Hairdresser Vidal Sassoon Dies At 84

Vidal Sassoon who was born January 17 was an English hairdresser credited with creating a simple geometric Bauhaus style also called the bob.Due to the popularity of his styles Vidal was described as a rock star,an artist and a craftsman who changed the world with a pair of scissors.Vidal's styles became ''emblematic of freedom and good health'' and the popularity allowed him to open his first chain of hair styling salons complemented by his hair treatment products.He is also remembered  for his television commercials in the 1980's.Vidal Sassoon:The Movie a documentary about his life was released in 2010.

Vidal was born in Hammersmith London but lived in Shepards Bush.His parents were Jewish.Vidal's mother Betty(Bellin)came from immigrants of Ukraine and his father Nathan Sassoon was from Thessaloniki Greece.He had a younger brother Ivor who died from a heart attack at 46.His father left the family when Vidal was three.Due to extreme poverty and now being a single parent his mother placed Vidal and his brother in a Jewish orphanage where they stayed for 7 years.She was allowed to visit them once a month and wasn't allowed to take them out.Vidal attended Essendine Road Primary School a Christian School before being evacuated due to WWII to Holt Wiltshire.He left school at 14 after his return to London and worked as a messenger before starting a hairdresser apprenticeship.

Although being too young at 17 to serve in the Second War he became the youngest member of 43 Group a Jewish veterans underground organization.

Vidal trained with Raymond Bessone in his salon in Mayfair which he said in 2010-He really taught me how to cut hair I never would've achieved what I have without him.Vidal opened his first salon in London.In 2002 The Vidal Sassoon salons had been sold to Regis Corporation.Vidal authored several books including A Year Of Beauty and Health co-written by his former wife Beverly.

Vidal married his first wife Elaine Wood in 1956 but the marriage ended in 1958 when she left him for British champion David Nations.In 1967 Vidal married his second wife Beverly Adams.They had four children two daughters Catya(born 1960-2002)an actress who died from a drug induced heart attack,Eden(born 1973) and two sons Elen(born 1970)and David.Vidal and Beverly divorced in 1980.

Vidal's third wife Jeanette Hartford Davis a hairdressing champion and former fashion model.They married in 1983 but divorced soon after.Vidal married Rhonda C. Sassoon in 1992.

In 2011 it was reported that Vidal was diagnosed with leukemia and was receiving treatment in Beverly Hills and London.Vidal died at his home in L.A on May 9 2012.



   R.I.P Vidal Sassoon May Angels Protect You And Keep You Safe