John Frieda, celebrity hairstylist and beauty entrepreneur, dies at 75

Renowned British hairstylist and entrepreneur John Frieda has died at the age of 75. His salon announced his passing on Tuesday via Instagram, stating he died peacefully while surrounded by his family. While a specific cause of death was not disclosed, industry mentor Nicola Clarke noted he had been bravely battling an illness.

Frieda rose to international fame for styling high-profile clients, including Princess Diana, Madonna, Twiggy, and Joanna Lumley. He is credited with inventing the iconic “Purdey” haircut in 1976. Beyond his salon work, he built a massive haircare empire, most notably through the Frizz Ease range developed with Gail Federici. In 2002, he sold his haircare brand to the Japanese corporation Kao for approximately $450 million.

Born Alan Howard Frieda in 1951, he grew up in a family of hairdressers. He was previously married to singer Lulu, with whom he shares a son, Jordan, and later married Avery Agnelli. He leaves behind a significant legacy in both the professional styling and global beauty product industries.