John Frieda, the internationally renowned British hairstylist who worked with Madonna, Nicole Kidman, Princess Diana and other global celebrities, has died aged 75. The death of the founder of the famous John Frieda haircare brand was announced by his salon on 3 November 2026, prompting tributes from the fashion and beauty industries.

Although internationally recognised for his work with some of the world's most famous personalities, Frieda also maintained a particularly close relationship with Ibiza. He first visited the island in 1972 and, over the following five decades, developed a strong personal, professional and philanthropic connection with the Pitiusas.

His passing was also mourned by Ibiza Preservation, the environmental foundation of which he was a longstanding board member and an important supporter.

Ibiza was special to John Frieda for more than 50 years

Frieda first arrived in Ibiza in 1972. According to a profile published by Periódico de Ibiza y Formentera in 2022, he recalled feeling an unusually powerful energy as soon as he stepped off the plane at the island's old airport.

The experience left a lasting impression. Ibiza became much more than a holiday destination, eventually becoming one of the places where he spent extended periods with his family.

He acquired a country house in the Sant Rafel area and later purchased a property overlooking the sea on the western side of the island. He subsequently bought three neighbouring properties so that his children and grandchildren could also enjoy time in Ibiza.

His connection with the island extended beyond private life. Frieda became involved in environmental conservation through Ibiza Preservation, supporting initiatives dedicated to protecting the natural landscapes and marine environment of Ibiza and Formentera.

A longstanding supporter of Ibiza Preservation

Ibiza Preservation paid tribute to Frieda following the announcement of his death, remembering him as a longstanding member of its board of trustees and a key supporter of its Leader's Group, a network of donors supporting the foundation's work.

In a statement reported by Forbes España, the foundation highlighted his love for Ibiza, generosity and commitment to protecting the island.

Frieda was also involved in the foundation's fundraising activities and attended charitable events in Ibiza over the years.

His contribution reflected a side of his life beyond the international beauty industry: a personal commitment to the island and its environmental future.

From London hairdresser to international celebrity stylist

Born Alan Howard Frieda in London in 1951, he grew up in a family connected to hairdressing. His father owned a salon in Ealing, West London, while his grandfather worked as a barber.

Frieda entered the profession at the age of 16, initially working as an assistant at the prestigious House of Leonard salon under hairstylist Leonard Lewis.

He went on to work with fashion publications including British Vogue and Harper's Bazaar, building a reputation for his creativity and ability to develop distinctive looks.

Among his celebrated clients were Diana, Princess of Wales, Madonna, Nicole Kidman, Twiggy, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, Gwyneth Paltrow and Scarlett Johansson.

One of his best-known creations was the distinctive Purdey haircut, developed in 1976 for actress Joanna Lumley's character in the television series The New Avengers. The style became one of the recognisable haircuts of the era.

That same year, Frieda opened his own salon in London, beginning the next stage of his international career.

The success of Frizz Ease and the John Frieda brand

Frieda eventually expanded beyond salon services into professional haircare products.

Working with American haircare executive Gail Federici, he developed a range of products designed to bring salon-quality haircare to a wider market. One of their most successful creations was Frizz Ease, launched in 1988, which became internationally recognised for its anti-frizz treatments.

The business subsequently expanded with products including the Sheer Blonde range.

In 2002, the John Frieda haircare company was sold to Japanese cosmetics group Kao Corporation in a deal valued at approximately 450 million US dollars.

Frieda retained his salon business, which at the time included locations in London, New York and Los Angeles.

The success of the products transformed his reputation from a celebrity hairdresser into an internationally recognised beauty entrepreneur.

Ibiza also became part of his professional life

Frieda's relationship with Ibiza was not limited to owning property and spending time on the island.

In 2018, he opened a John Frieda-branded hair salon at Nobu Hotel Ibiza Bay in Talamanca, extending his professional presence into the island's luxury hospitality sector.

The opening brought his international salon identity to Ibiza and reflected the connection between his professional work and his life on the island.

He also regularly attended charitable and social events in Ibiza, often alongside his wife, Avery Agnelli.

Tributes following his death

Frieda's salon announced his passing in a statement shared on social media, describing him as much more than a mentor to the people who worked with him.

The statement praised his talent, passion and influence, saying that his legacy would continue through the people he had taught and inspired.

His stepdaughter, Asia Agnelli Lagrange, also shared a personal tribute, remembering him as someone who had made an extraordinary difference in the lives of those around him.

Cetera Lamb, creative director of the London salon, described him as a true industry icon and a creative force who had led the business for five decades.

The cause of death has not been publicly disclosed in the family or salon announcements.

For Ibiza, his passing marks the loss of a longstanding member of the island's international community: a world-renowned entrepreneur who found a special connection with the Pitiusas more than 50 years ago and remained committed to the island throughout his life.