Celebrity styling may look glamorous from the outside, but the story behind the scenes often tells a very different tale. Chris Appleton, famed for crafting iconic looks for Kim Kardashian, Jennifer Lopez, and Ariana Grande, shares an intimate look at his career and personal life in “Your Roots Don’t Define You” (Hanover Square Press). The book goes beyond hair advice—it’s a memoir about self-discovery, personal challenges, and growth.
Growing up in England, Appleton faced bullying and societal pressure, experiences that left a lasting mark on his identity and career. He remembers being judged at school for styling hair, even before he fully understood his own sexuality.
Coming out at age 27 became a key turning point, allowing him to reflect on identity and self-acceptance. These experiences form the heart of his memoir, showing the personal struggles behind a career often seen as purely glamorous.
A Story of Reinvention and Vulnerability
Initially, Appleton’s memoir leaned into Hollywood glitz. A personal health scare prompted him to rewrite it with honesty and vulnerability. He shares that the intention behind this approach was to reach those who feel unseen or stuck in life.
Whether in relationships, friendships, careers, or personal appearance, Appleton emphasizes that change is always possible. He describes this process as taking ownership of one’s story and making intentional choices to align with personal growth.
Kris Jenner contributed the foreword to the memoir. Appleton chose her because of her ability to reinvent herself publicly. Jenner’s openness about personal transformations, including her facelift and evolving style, aligned with the themes of resilience and self-expression in his book.
Lessons From Personal and Professional Life
Appleton reflects on past relationships, including his short-lived marriage to actor Lukas Gage, highlighting the importance of self-love. He explains that understanding the value of giving oneself care and attention is empowering and grounding.
Styling, Appleton notes, requires trust and communication. One notable moment involved Christina Aguilera on The Voice, where only 20 minutes were available for hair instead of the planned three hours. Appleton relied on his expertise and creativity, asking Aguilera to trust his choice. The result worked seamlessly on live TV, showing the importance of confidence in one’s skills.
Jennifer Lopez was another milestone in Appleton’s career. He initially hesitated to respond to her email request for styling, thinking it might be a scam. When the opportunity proved real, he realized the impact of social media and professional visibility in connecting with high-profile clients.
Iconic Clients and Unforgettable Moments
Pamela Anderson remains a figure Appleton admires but has not yet styled. Her influence from Baywatch represents a formative moment in his understanding of celebrity culture.
Over the years, Appleton has adapted to evolving beauty standards, noting a growing appreciation for authenticity. People now embrace real beauty in all forms, whether through bold makeup, natural looks, or personal hair transformations.
Appleton encourages experimenting with hair and suggests trying a bold change at least once, like going blond, as a way to explore self-expression.
Changes in Beauty Trends
Appleton observes that beauty trends have shifted dramatically over the last decade. The focus has moved toward authenticity, self-expression, and celebrating individual stories. Instead of following strict trends, people increasingly prioritize looks that feel personal and true to their identity. Celebrities, stylists, and audiences alike have embraced a more inclusive and diverse approach to beauty standards.
Chris Appleton’s memoir, “Your Roots Don’t Define You”, offers more than styling secrets—it’s a narrative of self-discovery, resilience, and authenticity. From navigating bullying and societal pressures to building trust with high-profile clients, Appleton’s journey highlights the importance of owning one’s story.
His experiences demonstrate that personal and professional growth are intertwined, and that confidence, honesty, and self-acceptance are key to both success and fulfillment.