By: Bridget Mulroy

Frank Sinatra’s effortless charisma and sophistication went far more profound than his voice or tailored suits—his persona was the curated result of meticulous craftsmanship designed behind the scenes. The pulse of that legendary image was Joseph Paris, an innovative hairstylist whose work helped shape Sinatra’s lasting impression. For nearly two decades, Paris was more than just Sinatra’s hairstylist; he was a highly regarded confidant, a style inventor, and a silent force behind one of the 20th century’s most sensational icons. 

Joseph Paris recently launched his memoir “Hairman of the Board” as the book has received support from many legends of Hollywood, including Steve Busemi, who attended a recent book signing at Grotta Azzurra in Little Italy in New York City. Terence Winter Executive  Producer and Writer – Boardwalk Empire – Sopranos – Wolf of Wall Street – Tulsa King) shared his thoughts: “Calling all Sinatra fans!  Hairman of the Board isn’t just another bio of everyone’s favorite crooner, it’s an intimate, poignant peek behind the curtain at a global superstar brought to us by an insider whose own story could be a movie itself!  Joseph Paris has written a gem.”

From Humble Beginnings in Brooklyn to a Star-Studded Career

Joseph Paris’ passion for hair styling took him from Bensonhurst, Brooklyn, to Hollywood. Growing up in a working-class family, Paris idolized Sinatra from a young age and often combed his hair in the mirror while singing along to his music. As he grew up and his talent was recognized, he was encouraged by his mother to pursue hairstyling. Paris turned his mastery into a career that changed his life.

Early in his career, Paris won the Empire State Master Hairdressers Guild competition. This award opened many doors to high-end salons and, eventually, the wig industry. As he expanded upon his craft, Paris developed keen entrepreneurial instincts, which ushered his revolutionization of the hairpiece business. He was dubbed ‘The Toupee Titan of New York,’ which made him a true pioneer in the integration of artistry and business.

From Client to Life-Long Friend: How Paris Crafted the Legend & Sinatra Catapulted Paris’ Career

Paris had always dreamed of working with Sinatra. This dream became a reality in 1962 when he was called to style the singer’s hair for The First Deadly Sin. Ol’ Blue Eyes was impressed with Paris’ work and immediately gravitated to the stylist’s personality and professionalism. What started as a professional encounter between the hairstylist and superstar prospered into a friendship and partnership that lasted decades.

Paris was integral in maintaining Sinatra’s signature style, ensuring the singer’s slicked-back look was as timeless as his music. “I had his back on the entire movie,” Paris recalls, emphasizing his function as more than just a hairstylist. He became a trusted ally for the star as he navigated the pressures of fame and balancing his immaculate public image.

True Timelessness: A Celebrity Stylist for the Ages

While Sinatra was his most iconic client, Paris’ expertise graced other Hollywood legends, including Barbra Streisand and Burt Reynolds. Reynolds, in particular, was a candid fan of Paris’ work after using one of his hairpieces in the film Sharky’s Machine. The actor was so happy with Paris’ hairpiece that he named a character in his movie Physical Evidence after him, which further confirms the hairstylist’s impact on the world of entertainment.

Innovation in Hair Restoration

Beyond the tinsel of Hollywood, Paris contributed significantly to the field of hair restoration. His patented Medical Hair Prosthesis (MHP) provided clients with natural-looking hairpieces that restored not just their appearance but also their confidence. This exponentially expanded solutions for hair loss. “It’s about building confidence by staying the way you looked before you lost your hair,” Paris explains.

Commitment to Craftsmanship

Paris’ commitment to quality set him apart in an industry infamously saturated with disposable products. “A Joseph Paris product lasts for years—like buying a Rolls-Royce compared to a Volkswagen,” he says.

A Hollywood Tale: Hairman of the Board

In Joseph Paris’ memoir, Hairman of the Board, he presents a closer look at his extraordinary life and career as it is a story of perseverance, artistry, and the magic of dream chasing. Through vivid recollections, Paris reminisces on his relationships with Sinatra and other celebrities, his revolutionary innovations in hairstyling, and his entrepreneurial journey. Hairman of the Board is a tribute to Paris’ journey and the unremitting power of creativity and determination.

Joseph Paris’ story is a testament to the power of talent, passion, and determination. His work made icons out of Hollywood’s brightest stars and left a legacy that continues to inspire. As Paris himself says, “Dreams do come true.”

For more information on Hairman of the Board by Joseph Paris, visit: https://hairmanoftheboard.com.

Published by Nicholas A.