Professionals from all over the world attended the April 30 to May 2 conference and participated in the contest.

"The category was business look, so the hair could be cut in any style, but it had to fit a professional business look," Paez said.

Paez's model, Rich Adams, has worked with him for 12 years and the two have traveled together to participate in competitions. Preparing for the competition required Adams to grow his hair for three months.

"There has to be enough hair to cut," Paez said. "The judges want to see your workmanship and your cutting and tapering skills."

In addition to hair, the Total Look competition involves selecting apparel as well.

"There are five judges and they judge the haircut, the clothing and the face. Everything has to flow," Paez said.

With only an hour to complete the cut and assemble the look, having a game plan is critical, he added. "I picked out the clothes beforehand. They had to have a business look, but also had to fit the personality of the model. Not everyone can wear every style."

Paez has been working as a barber in the Willow Glen area for 40 years and has occupied his current location in the front of the Garden Theatre for eight years. During this time he has established long-term relationships with many of his clients.

"I have been cutting the hair of some regulars for 30 to 35 years," Paez said. "Some guys have been with me longer than their wives."

One such customer is regular Loyd Kinsworthy.

"He has been cutting my hair for 36 years," Kinsworthy said, "and he hasn't made a mistake yet."

Although Paez has also won women's haircutting competitions, for the past 10 years his primary focus has been on men's styles.

Paez credits his success to his drive to continually educate himself.

"It is up to each person to develop their own skills," he said. "After I graduated from barber school, I continued to take advanced classes and worked and watched lots of different barbers."

In addition to cutting hair, Paez teaches at local community colleges and various salons.

"It is important to tell kids what they need to do to be successful in this business," he said.

The job also allows him to meet people from all walks of life.

"There is not a morning where I wake up and don't want to come to work," Paez said. "My days are not boring. I get to meet all types of people and talk about a variety of subjects like sports, cars, golf, and the stock market. I wouldn't trade what I do for anything in the world."

Garden Theatre Barber Shop is open Tuesday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information call 408.293.4218.