Farewell to John Frieda, the hairstylist to the stars and royalty

The renowned stylist and hairstylist to major celebrities and British royalty has passed away at the age of 75 at his country home in Great Britain; he also had a home in San Rafael, Ibiza, since the 1970s, when he discovered the island and fell in love with its landscapes and people. John Frieda, whose real name was Alan Howard Frieda, was the founder of the international hair care brand that bears his name, which was later acquired by the Japanese multinational Kao Corporation. Kao revitalized the brand, expanded the product line, and established an international distribution network.

The Ibiza and Formentera Preservation Foundation, of which he was a trustee, issued a statement of condolence in memory of its distinguished member: “John has been a member of the Board of Trustees of the Ibiza and Formentera Preservation Foundation for many years and the main driving force behind the donor group known as the ‘Leader’s Group.’ His love for the island and his commitment to the cause were always accompanied by tremendous warmth and generosity.”

Frieda collaborated with this foundation dedicated to the conservation of the sea and land of the Pityusic Islands; she was an active member of its board of trustees and has been involved in protecting the islands’ environment by participating in Ibiza Preservation’s annual charity gala at various locations and in different years on the island. She opened a hair salon at the opening of the Nobu Ibiza Bay Hotel on Talamanca Beach.

He was a true English gentleman, impeccably dressed and always accompanied by his second wife, Avery Howe, at events in Ibiza. He had previously been married to the British singer Lulu. His affable and approachable nature made him even more endearing at social events.

Frieda was a prominent British beauty entrepreneur and renowned hairstylist whose notable clients included Twiggy, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, Diana Ross, Princess Diana of Wales, Sarah Jessica Parker, Madonna, Nicole Kidman, and Scarlett Johansson, among many others. As a stylist, he created iconic hairstyles for actresses and films that established him as a leading figure in the world of hair beauty. In 1976, he opened his first salon in London and later expanded the business to other cities until Kao Corporation acquired the company.

Born in London in 1951, Frieda began working as a hairstylist while still a teenager. She gradually gained recognition in the industry and eventually worked with some of the most well-known figures in fashion, music, and international society. His name gained worldwide recognition with the launch of his own line of hair care products. Among his greatest successes is Frizz-Ease, which became one of the best-known products for combating frizz, as well as the Sheer Blonde line, specifically designed for blonde hair care.