From salon apprentice to empire: John Frieda dies at 75

Frieda’s salon team announced his passing on November 4, saying he died peacefully with family around him. His longtime business partner, Gail Federici, said the cause was cancer. Born Alan Howard Frieda in 1951, he followed his father and grandfather into hairdressing. His clients included Princess Diana, Madonna and Paul McCartney, while the “Purdey” cut he created for Joanna Lumley in 1976 became a sensation. McCartney remembered his friend’s charm and wonderful sense of humor.

Alongside Federici, Frieda brought salon expertise into everyday homes through products including Frizz-Ease and Sheer Blonde. Their company sold to Kao Corporation for approximately $450 million in 2002, but his story reached beyond commercial success. He leaves his wife, Frances Avery Agnelli, children and grandchildren. His stepdaughter, Asia, offered a deeply personal farewell: “Today we lost the best man to ever exist.” Behind the celebrated name was someone his family treasured for far more than fame.