Tributes are being paid following the death of the world-renowned celebrity hairstylist John Frieda at the age of 75. Frieda worked with Diana, Princess of Wales, Madonna, Moulin Rouge’s Nicole Kidman and Marvel actress Scarlett Johansson over the years.
A Life in Hairdressing
Born in London in 1951, John’s love of hairdressing stemmed from his father, who owned a salon in Ealing. Additionally, his grandfather was a Fleet Street barber. Learning his craft with his dad, John joined the London hair salon House of Leonard and became the assistant of Leonard Lewis, the stylist credited with creating the haircut that launched the career of model Twiggy.
Over the years, John worked for British Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar. He helped style the hair of famous faces such as Twiggy, Jackie Onassis and Sir Mick Jagger.
The 'Purdey' Haircut and Product Empire
John is arguably best known for inventing the ‘purdey’ hairstyle. The bowl cut was designed for Dame Joanna Lumley in 1976 after she asked him for a schoolboy’s haircut for her role in the hit film The New Avengers. Opening his own salon that same year when he was 25, John married the Scottish singer Lulu. During the 1980s, he worked with American haircare executive Gail Federici to create his own product line, launching Frizz-Ease in 1988.
After he and Lulu separated in 1991, John went on to meet Frances Avery Agnelli 11 years later. They tied the knot in 2019 after nearly two decades together. That year also saw him sell his haircare product company to Japanese conglomerate Kao for £260 million. He kept five salons, with two located in London, two in New York and one in Los Angeles.
Tributes From Friends and Colleagues
His death was announced on the official Instagram account for his eponymous hair salon on Wednesday morning (November 4). He is survived by his wife, four children and two grandchildren. The announcement read: “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. 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.” It added: “Our thoughts are with John’s family and everyone who loved him. Rest in peace, John. You will be forever in our hearts.”
Leading the tribute to John was the British Beauty Council, who said: “Sending love and condolences.” Model, TV personality and Rolling Stones guitarist Ronnie Wood’s ex-wife Jo Wood added: “Oh No… that’s so sad. When I was 16 and John worked as an assistant at Lenards he would do my hair. He was so great… we would go to the pub after… but I couldn’t drink. RIP John it was lovely to know you.”
John’s stepdaughter, Asia Agnelli Lagrange, also confirmed his death on social media. She shared a series of photos of them together over the years and wrote: “Today we lost the best man to ever exist. I share this because I know he touched the lives of so many.”
Cetera Lamb, creative director at Frieda’s London salon, stated: “The industry has lost a true legend, a real maverick in hairdressing.
“For 50 years, he led our wonderful salon, leaving behind an incredible legacy of passion, creativity, vision and outstanding hairdressing. 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.”
