He created a network of academies and lent his name to various hair products, turning his craft into a multimillion-dollar industry.

Among his most famous clients were designer Mary Quant, the model Jean Shrimpton and film star Terence Stamp.

Celebrity hairdresser Nicky Clarke is among those who have paid tribute to him, saying he had lost a close friend who despite his advancing years retained an infectious vibrancy.

"He was truly one of the greatest icons of hairdressing. We all owe a debt to him," he said. "This is one of the times when people say nice things about people out of respect but I don't think I could have found anyone to say a bad word about him two weeks ago.

"Certainly he was part of the original Cool Britannia, he is synonymous with that time. He would be one of the top five Swinging Sixties icons along with the Beatles, Carnaby Street, Mary Quant and the Union Jack."