Celebrity hairstylist John Frieda, known for styling stars such as Scarlett Johansson, Gwyneth Paltrow, Nicole Kidman, Madonna and Princess Diana, has died at the age of 75. He passed away surrounded by his family, according to an announcement.
Salon pays tribute to a 'true icon'
John Frieda's salon shared the news on Instagram, writing: "It is with heavy hearts that we share the news that our dear John passed away peacefully ….surrounded by his family."
The statement continued: "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 stepdaughter Asia also posted: "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."
From Middlesex to a global haircare brand
Born in Middlesex, UK in 1951, John Frieda went on to create one of the world's most famous haircare brands. His father was also a hairdresser, and his grandfather was a barber on Fleet Street. Originally named Alan, he changed his name because another Alan already worked at the salon. He recalled: "In the salon, you go by your first name. There was another Alan. You can’t have two hairdressers going by the same name."
He worked for publications including Vogue and Harper's Bazaar and styled celebrity clients such as Twiggy and Mick Jagger. At 25, he opened his own salon after seeking a "new challenge". He married singer Lulu, with Ringo Starr, Elton John and Tom Jones attending the wedding. He launched his own product line in the 1980s, and Frizz-Ease remains popular today.
Family and legacy
Speaking about his split from Lulu, with whom he shares son Jordan, he said: "She is an incredible person. And if I’d not been uptight, paranoid, not wanting to be ‘Mr. Lulu’… But I was a young guy. Whatever happened, whatever the reasons, you never stop loving that person. You may be angry, you may be worried about things, you may feel something happened that you didn’t like. But you have not left that person. I never stopped loving her. She’s the mother of my son."
He later married Frances Avery Agnelli, with whom he had daughter Luna and son Jackson. He also had a stepdaughter, who was four years old when he met his second wife. During his career, he styled Hollywood stars including Scarlett Johansson, Gwyneth Paltrow, Nicole Kidman, Madonna and Princess Diana. He is survived by his wife, his four children and two grandchildren.
