Celebrity hairstylist and beauty entrepreneur John Frieda, the mastermind behind the bestselling Frizz Ease haircare range, has died aged 75. The London-born businessman passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, according to an emotional statement shared by his salon on 4 November 2026. His cause of death has not been disclosed.
Frieda built an international reputation styling some of the world's biggest stars, including Madonna, Twiggy, Nicole Kidman and Diana, Princess of Wales. He also created Joanna Lumley's iconic 'Purdey' hairstyle before turning his expertise into a global beauty business that was sold to Japan's Kao Corporation for $450 million, approximately £288 million, in 2002.
His salon announced his death in an Instagram statement, describing him as 'a true icon of the hair industry'. 'It is with heavy hearts that we share the news that our dear John passed away peacefully ... surrounded by his family', the statement read.
From London Hairdresser to Celebrity Favourite
Born Alan Howard Frieda in Middlesex in 1951, he came from a family of hairdressers. His father worked as a hairdresser, while his grandfather was a barber. He began his career at London's House of Leonard salon, adopting the name John because another stylist was already called Alan.
In 1976, aged 25, he opened his first salon and created the distinctive 'Purdey' hairstyle for Joanna Lumley in The New Avengers. The recognisable bowl cut became one of British television's memorable looks. Frieda went on to style celebrities including Jackie Kennedy Onassis, Madonna, Scarlett Johansson and Nicole Kidman, while also working for leading British fashion publications.
How Frizz Ease Built a Global Beauty Business
Frieda's biggest commercial success came through his partnership with American haircare executive Gail Federici during the 1980s. His haircare products first appeared in the UK through Boots in 1988, before Frizz Ease entered the US mass market in 1990.
The range, designed to help manage frizzy hair and achieve smoother-looking styles, became a household name. The business expanded further with the introduction of Sheer Blonde in 1998.
In 2002, Kao Corporation acquired John Frieda Professional Hair Care in a deal valued at $450 million, equivalent to approximately £288 million at the exchange rate at the time. The acquisition was made through Kao's US subsidiary, Andrew Jergens Company.
Despite selling the haircare business, Frieda retained ownership of five salons: two in London, two in New York and one in Los Angeles.
Tributes Pour in for the Hairdressing Legend
Following news of his death, colleagues and friends shared emotional tributes celebrating his influence. Cetera Lamb, creative director of Frieda's London salon, described him as a 'real maverick in hairdressing'. 'For 50 years, he led our wonderful salon, leaving behind an incredible legacy of passion, creativity, vision and outstanding hairdressing', she said.
Model and television personality Jo Wood also remembered Frieda, recalling how he styled her hair when she was 16. 'When I was 16, and John worked as an assistant at Leonards, he would do my hair. He was so great... we would go to the pub after... but I couldn't drink', she wrote.
His stepdaughter, Asia Agnelli Lagrange, shared photographs of them, writing: 'Sadly my J has passed away. Today we lost the best man to ever exist'.
John Frieda's Family Life
Frieda married Scottish singer Lulu in 1977, and they had a son, Jordan, before their marriage ended. He later married Avery Agnelli in 2019. They had two children together, Jackson and Leyla. Frieda was also the stepfather of Avery's daughter, Asia Agnelli Lagrange.
From styling international celebrities to creating bestselling haircare products, Frieda leaves behind a lasting legacy in fashion and beauty. His work transformed haircare routines around the world and established him as one of the industry's most influential figures.
