Harold Leighton, Influential British Hairdresser, Passes Away

MODERN recently learned of the passing of Harold Leighton, an inventive and influentional hairdresser, and one-time MODERN SALON blog contributor.  He created some iconic looks and had a reputation as a kind person, a talented artist, and a champion of hairdressers.

Another contributor to MODERN SALON, blogger, author, and photographer Helen Oppenheim, shared these words on Leighton's passing, and we are also grateful to Helen for the wonderful photo collage. 

RIP Harold Leighton Hair Icon – 1932-2024

 Goodbye, dear Harold Leighton, a hair icon like no other.  Born in England, ex Manager of the Salon at the famous Harrods Department Store, the man who introduced Paul Mitchell Hair Products to England and Europe, who worked for  S&L and other famous names, who created some of the greatest hair of his generation.  Harold lived his last decades in Florida from where he generated a buzz about too many products and ideas to list.

In 1957 he married the love of his life, Maxine. My heart goes out to you, Maxine.  There are no words.  Take a look at some of Harold’s work, and his life, lived to the fullest.  RIP, Harold Leighton.  You were loved by many and will be missed by all.--Helen Oppenheim

Top Row, left to right : Harold Leighton … Harold with Maxine …  Hair and photo of Maxine by Harold … Famous names, including Vidal Sassoon before he was famous, in 1950,  That’s Harold with hair, wearing glasses! … Many hairpieces and wigs linked together to create the finished big look, Photo: Barry Lategan.

Second Row: Harold and Max wed in 1957, she went on to own fashion boutiques in Hampstead and Conduit Street, in London … 1970 Million dollar hairstyle for Graf Diamonds, Photo Vic Singh … A fave look, a pony with a difference, Photo: John Hedgcoe … Harold, Jeanne Braa, Paul Mitchell , 1986 … “Snowballs” Photo: Tony Rawlingson  …Wigs and Hairpieces, 1963, Photo Barrry Lategan .…’70s extravaganza. “OMG, what was I thinking!" wrote Harold.

Third Row : Harold with"Viddy"  the friend he loved – Vidal Sassoon … One of many articles about Harold … “From Salon to Celebrity” coffee table book by Harold … Harold the dresser teaching … Hair for Fabergé, 1973