The world of beauty lost a genius today. Vidal Sassoon pioneered so-called ready-to-wear hair–no rollers, dryer, or hair spray required. He was the father of the bob and the shorter, more geometric five point cut. It was a shocking look in the 60s, but one that freed women to do other things (like go back to work!) and fit perfectly with the prevailing feeling of the time. Sassoon famously worked in London with fashion designer Mary Quant who was the personification of 60s mod. He also chopped Grace Coddington’s curly locks into a geometric shape. But his big moment was when he cut Mia Farrow’s hair prior to Rosemary’s Baby in the 60s. The look was shocking yet so perfect. It’s been perfect ever since.

As a person who has a haircut that’s a direct homage to Sassoon’s famous razor sharp five point cut, I’m feeling extra grateful to him today, as are some of this generation’s star hair stylists. Frederic Fekkai gave us this statement:

Vidal Sassoon was an extraordinary man. He was an artist…a talent and a visionary. Vidal has created a signature with hair that was to this day the strongest most identifiable. He paved the way to introduce contemporary hairstyles and made an incredible impact on the fashion and beauty communities.

On a personal level, he was a true gentleman. I enjoyed the times that we spent together and listening to his interesting stories. Through the years, he stayed in touch with me and always made an effort to touch base. The world has lost not only an icon but a kind man…he will be greatly missed! My thoughts are with his family.

Click through to see a history of Vidal Sassoon’s cuts and his muses, and the hair cuts inspired by the original decades later.