Hairdressing Icons: Vidal sassoon

Often credited as the father of modern hairdressing, Vidal Sassoon helped bring about a major change in attitudes towards women's hair in the 1960s.

He introduced the world to the craft of geometric haircuts, which relied more on cutting skills than traditional finishing - something which freed women from weekly hair salon visits. 

His approach perfectly complemented the free-spirited ethos of the decade and while the cuts appeared severe to traditionalists, they were lacquer-free and designed to offer women the freedom to easily style their own hair at home. Via several other London salons, Vidal eventually landed his dream job at the House of Raymond, training under Raymond Bessone himself at the Mayfair salon.

In his 2010 autobiography, Vidal said of Raymond: "He really taught me how to cut hair - I'd never have achieved what I did without him." In 1954, Vidal realised another dream, opening his first salon in Bond Street. It was, and remains, one of London's most prestigious locations and he'd managed to make his mark at the age of just 26. He told his backers he was "going to change the world of hairdressing".

By 1961 the Bond Street salon was "bursting at the seams" and Vidal was on the lookout for new premises to expand the business. He was offered space at the Grosvenor House hotel in Park Lane, a prestigious space which he'd earned based on his growing reputation. Rather than take all the limelight for himself, Vidal offered a young but talented stylist, Roger Thompson, the opportunity of sharing it - and Roger at Vidal Sassoon was born. It was the most visible proof of Vidal's philosophy that good team members deserve recognition.

Vidal created some of the most iconic hair looks of the 20th century, including those sported by some of the biggest names in show business and fashion - Mary Quant, Twiggy, Jean Shrimpton and Mia Farrow, to name but a few.

He is, perhaps, best known for creating the five-point geometric cut - which he has described as "the ultimate in hairdressing". He also found time to launch an eponymous range of consumer haircare products. By the early 1980s, Vidal had moved to the US, having sold his successful product line to multinational Procter & Gamble.

 Former colleagues also bought Vidal Sassoon's salons and acquired the right to use his name, extending the Sassoon brand in salons across the UK and the US. In 2010, a feature-length documentary was released about Vidal's life, career and his massive influence on hairdressing, fashion and culture. The film premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival in New York City, and was chosen as the Official Selection that year - making the movie a fitting tribute to a legendary career.

When Vidal Sassoon sadly died in May 2012 after a battle with leukaemia, the industry mourned the passing of its ultimate hairdressing icon, while the Sassoon group marked their respect with a fitting tribute at Salon International. 

More Inspiration from Vidal Sassoon

• The five point cut
• The Greek godess
• The Nancy Kwan
• Peggy Moffitt
• 12 Inspirational quotes from Vidal Sassoon.