Hair today, gone tomorrow? That’s not the case for Sanjaya Malakar, the Season 6 “American Idol” finalist as well known for the weekly restyling of his tresses (ponyhawk, anyone?) as his musical performances.

He was the darling of the preteen set, culminating in the memorable hysterics of “crying girl” Ashley Ferl. And, along with Chris Daughtry and Jennifer Hudson, he is among a handful of former “Idol” contestants who are as well known as the people who actually won the competition.

Last week, we chatted with the well-spoken 19-year-old, who now lives in a one-bedroom apartment on Manhattan’s Upper East Side, about his just-released book and five-song EP, both titled “Dancing to the Music in My Head.”

Q. On “Idol,” you appeared to be a fairly shy and quiet guy. What is it about you that caused you to become such a phenomenon and household name?

A. It’s kind of hard to answer. I’ve heard “you’re really relatable, you’re really real.” People were able to connect with me. I was a lot more shy on the show than I am normally. When I’m in a group of friends, I’m usually the loudest. Going on the show showed me how to step outside myself, so that I could connect with me, connect with the audience … (it taught me) how to interact with the audience better, draw them in and connect with them.

Q. Did the “Idol” staff give you direction on how to connect with the audience?

A. Well, they give you a little advice about techniques you can do. But it comes through the experience. As I progressed on the show, every day there were new things. … There was a lot of self reflection.

Q. Some things come with good and bad. What are the good things about fame?

A. The opportunities to be able to have influence. I’m really into the green movement — my Mom is into nutrition and organic foods, natural foods, recycling — so to be able to have that platform and be recognizable and bring attention to this. (Fame also lets you) have respect as an artist and be able to achieve your dream.

Q. And the worst things about fame?

A. Going into it, you expect it to be a lot different. It’s really a gradual process. While you’re on the show you’re treated really well. You feel like a movie star. As soon as you’re off the show, well, then there was the tour, but right after that you’re on your own. You forget that you have to work and that it’s a job. My favorite part (of the job) is the music part, not the business part. But the pros outweigh the cons.

Q. You have a five-song EP that came out this week, in conjunction with the book. Did you write or co-write any of the songs on the EP?

A. I co-wrote all of them. I made it a point to be really involved in the development of each song. … My sister (Shyamali Malakar) and cousin helped to write some songs, as well. It’s been a really incredible journey. The book and EP are kind of surreal.

Q. What do you like to do in your “non-celebrity” life?

A. I just got a puppy. His name is Luciano, he’s half French bulldog, half Scottie.

Q. What does your hair look like these days?

A. It’s the longest it’s ever been in my entire life. It’s a little longer than my shoulders.