Celebrity hairstylist John Frieda passes away at 75: How Frizz Ease founder built a beauty brand
Salon shares news of his death
The official John Frieda Salon Instagram account announced his death on Tuesday, November 3. The salon said Frieda died peacefully with his family around him. In its statement, the salon described him as an industry icon who taught and encouraged those who worked with him. It said his influence would live on through people he mentored and worked alongside.
A career in hairdressing
Born in England in 1951, Frieda followed his father into hairdressing and established himself in London. He opened his first salon in 1976. That same year, he created Joanna Lumley’s “Purdey” haircut for the television series The New Avengers. Over his career, he worked with Madonna, Nicole Kidman, Sarah Jessica Parker, Gwyneth Paltrow, Scarlett Johansson and Twiggy, as well as Princess Diana and Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis.
Building the Frizz Ease brand
In the late 1980s, Frieda and Gail Federici developed the Frizz Ease haircare line. Its success helped establish his name as an international beauty brand. He later launched the Sheer Blonde range. In 2002, he sold his haircare company to Japanese cosmetics company Kao in a deal reportedly valued at $450 million, while keeping his salon business.
Key points
- John Frieda, founder of Frizz Ease, died at 75, his salon announced.
- He opened his first salon in London in 1976 and styled prominent entertainers and public figures.
- Frieda developed Frizz Ease with Gail Federici and later expanded into Sheer Blonde.
- He sold his haircare company to Kao in 2002 in a deal reportedly worth $450 million.