John Frieda, celebrity hairstylist and founder of the hair-care brand, dies aged 75

Celebrity hairstylist John Frieda, whose hair care brand is found across the world, has died at the age of 75.

The official John Frieda Salon Instagram page announced the death of the icon on Wednesday morning with a black and white image showing a smiling Frieda.

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

The cause of Frieda’s death was not announced.

The stylist was born in London in 1951. His father owned a hairdressing salon where Frieda worked as a teenager.

He trained as a hair stylist and launched his first salon while he was in his twenties, with his father’s backing.

Frieda married pop singer Lulu in 1977 and the couple had a son, actor Jordan Frieda.

The pair divorced in 1991.

He launched the Frizz Ease serum, which made him a household name, and sold his hair-care business, including Frizz Ease and Sheer Blonde, to Kao in 2002 for a reported $450 million (about £300 million at the time).

Frieda later married Avery Agnelli, widow of Fiat heir Giovanni Alberto Agnelli, in 2019.

The couple had two children together and he was close with Agnelli’s daughter by her previous marriage, Asia Agnelli Lagrange.

Asia shared on Instagram, 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.”

Members of the hairdressing industry paid tribute to the man described as a ‘legend’.

Celebrity colourist Nicola Clarke, who has worked with Cate Blanchett and Madonna, wrote “John Frieda, one of the most influential and wonderful mentors in my life, the kindest man, has sadly passed away.”

Cetera Lamb, creative director of the John Frieda salon in Mayfair, London wrote on Instagram, “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.”