The celebrity hairstylist John Frieda, whose famous clients have included Princess Diana and Joanna Lumley, has died at the age of 75.
The news was announced on Tuesday night via the official Instagram account of the John Frieda Hair Salon. No specific details about his death were shared in the announcement.
The statement was posted alongside a black-and-white photograph of John, and read: "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. [white heart emoji] (sic)"
Colourist Nicola Clarke, whose clients include the likes of Madonna and Cate Blanchett, paid a touching tribute to her mentor.
She wrote: "This is one of the hardest posts to have to do. John Frieda, one of the most influential and wonderful mentors in my life, the kindest man, has sadly passed away after battling an illness so bravely. He was surrounded by his loving family."His talent and passion touched so many, and his legacy will live on in every single one of us. My thoughts are with John’s family and everyone who loved him. Rest in peace, John. You will be forever in our hearts."
John was born in London in 1951 and, as he grew up, worked part-time in his father's hairdressing salon before setting up on his own in his early 20s.
He became a household name thanks to his haircare business, including the popular Frizz Ease range, which was acquired by Japanese company Kao in 2002 for $450 million.
In 1977, he married singer Lulu and they had a son, Jordan, before divorcing in 1991.
He married again in 2019 to Avery Agnelli, the widow of Fiat heir Giovanni Alberto Agnelli, and they had two children together.
Avery's daughter Asia paid a touching tribute to her stepfather following his death. Sharing a series of personal photos, she wrote: "Sadly my J has passed away. Today we lost the best man to ever exist. I share this because I know he touched the lives of so many."
Cetera Lamb, the creative director at the John Frieda salon in Mayfair, London, remembered John as a "true legend" of the hairdressing world.
She posted on Instagram: “The industry has lost a true legend, 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. We will continue in his honour, celebrating his achievements and keeping his memory, values, vision and love for great hairdressing alive. His legacy will live on through us, and we will make sure of that.”
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