John Frieda, the Pioneer Behind Frizz Ease and the Purdey Cut, Dies at 75

Key points

• John Frieda, the British celebrity hairstylist and founder of the Frizz Ease brand, has died at age 75.
• His passing was announced on his salon's Instagram, describing him as an 'icon' of the industry.
• Frieda, born Alan Howard Frieda in 1951, styled icons like Princess Diana and Madonna, and created the famous 'Purdey' bowl cut for Joanna Lumley in 1976.
• He sold his hair care company to Japanese conglomerate Kao for $450 million in 2002.
• Survived by his wife, four children, and two grandchildren, his cause of death remains undisclosed.

Background

Frieda's career spanned over five decades, beginning in the 1960s at London's House of Leonard salon. He transitioned from a stylist to a global beauty entrepreneur, launching the Frizz Ease line in 1988 and the Sheer Blonde line in 1998. His move to the United States in 1990 to focus on his growing brand contributed to the end of his first marriage to singer Lulu. He later married Avery Agnelli in 2019. In 2002, he sold his hair care company to Japanese conglomerate Kao for $450 million, retaining ownership of five salons in London, New York, and Los Angeles.

How outlets are covering it

All four outlets (NBC News, BBC, The Guardian, and USA Today) confirm the core facts of his death at age 75 and the announcement via his salon's Instagram. They agree on his major achievements, including the creation of the 'Purdey' cut for Joanna Lumley in 1976 and the launch of Frizz Ease in 1988. The BBC and The Guardian emphasize his early career at House of Leonard and his work with British Vogue and Harper's Bazaar. USA Today provides specific details about his children, including the ages of his sons Jackson (19) and daughter Leyla (21), and his grandchildren. All sources note that his cause of death was not disclosed. The BBC and The Guardian highlight his sale of the company to Kao for $450 million in 2002, while NBC News focuses more on his celebrity clients and the emotional tribute from his stepdaughter.

Why it matters

John Frieda's death marks the end of an era in celebrity hairstyling and beauty entrepreneurship. His transition from a stylist to a global brand owner with Frizz Ease set a precedent for the industry. His work with high-profile clients and his iconic cuts, like the Purdey, influenced fashion and pop culture for decades. His sale of his company to Kao for $450 million demonstrated the commercial potential of the beauty industry. His legacy continues through his salons and the products that bear his name.

What to watch

The beauty industry and his family will likely continue to honor his legacy. His salons in London, New York, and Los Angeles are expected to remain open, continuing his work. Tributes from industry figures and celebrities are expected to continue. The cause of his death remains undisclosed, and no further details are expected at this time.