TRIBUTES have poured in for hairdressing "legend" Rita Rusk following her death at the age of 75. 

The Glasgow-born "innovator", began a four-decade career in the 1970s, working with celebrities and royalty as clients. 

Rusk was the first female and the only Scot to be named British Hairdresser of the Year, in 1987, alongside her husband at the time, Irvine Rusk.

Glasgow Times:

Friends, family and collegues of Rusk have taken to social media to pay tribute to the late hair stylist.

Taylor Ferguson said: "We're sad to hear of the news of hairdresser Rita Rusk’s death.

"Rita was always 100% focused and a highly motivated stylist. The last time we met Rita was at a PR gathering in Glasgow and we all chatted about the hairdressing world and shared our views.

"Our sympathy goes to her son James and his family."

Alan Edwards Salon, based in the city centre of Glasgow, said: "We are so sorry to hear the passing of one of the greatest female hairdressers in our industry.

"Rita Rusk was a hairdressing pioneer in the 70’s, 80’s, 90’s and 00’s.

"Rita was the first female, and the only Scot, to be crowned British Hairdresser of the Year alongside Irvine Rusk. Together they challenged the status quo in hair! Innovating, designing, creating and inventing were only a few of the gifts Rita gave to our industry.

"I (Alan) had the great pleasure of working with the Rusks for 10 years and will be forever grateful for the opportunity and skills I learnt from them. So many great hairdressers have come out of the fantastic Rusk stable and have passed on so much creativity and knowledge to many other hairdressers.

"Our industry was very blessed to have had such an incredible hairdresser leave her mark.

"Rita lived a life and left a legacy.

"RIP Rita Rusk."

While Linda Stewart, owner of Rainbow Room International with her husband Alan, added: "Alan and I are so sad to hear about the passing of Rita Rusk.

"I started my career as a Saturday girl with the Rusks and worked for them for 8 years.

"Alan joined them as a partner and worked with the Artistic team when they were producing ground breaking shows and imagery.

"Rita was a true inspiration for her style, flair and creativity, a true role model for young hairdressers.

"We continued to have a great relationship throughout the years and I was always one of her girls.

"She brought so much innovation to our industry and was a true legend."

The Fellowship for British Hairdressing also paid tribute, saying: "It is with sadness we hear of the passing of Scottish hairdressing legend Rita Rusk.

"A former British Hairdresser of the Year, Rita was a true innovator in the British hairdressing industry.

"We send our love and thoughts to her family at this time."