I recently interviewed the fabulous celebrity hair stylist Ken Paves for Beauty Interviews.com.

I know Ken Paves was attacked by the paparazzi after dining at Madeo on Beverly Boulevard on Saturday night with Jessica Simpson, so I really hope Ken is doing well.

Ken Paves was dubbed by the media as “the hottest hairdressers in Hollywood”. Ken Paves is often recognized as Jessica Simpson’s hair stylist and for his work with a variety of other high profile clients, such as: Jennifer Lopez, Eva Longoria Parker, Fergie, and Jessica Alba to name a few. In this interview, Ken Paves talks about his beginning as a professional hair stylist doing several international magazine covers with Nikki Taylor, how did his business relationship with Jessica Simpson evolve, how did the concept for Hairdo a line of clip-in-hair extensions come about, his must-have hair styling tools and products, and why using self-expression is so important when it comes to hair.

Marta Walsh: When did your interest in hair design begin?
Ken Paves: I grew up with my father working 7 days a week in the auto industry. My mom worked part time jobs and raised 3 boys. I would sit outside of my mom’s bathroom as a “spectator” whenever she would do her hair and make up. This was only usually during the holidays or family functions. I was in awe at how these rare moments of self made her feel. My mom is my muse and has also appeared in the media with me. When my father retired from the auto industry after 32 years, he made me promise him I would choose a job that I would love to do after 32 years. It’s been 14 years and I still love it. I love to help women recognize their own beauty and to feel confident about themselves – that is beautiful.

MW: What was your biggest break as a professional hair stylist?
KP: I studied hair design at the prestigious Vidal Sassoon Academy, the Toni & Guy Institute and alongside world-renowned hair stylists during his tours of Europe to work on couture collections for Versace and Valentino, to name a few. My work began to grace the covers of international fashion magazines in 1996. In 1996 I had several International Magazine covers with Nikki Taylor and then moved to New York.

MW: You are famous as an incredibly talented hair stylist but also famous for working with Jessica Simpson. How did your business relations with Jessica evolve?
KP: We first met in 1998 on the set of one of Jessica’s first music videos. Her hair was cut really, really short at the time and her record label wanted to quickly make it long, so I ended up using extensions on her that day and we’ve pretty much have worked together ever since.

MW: How did the concept for Hairdo, a line of clip-in hair extensions, come about, and what makes it such a seller?
KP: I designed hairdo to be incredibly modern. That meant there would be a casual elegance to hair, while adding volume and texture. ‘Sexy’ hair is always in, but today’s sexy hair is beautiful and natural, each hairdo piece was designed with this in mind. Each piece is copied exactly from one of the original pieces that I had handmade for Jessica, based on my haircuts and styles.

MW: Besides working with Jessica Simpson, which other celebrity collaborations do you find most memorable?
KP: I love working with all of them! I also work with Eva Longoria Parker, Ashlee Simpson, Jennifer Lopez, and others. All of these collaborations are memorable in their own way!

MW: How do you go about choosing a hairstyle for a celebrity?
KP: I sometimes decide to wait and see what the wardrobe would be so after the fitting, I started pulling my inspiration, and from there the hair direction comes very naturally.

MW: What tips can you give us for choosing the right hair color and cut?
KP: You should always take into consideration your skin tone and face shape, but also if you want to experiment with a look, you should give it a shot, without a commitment. This is what I love about wigs and extensions, you can play with looks you wouldn’t imagine going into a salon for, but if you love (or hate it) then you can take the steps to committing to a color change, or cut.

MW: What are some of your must-have hair styling tools and products?
KP: You must have a great brush, I love using a combination boar bristle and nylon – boar is great to distribute shine, and nylon for detangling. Also, hairspray is a good styling product to always have in a pinch if nothing else. It can smooth loose strands, create volume and texture, give hold and shine; it’s a miracle product.

MW: What is your main philosophy regarding hair?
KP: Use self-expression. The way we present ourselves tells the world a lot about us. Don’t tell the world you want to look like everyone else. Define a sense of beauty true to yourself, and Change your hair as often as you change your mind! It should be fun.

MW: To what do you attribute your success in becoming one of Hollywood’s most sought after hairdressers?
KP: I believe when I work with women they really feel that I am there for them, 100% about them, and that my sole goal is to make them feel beautiful, which in return resonates as outward beauty.

MW: What is the most enjoyable part of your job?
KP: Doing something that’s exactly what I want to do being creative, and working with people that are amazing, talented people.

MW: What projects are you working on these days and what’s next for Ken Paves?
KP: We are always looking for innovative and new ideas so just wait and see what comes next!

It was a pleasure to interview Ken you can find out more about him at his official website: www.kenpaves.com .

Also Hairdo by Ken Paves is available on HSN.