talent. The new initiative will offer a programme packed with eight education days and an exclusive photoshoot, allowing participants to delve into every aspect of hair artistry—from cutting and colouring to styling and beyond.  

Applications for the programme open on 14 October, before closing on 11 November. This exciting opportunity is perfect for any hairdresser looking to take their hairdressing craft to the next level.

What truly sets Project Scotland apart is its commitment to supporting homegrown talent. Each participant will have the chance to work alongside Scotland’s top hair professionals, learning from their expertise while sharpening their own abilities. Whether it’s through photoshoots, stage time at prestigious events like HairCon Manchester, or the Project Grand Finale, team mentees will have ample opportunities to showcase their skills in front of live audiences. 

Leading the charge for Project Scotland is the managing director of Medusa, Scotland’s fastest-growing salon group, known for its six innovative salons and a cutting-edge academy. As Wella UK style director and global business mentor, he brings unparalleled expertise in both creative cutting and business education, with a mission to champion Scotland’s talent and shape the future of global hairdressing. 

But it’s not just about stage lights and applause, Project Scotland is about growing the next generation of hair professionals, empowering them to push boundaries and contribute to Scotland’s thriving hairdressing scene. The programme offers a real-world platform for putting new techniques into practice, allowing mentees to create, experiment, and grow. 

Whether you’re a rising star in cutting, colouring, or styling, this is your opportunity to elevate your craft and join a community that values innovation and artistry. Become part of the next wave of Scottish hairdressing talent. 

For more information on how to apply, click here.  

Continue Reading

No Results Found

The posts you requested could not be found. Try changing your module settings or create some new posts.