Celebrity hair stylist John Frieda dies aged 75

Celebrity hair stylist John Frieda, whose name can be found on shampoo bottles in salons around Australia and the world, has died aged 75.

His death was announced on the official John Frieda Salon Instagram account on Wednesday morning, alongside a black and white photo of Frieda.

“It is with heavy hearts that we share the news that our dear John passed away peacefully … surrounded by his family,” the caption read.

“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.”

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His cause of death has not been made public.

Born in 1951, Frieda was born in London and his father owned a hairdressing salon, where Frieda worked part-time as a teen.

He trained as a hair stylist and was in his early 20s when he launched his first salon, which his father invested in.

In 1977, Frieda married Scottish pop singer and actress Lulu.

They welcomed a son, Jordan Frieda, who went on to pursue acting, before divorcing in 1991.

Frieda became a household name when he created his iconic hair care business, including the famous Frizz Ease shampoos and conditioners, which he sold for a staggering $500 million in 2002.

In 2019, Frieda remarried to Avery Agnelli, widow of the Fiat heir Giovanni Alberto Agnelli.

They had two children together and Frieda developed a close relationship with Agnelli’s daughter, Asia, from her previous marriage.

Asia shared a tribute to Frieda on Wednesday morning, writing: “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.”

Asia also shared a series of personal photos of Frieda, including a snap of him with her as a child, a group photo from a family holiday, and her wedding.

Friends and family flooded her post with messages of love and condolences.

Frieda was involved with his eponymous salons until his death.

Celebrity colourist and creative director at the Mayfair, London salon, Cetera Lamb, mourned his passing in a touching Instagram post.

“The industry has lost a true legend, a real maverick in hairdressing,” wrote Lamb, who has worked with the likes of Kate Winslet and Gwen Stefani.

“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.”

Celebrity hair colourist Nicola Clarke, who is favoured by Cate Blanchett and Madonna, and paid tribute to Frieda.

“This is one of the hardest posts to have to do,” she wrote.

“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.”

No official details about the alleged illness Clarke mentioned have been made public.

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