Entertainment

John Frieda, Iconic British Hairstylist and Brand Founder, Dies at 75

By Today News Hours Editorial Desk

British celebrity hairstylist and beauty brand entrepreneur John Frieda died at the age of 75. Frieda, who rose to prominence in the 1960s and 1970s, cut hair for high‑profile clients including model Twiggy, First Lady Jackie Kennedy, and Rolling Stones frontman Mick Jagger. He also created the Purdey bowl cut for Joanna Lumley in 1976 and launched a range of hair products bearing his name. His death was announced by his salon on Instagram on Tuesday, with the statement reading: “It is with heavy hearts that we share the news that our dear John passed away peacefully…surrounded by his family.” The post added, “John was more than a mentor to us; he was a true icon of the hair industry. He was the person who taught us everything, believed in us, and made us better. Rest in peace, John. You will be forever in our hearts.” Frieda’s client list also included Diana, Princess of Wales, Madonna, Nicole Kidman and Scarlett Johansson. Born Alan Howard Frieda in London in 1951, he entered the family hairdressing business after his father owned a salon in Ealing and his grandfather had been a Fleet Street barber. He later worked as an assistant at Leonard Lewis’s House of Leonard, a salon known for creating Twiggy’s crop, and for British Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar. In 1976 he opened his own salon in central London, which quickly became highly sought after. He expanded the business internationally, opening branches in Barbados, Ibiza and Los Angeles. In the 1990s Frieda shifted focus from cutting hair to developing his own product line, including the Frizz‑Ease hair serum launched in 1988. The company grew rapidly and was sold in 2002 to Japanese conglomerate Kao for $450 million (£334 million). In a June interview with the British Beauty Council, Frieda advised future generations of British hairdressers: “If you have a client in front of you, rather than thinking about the money or what you're getting from cutting their hair, just think about the action. The reward is giving her the best haircut she's ever had. That is your reward.” Frieda was married to singer Lulu from 1977 to 1990, with whom he had a son, actor‑turned‑food entrepreneur Jordan Frieda. He later married Avery Agnelli, the widow of Fiat heir Giovanni Agnelli, and had two children and a stepdaughter with her. His step‑daughter, Asia Agnelli Lagrange, posted photos of the family on Instagram with the caption: “Today we lost the best man to ever exist. I share this because I know he touched the lives of so many.” Tributes came from the British Beauty Council, TV presenter Trinny Woodall, model and TV personality Jo Wood, and creative director Cetera Lamb of Frieda’s London salon, all describing him as a legend and maverick in the industry. The salon pledged to honour his legacy and keep his values alive.}