Kim Vo, the renowned hairstylist who worked with numerous Hollywood elites, has passed away at the age of 55 after a brave and extended fight against colorectal cancer. His husband, Adeel Khan, announced the heartbreaking news on Instagram, revealing that Vo was diagnosed with the disease in 2018 and exceeded medical expectations with his resilience.
Throughout his illustrious career, Vo established himself as the go-to colorist for A-list stars, including Gwyneth Paltrow, Britney Spears, and Pamela Anderson, earning a reputation for his transformative work. Additionally, he was a well-known television personality, serving as a judge on Bravo’s hairstyling competition, Shear Genius, from 2007 to 2010, alongside Camila Alves and Jonathan Antin.
In his emotional tribute, Khan shared Vo’s desire for friends and fans to remember him not with flowers but by supporting those in the beauty industry facing similar struggles. He encouraged donations to the Kim Vo Foundation, which provides assistance to hair, beauty, and fashion professionals impacted by cancer.
The news of Vo’s passing sparked an outpouring of tributes from fellow celebrities and industry peers, many of whom praised his remarkable talent and kindness. Tori Spelling expressed her sorrow, calling him an extraordinary person filled with light. Perez Hilton acknowledged Vo’s impact on his signature looks, while producer Ashley Hammen remembered his warmth that made clients feel special.
Television host XiXi Yang shared a deeply personal memory of her first appointment with Vo over a decade ago, recounting how he changed her appearance and self-perception in a moment that significantly influenced her life and career.
Vo also made notable contributions behind the scenes, working on shows like Extreme Makeover and Plain Jane, as well as appearing in the celebrity hairstylist docuseries, Blowing LA, which highlighted his work at his salon in West Hollywood. In 2023, he was recognized with the Best Colorist Award at the inaugural Best of Beauty Awards by Los Angeles Magazine.
Highlighting his legacy, Vo was celebrated as the “best blonder in the business” by Vogue, and his warmth and exceptional skills cemented his place in the hearts of clients and colleagues alike.