His work helped shape modern hairdressing as both an art form and a profession, and tributes have been pouring in for the celebrity hairdresser who hosted A-list stars at his Manchester salons
Tributes have flooded in for celebrity hairdresser Pierre Alexandre, renowned for his salons in Manchester and teasing the tresses of everyone from Take That to Rod Stewart, who has died aged 86. Pierre is credited with inventing the concept of the unisex hair salon, and a pioneer of the hairdressing world, renowned for his iconic haircuts.
Born Peter Johann Franz Wasler in Basel, Switzerland into a family of hairdressers in 1939, he first moved to the UK in the 1960s, where – as was the custom at the time – changed his name to Pierre to open his first branded salon in Manchester in 1965.
Based on St Ann’s Square, above the Jewsbury & Wilson fashion store, Pierre Alexandre International fast became a hotspot for celebrities with early clients including Dusty Springfield, Lulu, Hylda Baker, Les Dawson, Coronation Street stars and agents from the entertainment industry.
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The Regency-style salon was accessed by climing two flights of stairs – something celebrity clients were happy to do for the superstar treatment they had once inside. Throughout the 70s, 80s and 90s, and Pierre would go on to become a globally-recognised hairdresser, artist and visionary with further salons in Manchester, London and Europe.
A statement from Pierre’s family confirmed the sad news of his passing this week. In a lengthy tribute they said: “It is with deep love and quiet gratitude that we share the passing of Pierre Alexandre Walser. Pierre lived an extraordinary life, shaped by creativity, generosity, and an unwavering passion for helping others grow.”
It continued: “Pierre was a pioneer in his field. He coined the concept of the “unisex” salon, invented the iconic “Halo” haircut, and was among the first stylists to bring futuristic thinking, performance, and storytelling onto the stage.
“His work helped shape modern hairdressing as both an art form and a profession. Over the course of his career, he appeared at more than 1,800 shows worldwide and taught tens of thousands of hairdressers across Europe, Japan, Asia, North and South America.
“His influence reached far beyond salons. Pierre was one of the first acknowledged stylists to the rock and pop stars, working with artists such as Rod Stewart, David Bowie, Lulu, Eartha Kitt, Peter Noone, and many others. He created Rod Stewart’s signature spiky haircut, trimmed the Beatles’ hair ahead of one of their first major media appearances, and became known for his charisma, originality, and fearless creativity.”
After the success of his first salon on St Ann’s Square in Manchester, Pierre opened his second salon, Romeo and Juliet, on King Street West in Manchester. The opening attracted huge public attention, with queues down the street and Lulu the salon’s “public face” and star client.
It was there that Pierre seated men and women together, serving Coca-Cola and playing contemporary music, in what is believed to be the first “unisex” concept salon. That same year David and Angie Bowie became clients, further cementing Pierre’s reputation. He would expand his ventures into fashion in Paris, and early forms of hair extensions.
In the 1980s, Pierre founded Studio 17 in London’s Mayfair, a groundbreaking film and photography studio that became a cultural hub. He hosted his own lifestyle television show, appeared on countless international TV and radio programs, and worked as an image consultant for 20th Century Fox, while his work was featured in hundreds of publications.
His family said that his true calling was teaching – and that he loved sharing knowledge and guiding others. In 1973 he opened the Pierre Alexandre School of Hairdressing on King Street West in Manchester, inviting thousands of hairdressers to the city. He would go on to create numerous influential new hair styles that would inspire and influence countless others, with the academy remaining there to this day.
In later years, Pierre moved to Spain, were he devoted himself to mentoring, writing his biography, developing new ideas, and reimagining the future of the Pierre Alexandre brand with “great excitement and pride” his family said. They said they have been touched by the “countless messages from around the world” since his passing.
Hundreds of tributes have been made on his Facebook page, many from hairdressers he trained and inspired over the years.
Neets Wilbraham said: “I have fond memories getting the best training at your Manchester salons. I’m thankful for the knowledge, self discipline and creativity that stood me in good stead in life. Our friendship in later years is something I’ll always treasure.”
Lynette McCloud said: “We all have, fabulous, professional , fun memories of Pierre most definitely one of life’s exuberant, vibrant, passionate characters.” Dee Wilson added: “Pierre Alexandre St Ann’s sq was an interesting indelible period of our lives a passage of time building life experiences and skills for so many of us. Larger than life with exuberance and a colourful nature Pierre Alexandre truly International.”
The family statement said: “We are deeply touched by how many people loved Pierre, and even more by how many lives he helped change. Again and again, we hear the same truth: Pierre had a rare golden touch. He genuinely wanted others to succeed, and nothing made him happier than seeing people grow because of his guidance. In that sense, every one of you is part of his legacy – a legacy he would be profoundly proud of.”
They added: “Pierre was often misunderstood, and throughout his life he faced unfairness, frequently born of jealousy. Yet in his final days, he expressed something beautiful and rare: he felt fulfilled. He felt that he had lived well, loved deeply, and spent his final years exactly as he had dreamed. His life was full, meaningful, and true to himself. He inspired many, and we are immensely proud of the man he was.”
They say that Pierre disliked funerals, and so had asked for “something different, something more like him,” for his final farewell. The family said: “Instead of formal mourning, he wished that those who knew him would gather with friends, share a glass of wine, be happy, talk, and remember.
“He asked that you speak of your experiences with him, recall your memories, think of him fondly, and listen together to the music he created in his final years – songs filled with meaning and reflection.”
