The beauty world mourns the loss of John Barrett, a celebrated celebrity hairstylist and the visionary behind the renowned John Barrett Salon. Known for his exceptional talent and A-list clientele, Barrett passed away at the age of 66 due to blood cancer, as confirmed by his close friend Julianne Jaffe to WWD.
News of his passing was shared on Wednesday by the John Barrett Salon team via an emotional Instagram post. The statement conveyed the deep sorrow felt by his team: “On behalf of The John Barrett Salon Team, we regretfully announce, with great pain, the passing of our founder & owner, the legendary John Barrett.”
The Instagram post beautifully captured Barrett’s vibrant personality and impact, remembering him as someone who “lit up any room that he walked into with his charm, wit, and candor.” His remarkable ability to make every client feel exceptionally beautiful was also highlighted, emphasizing, “His superhuman talent was his ability to make anyone who sat in his chair feel like the most beautiful person in the world.”
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Born in Limerick, Ireland, John Barrett’s journey to becoming a leading name in hairstyling began in his teenage years when he moved to London. He honed his craft as a hairdressing apprentice in the 1970s before venturing to Los Angeles. It was in Los Angeles where Barrett started to cultivate relationships with influential figures in editorial and Hollywood circles, setting the stage for his future success.
A pivotal moment in his career arrived in 1996 when he established his first John Barrett Salon within the prestigious Bergdorf Goodman building in New York City. This iconic location became synonymous with luxury and style, and it was here that Barrett’s signature “Bergdorf Blonde” hair color was created, further cementing his reputation for excellence and innovation in hair artistry. Years later, he expanded his presence by opening his own salon nearby on 57th Street, demonstrating the continued growth and demand for the John Barrett Salon experience.
Beyond his technical skills, Barrett was deeply admired for his philosophy, encapsulated in the phrase, “It’s not just about the hair, it’s about the care.” This ethos resonated throughout his John Barrett Salon, emphasizing a holistic approach to beauty and client well-being. His team’s Instagram statement further reflected this sentiment, noting, “He cared with great passion for his beloved family, friends, salon and staff.”
John Barrett’s impressive clientele included a spectrum of high-profile personalities, from Sex and the City author Candace Bushnell and Hollywood star Reese Witherspoon, to actress Katie Holmes and even the beloved Princess Diana. In an April interview with Page Six, Barrett fondly recalled his comfortable rapport with Princess Diana, highlighting their easy conversations and genuine connection.
The impact of John Barrett extended to collaborations with Martha Stewart, for whom he crafted various looks, from casual spa day styles to glamorous red carpet appearances, including her Sports Illustrated Swimsuit feature earlier this year. Stewart shared her heartfelt tribute with WWD, stating, “John was a good friend and a fantastic hairdresser. We will miss him sorely.”
The legacy of John Barrett and his eponymous salon endures, remembered not only for exceptional hairstyling but also for the genuine care and connection he fostered with everyone who walked through the doors of John Barrett Salon.
