Vidal Sassoon

On May 9, 2012 the “Founder of Hairdressing, Vidal Sassoon died.  He was the inventor of geometric shapes, the bob, and blow-drying. 

Vidal’s inspiration was architecture. He often said; “Had I gone to a university, I probably would have been an architect because that was my first love”.  In 1964 he created the five-point cut on Grace Coddington and Peggy Moffitt.  Around 1963, 75% of clients received geometric shapes or a simple bob. “I mean, what were we doing in hair dressing? All that back-coming, teasing, and fluffing- it was out dated and out of touch with what people were looking for, so changes were extremely necessary. But, I have to give the architects credit. I think they lead every time, even over fashion”.  Our stylist Liz Howe commented “He believed in hair that moved, the cut was the cut and was all you needed to portray the style. He was the first that made hair unique to the individual. Vidal will forever be a leader in the industry.”

In 1954 Vidal opened on Bond Street; “I decided I wouldn’t do anyone who wanted to come in and have their hair teased”.  This created quite a shock too many people within the industry.  Vidal remembers Glamour saying “We would love to use you, but we want our work to look a little more like Kenneth’s.” So he said; “But you have Kenneth! You don’t need me. No, I will not do it.”  

1960 hair dressing took an even bigger turn for the best. Vidal and his team were running late and always putting their clients under the hood dryer to dry, when it clicked. He decided to use a brush and a blow-dryer to finish the client. This moment in history has changed our future of hair dressing forever.  Our stylist Joshua Duchene commented on this event; “Vidal was the first man to use a brush, blow-dryer, and product to create the styles we all love today.”

Vidal Sassoon was a wonderful family man and the founder of hairdressing. His work continues to inspire stylist and people around the world. Rest in peace.