Iconic Lebanese Hairstylist Simone El Mendelek Has Passed Away

Iconic Lebanese hairstylist to the stars and brides of the region, Simon El Mendelek passed away earlier today. The sad news was announced by El Mendelek’s son Georges El Mendelek.

Simon El Mendelek with his children

El Mendelek leaves behind a legacy of artistic brilliance, and spent his lifetime setting trends, breaking beauty boundaries, and changing the game for hair couture. Having worked with the likes of Nadine Nassib Njeim, Rym Saidi, Jessica Kahawaty and Valerie Abouchakra to name just a few, the hair guru started his journey in the world of beauty based off of a fated coincidence.

Long before hairstyling became the big business it is today, a young Simon El Mendelek happened upon a woman entering a salon in Beirut. Following the stranger, El Mendelek watched as the lady got her hair done, and the rest is history. Captivated by the transformation in front of his eyes, the budding icon began to learn how to cut hair, honing his skills at a surprisingly fast pace. It wasn’t long before Simon El Mendelek moved to Paris to learn more in 1975. Five years later, a El Mendelek moved back to Beirut to do his part in evolving hairstyling in his home country.

Continuing his progress, Simone El Mendelek opened a store in Beirut’s Zalka area, and catered to women of all ages, including some of the most famous women in the country. Thanks to his dedication towards his craft, the icon’s name is known across the globe today. From Adriana Karembeau and Claudia Schiffer, to supermodels and even royals, there’s no one El Mendelek hasn’t worked with. In 1996, El Mendelek was appointed as the president of the Haute Coiffure Française on behalf of Lebanon. He also continued styling famous personalities until his final days, and paid a large role in the looks of 10 Miss Lebanon beauty pageants and three seasons of Mission Fashion, which also featured couturier Elie Saab. He will forever be remembered for his incredible contributions. Below, a look at some of his most famous clients.