John Frieda, the hairstylist known for working with Madonna and Princess Diana and for creating the Frizz-Ease haircare line, has died at the age of 75. The Middlesex-born stylist died surrounded by his family, according to an announcement.
A Legacy in Haircare and Celebrity Clients
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. John was more than a mentor to us; he was a true icon of the hair industry."
The post continued: "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 paid tribute, writing: "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 Salon to Global Brand
Born in 1951, Frieda went on to create one of the world's most famous haircare brands. His father was a hairdresser and his grandfather a barber on Fleet Street. Although he had not planned to enter the industry, his father encouraged him to start working in it.
Born Alan, he changed his name because another Alan already worked in the salon. "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 recalled, becoming known as John Frieda.
He worked for publications including Vogue and Harper's Bazaar and counted Twiggy and Mick Jagger among his celebrity clients. At 25, he opened his own salon, seeking a "new challenge."
Personal Life and Tributes
Frieda married singer Lulu, with Ringo Starr, Elton John and Tom Jones attending the wedding. He created his own product line in the 1980s, and Frizz-Ease remains a fan favourite on shelves today.
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 worked on the hair of Scarlett Johansson, Gwyneth Paltrow, Nicole Kidman, Madonna and Princess Diana. He is survived by his wife, four children and two grandchildren.
Tributes on social media included: "I'm in complete shock at the passing of John Frieda. He was a true pioneer, a remarkable man and always so kind and generous with his time." Another read: "RIP this is so sad what a legend," and one comment said: "Oh I'm so shocked and feel heartbroken to find out this news. John was such a big inspiration to me and I worked for him for 18 years and 5 months. I owe so much to him."
