John Frieda, Frizz Ease Creator, Dies at 75

John Frieda has died at age 75. The announcement came Tuesday via an Instagram post from his account. The statement said he passed away peacefully while surrounded by family. The cause of death was not immediately disclosed.

Frieda founded the Frizz Ease brand in the 1990s. The line began with a serum designed to tame frizzy hair. It has since become a global product sold in drug stores and salons worldwide. His work extended beyond product development to high-profile styling for celebrities and historical figures.

His client list included Princess Diana, Madonna, and The Beatles. He also styled Jackie Kennedy Onassis, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Scarlett Johansson. These collaborations cemented his reputation as a leading stylist in the industry. Colleagues and family described him as a mentor who taught many professionals their skills.

Born in London in 1951, Frieda grew up near his father’s salon in west London. His father initially wanted him to study medicine. Frieda chose hair styling instead, partly to avoid the rigor of medical school. He worked his way up through the London scene, styling models for Vogue fashion shoots.

More than three decades ago, he opened his first salon in London. His success led to expansion into Los Angeles and New York City. In 2012, he told The Standard that his path was influenced by his desire to steer clear of medical studies. That choice defined a career that spanned several continents and decades.

Frieda’s personal life included high-profile relationships. He married Scottish singer and actor Lulu in 1976. They had one son before divorcing. He later began a relationship with Avery Agnelli, the widow of Fiat heir Giovanni Agnelli. They married in 2019 and share two children, along with a stepdaughter.

His stepdaughter, Asia Agnelli Lagrange, shared a tribute online following the news. She described Frieda as the best man to ever exist. She said she was sharing the announcement because she knew he had touched the lives of many people. The statement on his Instagram account noted that his legacy would continue through the work of those he influenced.