John Frieda, celebrity hairstylist behind Frizz Ease, dies at 75
The British icon who styled Princess Diana and built a beauty empire passed away surrounded by family as tributes pour in from peers.
British celebrity hairstylist and beauty entrepreneur John Frieda died peacefully at age 75 on November 3, 2026, surrounded by his family. His passing was announced by his salon team on Instagram, while the John Frieda hair care brand, owned by Kao Corporation, confirmed in a company statement that he died after battling an illness, as reported by CTV News and The Guardian.
Frieda is survived by his wife Frances Avery Agnelli, whom he married in 2019, four children (Jordan, Jackson, Leyla, and stepdaughter Asia Agnelli Lagrange), and two grandchildren.
Tributes pour in from family and the beauty world
In a statement posted to Instagram on November 3, the team at his London salon paid tribute to their founder. “It is with heavy hearts that we share the news that our dear John passed away peacefully … surrounded by his family,” the salon team wrote. “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.”
The team added: “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.”
His stepdaughter, Asia Agnelli Lagrange, shared her grief on Instagram on November 4, writing, “Today we lost the best man to ever exist.” TV presenter and beauty entrepreneur Trinny Woodall commented on the post, writing, “Sending so much love to you all,” according to ITV News.
Cetera Lamb, creative director at Frieda’s London salon, told ITV News and The Guardian that “the industry has lost a true legend, a real maverick in hairdressing.” Model and television personality Jo Wood recalled his early days as an assistant, commenting on Instagram: “Oh No… that’s so sad. When I was 16 and John worked as an assistant at Lenards he would do my hair. He was so great… we would go to the pub after… but I couldn’t drink. RIP John it was lovely to know you.”
Nicky Pope, Chair of the British Beauty Council Hair Committee, told The Industry.Beauty that “John Frieda changed the hairdressing industry through his product innovation, his inimitable style of salon service and his hugely generous nature in sharing his knowledge and inspiring so many of us throughout his long career.”
From London salons to a global empire
Born Alan Howard Frieda in July 1951 in London, he grew up in a family of hairdressers. He trained at the House of Leonard in Mayfair before opening his first London salon in 1976 at age 25. That same year, he shot to fame after creating the signature “Purdey” bowl cut for Joanna Lumley in the television series “The New Avengers.”
Frieda married Scottish singer Lulu in 1977, and the couple had a son, Jordan Frieda, before divorcing in 1991. Across his career, Frieda’s salon chairs welcomed prominent figures, including Diana, Princess of Wales, Jackie Kennedy Onassis, Twiggy, Madonna, Nicole Kidman, and Scarlett Johansson.
In the late 1980s, Frieda teamed with executive Gail Federici to co-found John Frieda Professional Hair Care. The company launched the breakthrough Frizz Ease serum, followed by the Sheer Blonde range in 1998. In September 2002, he sold the product business to Japanese conglomerate Kao Corporation for $450 million, while retaining ownership of his salons in London, New York, and Los Angeles.
What we know and what we do not know
While the brand confirmed that Frieda died after battling an illness, his family has not publicly disclosed the specific diagnosis or medical cause of death. Details regarding funeral arrangements and memorial services have not yet been announced.
