Chris Appleton has crafted an illustrious career styling the hair of some of the world's most famous celebrities, yet the renowned hairstylist continues to grapple with profound feelings of self-doubt. Behind the dazzling facade of red-carpet events and A-list clientele, Appleton, aged 42, openly acknowledges the persistent insecurities that shape his life, a theme he explores deeply in his debut novel, Your Roots Don't Define You.
The Reality Behind the Glamour
In a candid conversation with the Daily Mail, Appleton revealed that working with Hollywood's elite does not erase personal insecurities. "Working with A-listers doesn't cancel insecurity," he explained. "It just gives it a bigger audience and more people have an opinion about it." This honest admission sets the tone for his literary work, which delves into overcoming feelings of inadequacy and breaking free from the constraints of one's past.
A Personal Journey Through Writing
Appleton's book, released on January 20 in the United States, represents a year-long journey of introspection. He describes the writing process as challenging, requiring him to revisit painful childhood memories and confront long-held beliefs. "It was actually reopening rooms in my mind that I guess I thought I'd painted over for years or closed doors," Appleton admitted. The title itself carries a dual meaning, reflecting both his professional world of hair and a broader message about personal identity. "You know your roots don't define you," he elaborated. "It's about what happens when the version of you that you kept safe starts costing you your life."
High-Profile Life and Personal Struggles
Appleton is no stranger to the spotlight, having styled icons such as Kim Kardashian, Jennifer Lopez, Dua Lipa, and Chrishell Stause. His personal life has also captured public attention, including coming out at age 26 in 2009 after a long-term relationship and his whirlwind marriage to actor Lukas Gage in April 2023, officiated by Kim Kardashian. Despite these outward successes, Appleton emphasises that professional achievement does not resolve internal conflicts. "Success doesn't fix shame," he stated, "and it definitely doesn't fix the parts of your life that you were trained to hide."
A Pivotal Career Moment Marred by Doubt
One of the most revealing anecdotes in Appleton's narrative concerns styling Jennifer Lopez's hair for the 2020 Super Bowl, an event that propelled him to international fame. Paradoxically, this career highlight left him feeling like a failure. "After that show, which was probably maybe one of the biggest moments of my career, I went home and cried and literally stayed in my hotel the whole night," he confessed. A single strand of hair that fell during the performance triggered overwhelming self-criticism. "I felt like I'd completely messed up," Appleton recalled. "I couldn't see anything after that, I felt like I would ruin the performance."
Family Support and Future Hopes
Appleton, who shares two children, Billy, 22, and Kitty-blu, 20, with his ex-partner Katie Katon, finds immense pride in their positive reception of his book. "For them to be proud of me is my greatest achievement," he said, reflecting on years of self-abandonment due to shame. Through his writing, Appleton aims to inspire others to embrace their authentic selves. "It's never too late to transform your life and create your comeback," he urged, hoping his story motivates readers to pursue their true identities relentlessly.
