Died May 9, 2012. Born January 17, 1928.

English hairdresser, credited with creating a simple geometric, "Bauhaus-inspired" hair style, also called the bob. Due to the popularity of his styles, he was described as "a rock star, an artist, and a craftsman who changed the world with a pair of scissors.'"

His "wash and wear" philosophy liberated women from the "tyranny of the salon" and "revolutionized the art of hairstyling." Sassoon's styles became "emblematic of freedom and good health," and their popularity allowed him to open the first chain of worldwide hair styling salons, complemented by his hair-treatment products. He is also remembered for his television commercials in the 1960s. Vidal Sassoon: The Movie, a documentary film about his life, was released in 2010.

In June 2011 it was reported that Sassoon had been diagnosed with leukaemia two years earlier, and was receiving treatment in Beverly Hills and London. Sassoon died at his home in Los Angeles. The cause of death was leukemia.