When I was growing up in the ’80’s, an older cousin came to live with us. She loved to listen to The Bangles, drink Tab soda, and only used Vidal Sassoon shampoo—all of which seemed very glamourous to me back then. Sadly, Tab and The Bangles are no more, but Vidal Sassoon hair products—and his lasting influence on the beauty industry—remain.

Internationally recognized as the first celebrity hairstylist, Vidal became famous for creating Mia Farrow’s distinctive pixie in Rosemary’s Baby and for the short, angular, precise cuts he designed for clients. Based first in London, and then in NYC and Los Angeles, his signature style was popular (and often copied) all around the world.

In 1976—forty years ago!—he and second wife, Beverly, co-wrote a fantastic book called A Year of Beauty & Health. Divided by season with a chapter for each individual month, it’s filled with interesting tips and techniques, diet and exercise plans, and tons of sound advice that was truly ahead of its time. (Yes, there are some hilarious, out of date lines like “Taking Vitamins – You Need Not be a Crank,” but the majority of what they claimed is now accepted as fact.)

Interwoven with the advice, Vidal shares his personal story of growing up in an orphanage, why he entered hairdressing school at 14, his stint with the Israeli army, the failure of his first marriage, his plastic surgery, and how anti-Semitism affected his life and mindset. Beverly, who is equally forthcoming, admits that becoming the wife of a celebrity wasn’t easy and how her own acting career and identity were forever changed. (What Mrs. can’t understand that…)

Sadly, their marriage later ended in divorce and their daughter died from an accidental drug overdose. (Evidently, she didn’t listen to their advice, but self-described “health nut” Vidal lived to age 84.) Far from perfect, but always striving for better, they are not only entertaining, but also admirable.

A Year of Beauty & Health is one out-of-print book that deserves to be back on the shelf.