Trevor Sorbie to be given honourary doctorate
The man behind the Wedge, the Chop and the Scrunch is to be honoured by his home town.
Trevor Sorbie, who is the grandson of Paisley barbers, rose to become one of the UK’s bestknown hairdressers, inventing renowned styles sported by women all over the world.
And next week he will receive an Honorary Doctorate from the University of the West of Scotland (UWS).
He said: “I was completely taken by surprise when the news of my honorary doctorate was announced.
“I found it such an honour and I’m really humbled by it.
“I’ve been lucky enough to always do what I love, so it’s never felt like ‘ work’ to me. So to be recognised in this way, for doing what I love, is a bonus I would never have expected.
“I very happily accepted the honour, and the fact that it’s come from Paisley, where I was born, is even more special.
“There are certain days in your life that you never forge and I know that this ceremony will definitely be right up there, along with receiving my MBE from The Queen.”
Trevor moved to England when he was 11, and when he left school at 15 he began cutting hair as an apprentice to his father in Ilford in 1964.
It was at the age of just 20 that he opened a barber’s shop in Edmonton, North London, in 1969.
A rapid rise in the world of hairdressing was to follow.
It was in 1972 that he went to work for renowned hairdresser Vidal Sassoon, becoming artistic director in 1973.
And, in 1979, he opened his own salon in Covent Garden.
A major name in the business, he is affectionately known as the Godfather of hairdressing.
As well as opening salons, he has opened academies in London and China.
His other achievements include owning successful product ranges, founding the charity mynewhair, winning numerous industry awards and many TV appearances, and being the first hairdresser to receive an MBE in 2004.
Professor Craig Mahoney, principal and vice-chancellor of UWS, said: “Trevor has extremely close links with Paisley and we are delighted to welcome him back to his home town to present him with this award.
“This Honorary Doctorate recognises not only his outstanding contribution in the field of business and entrepreneurship but also his social awareness of suffering in cancer patients, both areas in which UWS shares a passion.”