Personal Style: David Babaii

David Babaii styles Kate Hudson's famous mane.

Whether working on-set or creating wildlife-conservation products with Kate Hudson, celeb stylist David Babaii keeps it classy.

My hair right now: Short and very neat. Traveling all over the world with my clients, I need to have wash-and-wear hair.

My worst style: When I was in high school, I had a bouffant with crazy spiky bangs. And I have a lot of hair.

My favorite on-set look: Many times I am on location, so I have to have clothing that moves with me. My Ralph Lauren Polo shirts keep me cool and free. My Prada gym shoes are pure comfort when I'm on my feet all day.

My party look: LA is such a casual city. Even out on the town, comfort is always something you strive for. For meetings or dinner with my clients or publicists, I love linen slacks and a dress shirt. My Louis Vuitton satchel bag is my signature accessory, along with Prada and Rolex watches.

My favorite designers: Prada, Louis Vuitton and John Galliano. Their designs are an art form very similar to our craft as hairdressers.

I'm motivated by: On a personal level, my mom Hilda, who was a legendary hairdresser in her prime, has always been my source of comfort, pride and encouragement. On a humanitarian and professional level, Angelina Jolie has always inspired me.

My favorite tools: My [David Babaii for Wildaid] Bohemian Beach Spray for texture, curl and volume, and my lightweight blow dryer to rough dry hair with my hands.

When clients ask me for a celebrity's style: I preach the importance of taking something you like and creating your own look.  Adapt a style that suits your face, hair color, hair texture and lifestyle.

My mentors: The two most influential people in my career are, of course, my mom and Vidal Sassoon. As a child my mom often took me to the salon. She was such an amazing hairdresser that I would sit still watching her for hours.

How I became a hairdresser: I was working in hotel management and my work life was highly stressful. On a family vacation to Paris, my mom noticed I was not myself and asked what was on my mind. I began to share how I wanted to change my career, yet, at 24 years old, I felt it was too late. She said, "It is never too late to change; life is too short to be unhappy." A hair show was going on at the same time we were in Paris. As soon as we walked in, I knew this was fate and that hairdressing was going to be my career path.