Vidal Sassoon

Vidal Sassoon

Vidal Sassoon was born on January 17th, 1928

Full Name: Vidal Sassoon
Place of Birth: Hammersmith, London
Occupation: Hairdresser and Businessman
Nationality: English-American
Birth Date: 17 January 1928
Death Date: 9 May 2012
Notable Work: Hairstyling and Beauty Products
Awards: CBE and British Fashion Awards

A pioneering hairstylist and entrepreneur who revolutionized the hair industry with iconic, geometric cuts and founded a global brand of salons and hair care products.

Written by: Jack Thompson Jack Thompson

Vidal Sassoon: The Hairdressing Maestro

Vidal Sassoon is renowned for revolutionizing the world of hairstyling with his iconic, geometric cuts that transformed the fashion industry. His innovative approach to hairdressing earned him a reputation as one of the most celebrated hairstylists of all time, with a client list that reads like a who's who of Hollywood A-listers and fashion royalty.

Early Life and Humble Beginnings

Born on January 17, 1928, in Hammersmith, West London, to Jewish parents, Sassoon's early life was marked by poverty and hardship. He spent seven years of his childhood in an orphanage, and later quit school at 14 to work in various jobs in London during World War II.

The Rise to Fame

Sassoon's entry into the world of hairdressing was a serendipitous one. His mother, who had always encouraged him to pursue a career in the industry, arranged for him to become an apprentice hairdresser. This marked the beginning of a journey that would take him to the pinnacle of success.

In the 1960s, Sassoon's innovative cuts, including the iconic "five-point cut," became a sensation in the fashion world. His clients included fashion designers like Mary Quant and film stars such as Mia Farrow, Goldie Hawn, and Helen Mirren.

A Global Empire

In the early 1970s, Sassoon moved to Los Angeles, where he opened the first in a chain of hairstyling salons that would eventually become a global empire. He complemented his salon business with a line of hair treatment products, cementing his status as a hair care mogul.

Philanthropy and Later Life

In the early 1980s, Sassoon sold his business interests and began channeling his profits into funding Israeli think tanks. He was appointed a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) by Queen Elizabeth II in 2009, in recognition of his services to the arts.

Sassoon's life was the subject of a documentary film, "Vidal Sassoon The Movie," released in 2010. He passed away on May 9, 2012, but his legacy lives on in the world of hairdressing and fashion.

Legacy and Impact

Vidal Sassoon's influence on modern hairstyling is immeasurable. He revolutionized the industry with his innovative cuts and approaches, paving the way for future generations of hairstylists. His impact on popular culture is evident in the many celebrities and fashion icons who have sported his iconic hairstyles over the years.

Quote

"I didn't realize I was a pioneer until I looked back and saw that I had innovated in many ways." - Vidal Sassoon

Timeline
1928
Born in London
Vidal Sassoon was born on January 17, 1928, in Hammersmith, London, England.
1942
Moved to Adolph Cohens Salon
Sassoon moved to Adolph Cohens salon, where he began his career as a hairdresser.
1954
Opened First Salon
Sassoon opened his first salon on Bond Street, London, and introduced his signature geometric haircuts.
1963
Designed Hair for Film
Sassoon designed the hair for the film Darling, starring Julie Christie and Dirk Bogarde.
2012
Died of Leukemia
Vidal Sassoon passed away on May 9, 2012, at the age of 84, due to complications from leukemia.
Vidal Sassoon

Vidal Sassoon Quiz

Vidal Sassoon is best known for his contributions to the field of

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FAQ
What is Vidal Sassoon known for in the hair industry?
Vidal Sassoon is known for revolutionizing the hair industry with his iconic, geometric hairstyles and pioneering the use of layer cutting. His techniques and products have inspired generations of hairstylists.
What was Vidal Sassoons early life like?
Vidal Sassoon was born on January 17, 1928, in Hammersmith, London, to a Jewish family of Greek and Turkish descent. He began his hairdressing career at the age of 14 and later opened his own salon in London.
How did Vidal Sassoon become a successful entrepreneur?
Vidal Sassoons entrepreneurial skills led him to build a global hair care brand, Vidal Sassoon Ltd., which he sold to the Procter & Gamble company in 1984. He continued to innovate and launch new products, earning him numerous awards and accolades.
What awards and honors did Vidal Sassoon receive?
Vidal Sassoon received numerous awards, including four British Hairdresser of the Year awards, a CBE (Commander of the Order of the British Empire) from Queen Elizabeth II, and a place in the British Fashion Councils Hall of Fame.
What was Vidal Sassoons impact on popular culture?
Vidal Sassoons hairstyles have been featured in iconic films, such as Modesty Blaise and Theres Something About Mary. His influence can be seen in many fashion and beauty trends, and he is often credited with liberating women from the traditional bouffant hairstyle of the 1960s.

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