Ever spend hours in front of a bathroom mirror trying to perfect a Pinterest hairstyle, only to wonder how they do it every day? Well, they don’t. Big-name celebrities have hairstylists on retainer, ready for a casual daily updo or an event-ready blowout.
More often than not, these stylists stay known only within industry circles. But a few, like Chris Appleton, have gone viral for their iconic hair transformations, signature techniques, and behind-the-scenes styling content on social media. If you’ve been hearing about Chris Appleton and wondering what all the buzz is about, you’re not alone.
In this post, we’ll break down exactly who this famous stylist is and the celebrities he works with. But if you really want to understand his styling philosophy, career journey, and approach to confidence through hair, check out his interview on Him & Her Show. In the episode, Chris Appleton reflects on his childhood, early work, and the path that led him to where he is today. For now? We’ll cover the highlights below.
Who Is Chris Appleton? Meet Kim Kardashian’s Hairstylist
Chris Appleton is a British celebrity hairstylist, beauty entrepreneur, and author known for creating some of the most iconic pop-culture hair moments. Generally, these are ultra-sleek styles, glossy blowouts, and high-impact glam looks. He’s the hairstylist for celebrities like Kim Kardashian, Jennifer Lopez, Dua Lipa, and Ariana Grande.
Want gorgeous hair like these pop culture goddesses? Learn the insider secrets to everything beauty, hair, skin, and makeup on this episode of the Him & Her Show.
Where Is Chris Appleton From?
Chris Appleton grew up in Leicester, England, in a working-class family. Despite the dreary, gray atmosphere of the Midlands, he was drawn to creativity and color. This sparked his interest in the beauty industry at a young age. By the age of 13, he was already working in a salon. There, he realized he had a natural talent for hairstyling.
How Did Chris Appleton Become Famous?
Early Career as a Hairstylist in England
Chris started working in a salon at 13 years old. Once he discovered his natural knack for hairstyling, he started practicing on friends and family. At the salon, he developed his technical skills. At home, he honed in on his personal aesthetic.
Winning Industry Awards and Building a Reputation
As he got older, others started recognizing his unbelievable talent. He won several youth hair-styling awards (like Young Talent of the Year) and built significant credibility. From there, he moved from standard salon gigs to higher-profile styling work. As he continued gaining technical expertise in prestigious salons, editors began inviting Chris to assist with fashion shoots and runway shows.
Working With High-Profile Celebrity Clients
Impressed by his editorial work, celebrities began to take notice of Chris’s talent. Soon, he was styling several British TV personalities and public figures, including Rita Ora, Nicole Scherzinger, and Katie Price. He became known for his sleek, modern, camera-ready looks.
Eventually, Chris moved to Los Angeles after being contacted by Jennifer Lopez to find bigger opportunities. Despite the contract, the move didn’t lead to any work at first. Just as he ran out of money, Christina Aguilera hired him to do her hair for The Voice. Finally, he got his big break. (And JLo eventually called him back.)
Becoming Kim Kardashian’s Go-To Hairstylist
After a few years in Los Angeles, building his portfolio and working with major celebrities, Chris became Kim Kardashian’s hairstylist. This is when he went from a popular stylist to a famous stylist. He became a core member of Kim’s glam team, creating several of her most recognizable hairstyles—including everyday looks and Met Gala showstoppers.
Not only were the looks he styled for Kim Kardashian highly publicized, but he also frequently appeared on Keeping Up with the Kardashians. The show showcased both his talent and his very real friendship with Kim. They’re so close, in fact, that Kim officiated Chris’s marriage to actor Lukas Gage in 2023. (The two have since divorced.)
If you’re curious about other celebrity hairstylists’ backgrounds and advice, we have plenty of other posts for you to enjoy! We have one interviewing Chris Dylan (hairstylist for Chris Evans, Regé-Jean Page, Jeremy Allen White, etc.) and another with Kevin Kelly (hairstylist for Nicole Kidman, Mandy Moore, Jessica Chastain, etc.).
Showcasing His Work on Social Media
As social media began reshaping the beauty industry, Chris quickly recognized its potential. He started posting photos and videos of his work on platforms like Instagram, giving fans a behind-the-scenes look at celebrity glam.
His sculpted ponytails, polished waves, and dramatic hair transformations often went viral. This helped him reach a global audience far beyond the salon chair or even his celebrity circle. By consistently sharing his work online, Chris turned his portfolio into a powerful personal brand.
Partnering With Major Haircare Brands
In addition to his celebrity client work, Chris also partners with major haircare brands. His expertise allows him to assist companies with product development, education, and marketing. Today, he serves as Global Creative Director for Color Wow, a haircare brand known for products designed to protect and enhance color-treated hair.
Expanding His Influence Through Television and Media
As Chris’s reputation grew, so did his presence in television and media. He began appearing on major daytime programs like The Drew Barrymore Show and Today, where he shares hairstyling tips, product recommendations, and beauty advice with wider audiences.
Chris has also appeared on popular podcasts, where he discusses his career, styling philosophy, and experiences working with celebrity clients. (Don’t forget to listen to the Chris Appleton podcast with TSC.) Through television appearances, podcast interviews, and social media content, Chris expanded his influence far beyond the red carpet.
Writing Memoir: Your Roots Don’t Define You
As his career continued to grow, Chris expanded his influence beyond hairstyling by sharing his personal story. In 2026, he released his memoir, Your Roots Don’t Define You. In the book, he reflects on his upbringing in England, the challenges he faced early in life, and the determination that helped him build a global career.
The book blends behind-the-scenes stories from his journey in the beauty industry with lessons about confidence, reinvention, and staying true to yourself. By opening up about his experiences, Chris connected with fans on a deeper level. He further cemented his reputation as not just a celebrity hairstylist but a voice of inspiration in the beauty and fashion world.
How Did Chris Appleton Meet Kim Kardashian?
Kim’s glam team reached out to Chris sometime around 2016 or 2017 after Kim became a fan of his work with JLo. They collaborated on a project, and the partnership clicked immediately. Soon after, he became one of her regular hairstylists and a trusted member of her glam team—and eventually a close friend.
Chris Appleton’s Signature Hairstyling Techniques
- Glass hair (ultra-sleek, high-shine straight hair)
- Sculpted high ponytails
- Ultra-long, seamless hair extensions
- Snatched, face-framing styles
- Polished glam waves (modern Hollywood waves)
- Sleek center parts
- Wet-look hairstyles
- Dramatic color transformations (especially platinum blonde)
- Smooth, tucked-behind-the-ear styles
- High-gloss blowouts
Want one of Chris’s iconic updos? Here are some of our ponytail hacks for thin hair. And, for more advice, listen to the episode of the Him & Her Show called William Gaunitz on Unexplained Hair Loss, Thinning Hair, Scalp Hygiene, and How to Regrow Healthy Hair.
Chris Appleton Business Ventures and Brand Collaborations
- Author of Your Roots Don’t Define You
- Global Creative Director for Color Wow
- Haircare campaigns and product partnerships with Shark Beauty
- Professional hairstyling collaborations with Dyson for styling tools
- Celebrity hairstyling campaigns for Olaplex
- Beauty and styling collaborations with Kylie Cosmetics
- Fashion and beauty partnerships with Tom Ford Beauty
- Professional hairstyling seminars and stage education at industry hair shows
- Online tutorials and training sessions
- Hairstyling tutorials and beauty education through Instagram and TikTok
How to Get an Appointment With Chris Appleton
Unless you’re an elite member of the rich and famous, you probably can’t get a direct appointment with Chris Appleton. However, if you’re really set on working with him, book through his management team or industry connections.
If you can’t find that contact info, you’re better off following his styling tutorials through social media or one of his brand events. There are also plenty of stylists in his network who use similar techniques! Just contact any high-end salon in your area and tell them the vibe you’re going for.
Chris Appleton is a self-made hair styling superstar trusted by the biggest names in pop culture and beauty.
From salon apprentice to celebrity glam expert, Chris Appleton has become one of the most recognizable hairstylists in the world. His signature sleek styles, high-gloss finishes, and dramatic transformations have helped shape some of the most memorable celebrity hair moments in recent years. Today, his work continues to influence red carpet trends, viral beauty looks, and the way people think about modern glam hair.