| Ken Paves: Hair Master Behind Jessica Simpson |
| Karen Marie Shelton |
| Revised 11/15/07 - Original Publication Date: 8/3/2002 |
Introduction Behind every gorgeous star is a fabulous hairstylist. Jessica Simpson, although very talented in her own right with her hair and make-up, often depends upon the magical fingers of master celebrity hairstylist Ken Paves.
Note: To read more about Ken be
sure and visit our
Ken Paves Page on HairBoutique.com with tons of
great articles about Ken and his incredible celebrity
hair designs.
 I had the incredible privilege of meeting Ken and watching him work behind the scenes on Jessica's incredible hair.
The gorgeous young star was recently in Dallas over a two-day period to shoot a Seventeen magazine feature, film future TV footage and help celebrate the grand opening of the Seventeen Studio.Spa.Salon.
(Photo L to R above: Michelle Sullivan, Liz Dellinger, Make-up artist Karen Mitchell, Jessica Simpson, Stylist Ken Paves, Kathy Karagin, Susan Tierney - All rights reserved HairBoutique.com). Immediately warming my heart with a spontaneous comment that my long blonde hair reminded him of my idol Stevie Nicks, I liked
Ken at once.
 The business of being beautiful for the camera is very hard work. It takes a lot of time to set up each still, video or film shot. It also requires constant hair and wardrobe changes. (Photo L to R: Ken Paves, Jessica Simpson, Karen Mitchell - Copyright HairBoutique.com 2002 - all rights reserved).
Flying low below the radar, Ken is a modern hair wizard that can instantly transform the beautifully blonde Jessica into a dizzying selection of amazing looks that range from celestial goddess to white-hot rock star.
 During the private Seventeen Magazine photo shoot at the Seventeen Studio.Spa.Salon Ken operated from his hair command post in the spa's professional make-up alcove. Spreading out his cherished irons, rollers, brushes, clips, combs and serums, he looked like a scientist getting ready for a major undertaking. (Photo L to R: Ken Paves, Jessica Simpson, Joe Simpson - Copyright HairBoutique.com 2002 - all rights reserved). Over the course of many hours Ken orchestrated a fabulous array of hair changes that transformed Jessica into completely different looks. His cutting edge work ranged from faux hair curlers and a flirty ponytail to soft curls. The Eye Of The Hurricane  Even more impressive, he can weave his hair spells in a matter of minutes while a hurricane of entourage activity swirls around him. Ken managed to stay completely and cheerfully focused on the hair design at hand, even with constant interruptions from photographers, producers and a host of editors and reporters. (Photo L to R: Jessica Simpson, Ken Paves with Solano - Copyright HairBoutique.com 2002 - all rights reserved).
Ken never missed a beat as he clenched his favorite brush in his mouth while using his fingers to smooth and tease every strand into absolute perfection. Waving his cord-modified Solano blow dryer like a magical red wand, he worked in harmony with Jessica's make-up artist, Karen Mitchell who was busily weaving her own spell. Ken meticulously worked and tousled even as Jessica downed a quick lunch salad, chatted about her newest CD or talked with her managers.
 Exuding total coolness clad in chic, but relaxed, California style jeans and shirt, Ken sports his own edgy blonde highlighted style (courtesy of Rita Hazan) that covers the range of three hues from butterscotch to vanilla. He is a ball of positive and upbeat energy but manages to bring a calming sense of humor to the eye of any chaotic storm. He excels at good old-fashioned face time and puts everyone he meets at instant ease. (Photo L to R: Jessica Simpson, Ken Paves - Copyright HairBoutique.com 2002 - all rights reserved).
Ken has been professionally doing Jessica's hair for several years. And make no mistake about it, he absolutely loves working with Jessica. Although highly sought after as a celebrity hairstylist, Ken is selective about the hair he works with. Jessica is one of his favorites because "she is an amazing girl, such a sweetheart and great to work with". Not only does Ken deem that "Jessica is beautiful and very charitable he points out that she is a very kind and generous soul." He respects her as "a person and performer and admires her natural talent for doing hair and make-up".
 There have been times, Ken reported, when he saw Jessica and "she looked absolutely amazing, just beautiful". Then he discovered that she had actually done her own hair and make-up. Jessica's natural hair and make-up talents makes her so fabulous to work with "because she understands her hair and its potential". Ken likes that fact that Jessica "works with him to achieve great styles and he respects her abilities".
Jessica obviously enjoys working with Ken and told me she "has learned a lot about hair from working with Ken". High praise indeed. (Photo L to R: Ken Paves, Jessica Simpson - Copyright HairBoutique.com 2002 - all rights reserved). Sharing The Compliments  Ken loves to spread around the credit. He had so many nice things to say about Jessica, makeup artist Karen Mitchell and his colorist-in-crime, Rita Hazan at Oribe in New York, that I had to concentrate on getting him to talk about himself. After raving about the fabulous talents of Rita, who does Jessica's colors, he called out to Jessica's mother Tina and insisted that she confirm how quickly and fabulously Rita could create highlights. Tina agreed that "Rita does great highlights and very quickly".
(Photo L to R: Karen Mitchell, Jessica Simpson, Seventeen writer, Ken Paves, Jessica Simpson - Copyright HairBoutique.com 2002 - all rights reserved). A Young Bridgette Bardot  Although Ken regularly works his hair magic for Jessica and many other well-known celebrities, he is "a Midwestern boy at heart who finds tremendous joy in his work and his clients". His preference is to "work with celebrity clients that are positive, upbeat and love what they are doing, like Jessica".
Ken believes that "it is important to develop a good relationship". After all, his works of hair art ultimately spring from his "ability to understand who and what his client is all about". From that understanding, he is able to craft a total image that his hair designs compliment. He pointed out that "hair should reflect the inner you".
(Photo Jessica Simpson at the Seventeen.Studio.Spa.Salon 17 Cafe, - Copyright HairBoutique.com 2002 - all rights reserved).
 As Ken explained, "much of his inspiration for Jessica's overall look springs from his vision of her as a modern day Bridgette Bardot". Indeed, Jessica has that same irresistible blonde beauty that oozes from every pore, much like Ms. Bardot in her heyday. Jessica smolders without stepping over the line of good taste. She gives the image of a beautiful, confident women. Just like Bridgette, Jessica is well on her way to become a worldwide sensation with her beauty and talent as Bardot did in the 50s. (Photo Jessica Simpson at the Seventeen.Studio.Spa.Salon 17 Cafe, - Copyright HairBoutique.com 2002 - all rights reserved).
Jessica has established lush, passionate ballads as part of her own unique signature. OK, I had never thought of it before, but Ken is right, she does evoke a visual image of a confident young Bardot. Although Jessica's rich voice can easily and effortlessly glide through a diverse collection of styles from her ballads to sultry R&B, funk and rhythm-pop, Ken can envision "just the right look for her performance hair". He also likens her "to a young Mariel Hemingway in the film Star80". Work Hard But Have Fun  Ken definitely has fun through his work and it shows in everything he does. During the actual photo shoot in the spa's famous cozy pedicure pit Ken hovered close by his celebrity ward, with hair clips decorating his sleeves and his hair tools tucked into various pockets. (Photo L to R: Jessica Simpson, Ken Paves, Seventeen Spa consultants - Copyright HairBoutique.com 2002 - all rights reserved).
Watching as every part of Jessica's hair was photographed, Ken darted back and forth between takes to make sure, with the flick of his wrist, that every curl was just right. Posed to leap forward in an instant, he was always prepared to smoothe, tuck, brush, spray or twirl Jessica's hair as needed.
 Ken is one part magnificent hairstylist, one part cheerleader and one part friend. He kept the shoot atmosphere relaxed and chilled, knowing exactly when to crack a joke to help his celebrity client smile and have fun through the grueling posing. As a multitude of cameras flashed, Ken called out to Jessica helping put her at ease and making her smile and laugh. (Photo L to R: Ken Paves, Jessica Simpson, Seventeen Spa consultant Joe - Copyright HairBoutique.com 2002 - all rights reserved). Jessica's Fine But Thick Hair Ken confided Jessica "has very fine hair but there is lots of it". Even more noteworthy "her current bra length locks are all her own sans her previous hair extensions". He has been helping Jessica "grow out her length for the past four years since her first CD when she appeared bleached to within one inch of her life". Ken pointed out that "Jessica has naturally light blonde hair but the bleach was too much for her fine hair". Not only did the excessive bleach "cause her hair to break and become very damaged, Jessica didn't really like the white blonde look".
 As a result of the bleach damage Ken "had to take Jessica's hair temporarily shorter and supplement with extensions as needed for a longer look". Ken and Rita Hazan, Jessica New York colorist decided "to take her back to a softer, more natural blonde look". Jessica's current hue is "a combination of her own beautiful natural blonde and some well-placed highlights created with the Clairol Professional color line". Indeed, her hair is softly glamorous and very healthy. (Photo L to R: Ken Paves, Jessica Simpson, Karen Mitchell - Copyright HairBoutique.com 2002 - all rights reserved).
 Ken pointed out Jessica has perfect hair for long hair. Recently Ken added "gentle scissor cut layers around Jessica's face to add softness and shape within impacting the overall length". I asked Ken why he used scissors rather than a razor. He pointed out that "Jessica's hair is so fine that it is thinnest around her face and would tend to split if cut with a razor". (Photo L to R: Ken Paves, Jessica Simpson - Copyright HairBoutique.com 2002 - all rights reserved).
Jessica wants her hair a little longer for her impending Fall 2002 wedding to Nick Lachey. Ken has been helping her to strengthen and condition her hair with a special protein serum from his own Pave line, which will be available in the Fall. After spending over ten years working with hair, Ken recently been created his own line of spectacular hair care products named after pave diamonds. He currently uses all his own famously aromatic serums and creams on Jessica's hair. Ken is a big fan of European hair care products. His three favs are Phytotherathrie, Rene Furterer and Leonor Greyl, not necessarily in that order. A bottle of red Phytolaque Soie non-aerosol spray was in constant reach while he worked on Jessica's hair. Ken admitted that within the Phyto line his favorite products are the two Phytolaque sprays and the Phytodefrisant Balm. He loves the Phytolaque Soie on Jessica hair because it allows for a soft silky hold. He believes that the Phyto product protects and nourishes her hair. Jessica's Bridal Hair  Ken will be doing Jessica's hair when she has her fairytale wedding to Nick Lachey of 98 Degrees in the Fall of 2002. I asked Ken if he knew how he would be doing Jessica's hair. Although he admitted that he has some ideas on Jessica's wedding hair designs, he told me he would meet with Jessica some weeks before the wedding to do some practice styles. He would then take photos of the styles and leave them with Jessica to decide. (Photo L to R: Ken Paves, Jessica Simpson, Karen Mitchell - Copyright HairBoutique.com 2002 - all rights reserved).
Tex Mex Natch After a long hard day of brushing, spraying, curling and bending Jessica's curls, Ken joined the star and her family for a Tex-Mex feast at the famous Dallas Chuys on McKinney. Happily admitting to two delicious margaritas and eating from one end of the table to the other, Ken obviously enjoys all the folks in Jessica's camp. And vice versa. It is obvious that he is highly regarded by Jessica, her family and the rest of her entourage. A Fan As Well
On Jessica's second day at the Seventeen spa she was
scheduled to perform onstage as one of the main
attractions for the outside Parking Lot Party. She
was also slated to participate in a private, well sort
of, pedicure party for a group of her lucky fans.
Jessica was also scheduled to be photographed in a
number of locations throughout the spa and meet and
greet her fans for an autograph session.
Arriving with his bag of magic hair tools, Ken again set up shop for day two of Jessica's visit. After creating a series of beautiful soft hair designs throughout the day for her various duties, Ken followed Jessica outside to the main stage. Standing with her manager and make-up artist he applauded and cheered her on during her on-stage performance. He obviously loved her performance and is a true fan. Gone But Never Forgotten After Jessica finished her performance at the Seventeen Parking Lot Party, she was wisked off stage into the back of the spa to quickly change and head for the airport. Ken accompanied Jessica and the police escorts through the secret back entrance and out to the sleek white stretch limo. Before he disappeared into the mammoth darkness of the car he stopped, gave me a hug and said good-bye.
Gosh, what a great guy. Who could have known that he is one of today's hottest celebrity hairstylists? This man is gracious, upbeat and super positive. Keep your eyes peeled, we have not heard the last of this great man. |