Iconic British hairstylist John Frieda has died at age 75.
Frieda, born Alan Howard Frieda in London in 1959, passed away peacefully surrounded by family, according to a statement posted Tuesday to his official Instagram account. His cause of death has not been disclosed.
“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.”
The post continued: “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.”
Frieda’s stepdaughter Asia Agnelli also confirmed the news in her own social media post on Tuesday. “Sadly my J has passed away. Today we lost the best man to ever exist,” she wrote. “I share this because I know he touched the lives of so many.”
Frieda’s path into hairdressing began in his father’s London salon, where he worked part-time as a teenager. He later trained professionally and opened his first salon in 1976 while still in his twenties, building a client roster that eventually included Princess Diana.
“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.”
His career expanded far beyond the salon chair. Frieda launched his own product range designed to deliver salon results at home, with Frizz Ease becoming a global best-seller. In 2002, he sold the brand to Japan’s Kao Corporation for a reported £260 million, though he continued operating his salons.
Cetera Lamb, creative director at the John Frieda salon in Mayfair, paid tribute to his five-decade leadership. “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,” Lamb added. “His legacy will live on through us, and we will make sure of that.”
Celebrity hair colourist Nicola Clarke also mourned the loss, writing: “John Frieda, one of the most influential and wonderful mentors in my life, the kindest man, has sadly passed away.”
Frieda’s personal life included two marriages. He wed Scottish singer Lulu in 1977, and the couple had son Jordan before divorcing in 1991. He later married Avery Agnelli, with whom he had two more children, Jackson and Leyla, and became stepfather to her daughter Asia.
The Instagram statement from his official account closed with a final farewell: “Our thoughts are with John’s family and everyone who loved him. Rest in peace, John. You will be forever in our hearts.”