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Celebrity hairstylist and beauty entrepreneur John Frieda died on Nov. 3 at age 75, after battling an illness, according to a statement from his hair care brand. He opened a London salon in 1976 and launched his namesake hair care line at Boots in 1990; Kao Corporation acquired the brand in 2002.
John Frieda, the celebrity hairstylist and beauty entrepreneur whose name became an international hair care brand, died on Nov. 3 at age 75, the brand said in an Instagram post. Frieda died surrounded by family after battling an illness, according to the announcement; the statement did not identify the illness.
Frieda’s career included both salon work and consumer products. He opened his first salon on New Cavendish Street in London in 1976, then introduced his namesake premium hair care line through British retailer Boots in 1990. The brand was sold to Japanese multinational Kao Corporation in 2002.
The John Frieda brand described him as a pioneering hairdresser whose work influenced the industry and whose name it continues to carry. The company said it was “deeply saddened” by his death and offered condolences to his family, friends, salon staff and others he inspired. The company also said it was “proud to carry his heritage forward,” indicating the brand will continue under his name.
Frieda is survived by his wife, Frances, four children and two grandchildren, according to the report. John Frieda Salon, the professional hair care division, also announced his death in an Instagram post, describing it as a peaceful passing surrounded by family.
From London Salon to Global Brand
Frieda’s death marks the loss of a figure whose work connected professional hairstyling with the mass market. His career moved from a London salon to products sold through a major British retailer, then to a brand acquired by a global cosmetics company. That path made his name familiar well beyond the salon industry.
The announcements also leave a practical question for customers and the hair care trade: how the businesses associated with Frieda will carry on his work. The brand says it intends to continue its story, while the salon division has emphasized his influence on its team. Neither statement sets out specific changes to products, operations or leadership.
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The Career Behind His Name
Frieda established his London salon in 1976, building his reputation as a hairstylist before taking the name into retail hair care. The launch at Boots in 1990 gave the business a route to consumers beyond salon clients. The move from a salon-led career to a retail line is central to the development of the brand that now bears his name.
Kao acquired the brand in 2002. The source report identifies the sale but does not detail the transaction’s terms or Frieda’s role in the business after the acquisition. The current statements come from the John Frieda brand and John Frieda Salon, rather than from a family representative.
“We are deeply saddened by the passing of John Frieda, the visionary hairdresser whose name our brand proudly carries.”
— John Frieda brand, in an Instagram post
Details Not Yet Disclosed
The brand said Frieda had been battling an illness but did not disclose its nature or how long he had been ill. The source report gives Nov. 3 as the date of death, but does not specify the year in the quoted announcement. It also does not provide further details about the circumstances of his death.
No statement from Frieda’s family is included in the available report. The brand has not explained how it plans to preserve his legacy in its products or business, and no changes to the salon or product line have been announced.
How the Brand Carries On
The John Frieda brand says it will continue the story Frieda began, while the salon division says its team will continue to honour his legacy. At present, those are expressions of intent rather than a published plan. Further information about tributes, business arrangements or changes to the brand may come from the family or companies, but no timetable or additional announcement has been given.
Key Questions
How old was John Frieda when he died?
Frieda was 75, according to the report announcing his death.
When did John Frieda die?
The John Frieda brand said he died on Nov. 3. The report does not specify the year in the quoted announcement.
What was the cause of John Frieda’s death?
The brand said Frieda had been battling an illness, but did not disclose the illness or state a specific cause of death.
Who survives John Frieda?
He is survived by his wife, Frances, four children and two grandchildren, according to the report.
What happened to the John Frieda hair care brand?
Frieda launched the line through Boots in 1990. Kao Corporation bought the brand in 2002. The brand has said it intends to carry his heritage forward, but has not announced specific business plans.
Source: cosmeticsbusiness.com
