Happy 80th birthday to vidal sassoon

Hairdressing legend Vidal Sassoon celebrated his 80th birthday on January 17. In a career spanning more than five decades, Vidal has shaped British hairdressing and become an international icon for the industry. Starting out from humble beginnings, Vidal was sent to work in a barbers at the age of 14. He took time out from his promising career to fight in Israel's War of Independance before returning to the UK to create the look that defined the swinging 60s. As his long-time friend Harold Leighton explains: "His work changed the format and idea of how hair would be cut and styled for the coming generations of hairdressers. "The cut became the most important part now of having ones hair attended to and hair could swing and blow in the wind. It was a time for sharp lines, but hair fell back into shape without spray, there were no teasing or hair nets. "Vidal created this new look on the best faces around, like Grace Coddington (now creative director Vogue USA) and Mary Quant. Most famously, he cut actress Mia Farrow's hair to a short gamine for the movie, "Rosemary's Baby" and the world took notice." As well as creating iconic hairstyles, his training and the Sassoon Academy have helped to bring to fruition some of hairdressing's modern day icons and they are all quick to play tribute to the great man on his 80th birthday. “There are so many facets to Vidal Sassoon. He is a diamond. Brilliant, both in mind and eye for the future. Strong in health and spirit. Immaculate in looks and lifestyle. This man gave us all what we are today with the leadership of British hairdressing world wide. I am proud to have known him for 47 years, both in work and friendship. He is very dear to me. 80 years young - Vidal, Mazeltov!” Joshua Galvin "Vidal Sassoon is still the greatest hairdressing inspiration there has ever been, or perhaps ever will be. He is the person who represents the very best in hairdressing worldwide. He changed the face of hairdressing. He will always be my mentor." Trevor Sorbie "I think Vidal Sassoon totally deserves his status. He had tremendous vision and focus and he created something that no one had ever done before – and it was achieved by working very hard and giving opportunity to others. We can all learn so much from him." Anthony Mascolo. Vidal warrants all the praise and love from the hair and fashion, world product companies and electrical goods manufacturers around the world that he achieves to this day, long may he reign! Harold Leighton If you'd like to add a comment about Vidal's career in the box below, we may publish it alongside the thoughts of some of the biggest names in the hair industry in the Hairdressers Journal on February 8. Alternatively, join the debate about whether Vidal Sassoon's five-point cut is the best hairstyle of all time on the My HJi forums.