Vidal Sassoon, the acclaimed hairdresser who invented the "bob" hairstyle which epitomised the Swinging Sixties, has died at the age of 84.
Police in Los Angeles said that the man described as the "Chanel of hair" by fashion designer Mary Quant was found dead at his home in the city, apparently from natural causes.
The four-times married celebrity stylist revolutionised hairdressing with his free and easy creations like the bob and his network of academies, turning his craft into a multimillion-dollar industry.
Among his most famous clients were Quant, the model Jean Shrimpton and film star Terence Stamp.
Born to Jewish parents in London in 1928 he also fought with the Israeli army in Israel's War of Independence in 1948 and founded the Vidal Sassoon International Centre for the Study of Anti-semitism in 1982.
Celebrity hairdresser Lee Stafford paid tribute to him tonight, saying: "Vidal Sassoon revolutionised the way everybody wears their hair today, he also made British hairdressing the best in the world, he was my hero."
Mr Sassoon lost his battle with leukaemia surrounded by loved ones, his family said.
A statement issued on behalf of the Sassoon family said: "It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Vidal Sassoon CBE, who died this morning at his home in Los Angeles surrounded by loved ones.
"The 84-year-old hairdresser was born in 1928 and sadly lost his battle with leukaemia today.
"He became the most celebrated hairdresser in the world having begun his career as an apprentice during the Second World War, going on to revolutionise an industry through his iconic haircuts, salons, schools and product lines.
"He will be greatly missed by his wife of 20 years Ronnie, his children, grandchildren, family and friends."
