The veteran stylist passed away at his Los Angeles home on Wednesday (09May12) following an unspecified illness.
He had reportedly been diagnosed with leukaemia in 2009, although it is not known if the condition played a part in his death.
Born in London, Sassoon became a style pioneer in the 1960s for creating a simple and sleek geometric haircut, which became known as the ‘bob’.
He was also famous for chopping off actress Mia Farrow’s long locks for her role in Roman Polanski’s horror film Rosemary’s Baby.
Sassoon opened hair salons around the world and sold his name to pharmaceutical firm Procter & Gamble to release a line of hair products.
He became the subject of 2010 documentary Vidal Sassoon: The Movie, which chronicled his life and career.
Model Erin O’Connor was one of the first stars to pay tribute to Sassoon on Twitter.com, writing, “RIP Vidal Sassoon. Inspired so many, myself included.”
