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‘A true icon of the hair industry’: Celebrity hairstylist John Frieda dies aged 75

By · Via The Guardian Business · Published by Everything Blog

In short

The British stylist, who started his journey at London's House of Leonard, built international acclaim through iconic looks such as Joanna Lumley's "Purdey" bowl cut. In the late 1980s and 1990s, he teamed up with Gail Federici to create groundbreaking consumer products like Frizz Ease and Sheer Blonde. Frieda eventually sold his namesake product brand to Japanese conglomerate Kao in 2002 for $450 million. He retained ownership of five salons across London, New York, and Los Angeles until his death.

Key points

  • Frieda transitioned from celebrity styling to mass-market retail with product lines like…: Frieda transitioned from celebrity styling to mass-market retail with product lines like Frizz Ease and Sheer Blonde.
  • The entrepreneur sold his hair care product business to Japanese conglomerate Kao for $45…: The entrepreneur sold his hair care product business to Japanese conglomerate Kao for $450 million in 2002.
  • He maintained personal ownership of five salons located across London, New York, and Los…: He maintained personal ownership of five salons located across London, New York, and Los Angeles.

Sources checked by our analysis pipeline: 1

John Frieda, the celebrity hairstylist who launched his own bestselling hair product range, has died aged 75, it has been announced.

In an Instagram post, his salon wrote: “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.

“Our thoughts are with John’s family and everyone who loved him.

“Rest in peace, John. You will be forever in our hearts.”

The London-born businessman, whose father was a hairdresser and whose grandfather was a barber, styled many celebrities throughout his lifetime, from Twiggy and Jackie Kennedy Onassis to Scarlett Johansson, Madonna, Nicole Kidman and Diana, Princess of Wales.

He created the famous “Purdey” hairstyle – a statement bowl cut – for…

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