John Frieda, the renowned celebrity hairstylist and entrepreneur, has passed away at the age of 75. The sad news was conveyed on Tuesday, November 3, via the official Instagram account of his salon, although the announcement did not provide specific details regarding his death.
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The heartfelt post from the salon expressed profound sorrow, stating, “It is with heavy hearts that we share the news that our dear John passed away peacefully surrounded by his family.” The tribute acknowledged Frieda not only as a mentor but as a true icon of the hair industry, noting how his talent and passion significantly impacted the lives of many. “His legacy will live on in every single one of us,” the post continued, extending thoughts and prayers to Frieda’s family and followers.
Asia Agnelli Lagrange, Frieda’s stepdaughter, confirmed his passing through social media. In her emotional tribute, she shared, “Sadly, my J has passed away. Today we lost the best man to ever exist,” alongside cherished photographs that captured their bond over the years. Her heartfelt message was supplemented by a post from her half-brother, Jackson, Frieda’s youngest son, reflecting the family’s deep sense of loss.
Born Alan Howard Frieda on July 9, 1951, in Kenton, Middlesex, Frieda’s journey into the world of hairstyling was somewhat serendipitous. His father owned a salon in Ealing, which initially drew him into the profession. However, Frieda admitted that becoming a hairstylist was not part of his original plan. In his earlier days, he began working for his father and subsequently moved to the House of Leonard, where he eventually adopted his father’s name professionally due to practical reasons concerning naming conventions within the salon.
Frieda’s talent quickly brought him to the attention of influential publications and high-profile clients, including iconic figures such as Twiggy, Jackie Onassis, and Mick Jagger. His reputation soared, and by 1976, he became widely recognised for creating the “Purdey” haircut for actress Joanna Lumley, a style that would become synonymous with her character in the television series The New Avengers.
In the same year, Frieda established his own salon, driven by a quest for new challenges. His creative journey continued to evolve as he transitioned from hairstyling to product development in the 1980s when he collaborated with haircare executive Gail Federici. This partnership resulted in the launch of his much-acclaimed Frizz-Ease line in 1988. By the 1990s, he had firmly established himself not just as a stylist but also as a successful entrepreneur, with his products becoming household names in both the UK and the United States.
In his personal life, Frieda experienced a marriage to singer Lulu in 1976, with numerous celebrities attending the wedding. The couple later parted ways, though Frieda retained a fond connection to Lulu, often expressing admiration for her and their shared experiences, particularly concerning their son, Jordan. His second marriage to Frances Avery Agnelli, which began in 2002, resulted in two children, Leyla Luna and Jackson.
Frieda sold his haircare business to the Japanese conglomerate Kao for a staggering $450 million, while keeping ownership of his salons located in key cities such as London, New York, and Los Angeles. Throughout his illustrious career, he served a plethora of celebrity clientele, including Scarlett Johansson, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Nicole Kidman, enhancing their appearances while cultivating his distinct mark on the haircare industry.
He is survived by his wife, four children, and two grandchildren. As tributes continue to pour in from fans, colleagues, and celebrities alike, the impact John Frieda made on hair styling and the beauty industry will undoubtedly be remembered for years to come. His innovative spirit and dedication to his craft left an indelible mark that transformed the lives of many.
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