Legendary celebrity hairstylist John Frieda dies aged 75

Iconic British hairstylist John Frieda has died aged 75.

The legendary hairstylist, who had his own range of haircare products, ‘passed away peacefully’ surrounded by his loved one, according to a statement shared on his official Instagram account.

“It is with heavy hearts that we share the news that our dear John passed away peacefully surrounded by his family,” the statement read.

“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.

“His talent and passion touched so many, and his legacy will live on in every single one of us. We will continue to do him proud.

“Our thoughts are with John’s family and everyone who loved him.

“Rest in peace, John. You will be forever in our hearts.”

His cause of death has not been made public.

Frieda, born in London in 1959 as Alan Howard Frieda.

His dad owned a hairdressing salon, where Frieda worked part-time as a teenager before going on to train as a hairstylist.

“I became a hairdresser for all the wrong reasons, to get out of studying,” he previously told The Standard.

“My father was very angry. But when he realised I was determined, he said I must work for the top salon in London.”

In 1976, when he was still in his 20s, Frieda opened his first salon and over the next several decades worked with a slew of high-profile celebrity clients, including the late Princess Diana.

He gained notoriety across the globe with the launch of his own product range that was designed to give salon-worthy results at home.

The range, which included the best-seller Frizz Ease, was eventually sold to Japan’s Kao Corporation in 2002 for a reported £260 million, but he continued to run his salons.

Frieda married twice, first to Scottish singer Lulu in 1977 with the pair going on to welcome a son Jordan, before eventually parting ways in 1991.

He later married Avery Agnelli and went on to have two more children - Jackson and Leyla - as well as becoming step-dad to Avery’s daughter Asia.

In a post on social media on Tuesday (3 November), Asia wrote: “Sadly my J has passed away. Today we lost the best man to ever exist.

“I share this because I know he touched the lives of so many.”

Friends and colleagues have also shared tributes, with celebrity hair colourist Nicola Clarke saying: “John Frieda, one of the most influential and wonderful mentors in my life, the kindest man, has sadly passed away.”

Cetera Lamb, the creative director at the John Frieda salon in Mayfair, hailed his as a ‘true legend’ of the industry.

“For 50 years, he led our wonderful salon, leaving behind an incredible legacy of passion, creativity, vision and outstanding hairdressing,” she said.

“We will continue in his honour, celebrating his achievements and keeping his memory, values, vision and love for great hairdressing alive.

“His legacy will live on through us, and we will make sure of that.”