John Frieda's iconic Frizz Ease range made him a household name - here's the product that started it all
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John Frieda's name became synonymous with smooth, manageable hair thanks to his iconic Frizz Ease range. Here's a closer look at the products that made the late star famous.
John Frieda, who has died at the age of 75, will be remembered for transforming the haircare industry.
One of his biggest legacies is the Frizz Ease range – a collection that helped millions of people, including myself, my mum and my grandma, tackle unruly, frizzy hair in their own bathrooms or bedrooms.
Launched in 1988, Frizz Ease was developed by beauty icon Frieda alongside American haircare entrepreneur Gail Federici. The pair recognised that something had to be done about frizzy hair, a common hair concern that wasn't being properly addressed by everyday haircare products at the time.
The collection's original serum quickly became its signature product, and almost 40 years later it has spanned generations and is still credited with helping to establish John Frieda as a household name. It also paved the way for his entire range of shampoos, conditioners, styling sprays and treatments.
Frizz Ease remains a familiar sight on beauty shelves and in bathroom cabinets across the country, with many of its products available to buy online, in beauty stores and even supermarkets.
The Frizz Ease serum that started it all
The John Frieda Frizz Ease Original Serum is the most iconic product in the collection and the one most closely associated with the hairdresser's success.
Created to smooth unruly hair and help protect against humidity, the serum was designed to give people that sleek smooth finish without having to visit the hairdresser.
Of course, the product has been adapted in its 38 year history. The modern Frizz Ease serum range includes different formulations for different hair types, with the Original 6 Effects Serum designed to help tame frizz, smooth flyaways, add shine and improve manageability.
There is also an Extra Strength version for those with thicker, coarser or particularly unruly hair.
Both have become recognisable products within the Frizz Ease collection and are available to buy on Amazon:
Other popular products in the John Frieda Frizz Ease range
While the original serum remains the collection's standout product, Frizz Ease has expanded considerably over the years, offering solutions for different hair types and styling needs.
Some of the best-known products include:
Frizz Ease Dream Curls Curl Reviver Mousse
Designed for naturally curly and wavy hair, this mousse helps enhance curl definition, control frizz and give curls bounce and shape. It's a good option for anyone wanting to achieve more defined curls without sacrificing movement.
Frizz Ease Secret Agent Touch-Up Crème
A handy finishing product designed to smooth flyaways and tame unwanted frizz. It can be used to refresh hair throughout the day, helping keep unruly strands under control without having to completely restyle.
Frizz Ease Miraculous Recovery Shampoo and Conditioner
Created with dry, damaged and frizz-prone hair in mind, this shampoo and conditioner pairing focuses on improving hair's manageability while helping it feel smoother and more nourished. The range offers an everyday way to tackle frizz as part of a regular washing routine.
Frizz Ease 3-Day Straight Styling Spray
For those who prefer straighter styles, this heat-activated styling spray is designed to help create a smoother finish that lasts through multiple days, while helping protect hair during heat styling.
Following the success of Frizz Ease, the brand expanded into other specialist collections, including Sheer Blonde, Brilliant Brunette and Luxurious Volume.
Frieda also built an impressive reputation as a celebrity hairstylist, working with high-profile names including Diana, Princess of Wales, Madonna, Nicole Kidman and Scarlett Johansson.
In 2019, he sold his haircare product company to Japanese conglomerate Kao for $450 million (approximately £260 million), retaining ownership of his five salons across London, New York and Los Angeles.
Today, the continued presence of Frizz Ease on beauty retailer shelves is a reminder of the impact he had on the industry.
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