The biggest celebrity names in Chris Appleton’s new book
Famous hairstylist Chris Appleton gives more than just great hair advice in his new memoir, Your appearance doesn’t define youwhich was released Tuesday, January 20.
Among his motivational tips and tricks for not letting your past define you, Appleton also finds a way to casually name-check some of the celebrity clients he’s worked with over the years, like Chris Jenner, Kim Kardashian, Jennifer Lopez And Christina Aguilera.
Appleton also discussed his short marriage to actor Lucas Gagewhich he did not mention. Appleton married Gage in 2023 in a Las Vegas ceremony officiated by Kardashian and filmed for The Kardashians. Their marriage ended after six months.
“I was so sure I had found my person that we got engaged within a few months of getting together. I was all in,” Appleton wrote in his book. “We flew to Las Vegas with our families and were serenaded Shania Twothen wore matching fur coats while my dear friend Kim Kardashian officiated our wedding. The world watched it unfold The Kardashians. I believed in that love with all my heart. I went into that marriage thinking it would last forever; that was my intention at the time. Unfortunately, that’s not what happened. It ended almost as quickly as it started. We divorced before the end of the year and went our separate ways. Yet I still believe in marriage and hope to get married again one day.”
Keep scrolling for more celebrity names from Appleton’s new book:
Kris Jenner
Appleton is a longtime hairstylist for many members of the Kardashian-Jenner family, including matriarch and beloved mother Kris. In the foreword, which Jenner wrote, she says that she was initially drawn to Appleton’s hair, but that “his heart,” “his journey,” “and the way he uses his gift not only to style hair, but to lift spirits and transform lives,” is what captivated her most about him.
In his acceptance speech, Appleton wrote to Jenner: “It is my honor to call you a friend, a mentor and an inspiration. Your brilliance as a businesswoman, your strength as a mother and your timeless grace continue to set the standard. You lead with strength, purpose and style – reminding us all that there is no limit to what a woman can achieve at any stage of life. Thank you for showing us what is possible.”
Kim Kardashian
Appleton praises Kardashian for being very friendly to the people who work with her. “She says hello and introduces herself to everyone in the room,” Appleton wrote. “Whether you are the lighting person, the PA cousin who brings the coffee order, or the Prime Minister, it doesn’t matter who it is, she takes the time to recognize everyone.”
“She doesn’t have to; no one expects that from anyone, let alone her. It would be easier not to take the time; she’s the busiest person I’ve ever met, but she’s trying her best, and it goes a long way,” Appleton continued.
Appleton further notes that in his opinion, Kardashian exudes “genuine kindness and warmth.” He later shouts her out in a frame next to it Anna Wintour, Steve Jobs, Doechii, Emma Stone, Rihanna, As quickly as possible Rocky, Beyonce, Zendaya and more, because you have a great personal brand. He notes, “Whether it’s a new album, movie, clothing line, product launch or sound bite from these people – we already know it will be outstanding or iconic. And that’s not just because they’re famous or beautiful. It’s because they put something into the world.”
In the chapter on creating your signature look, Chris wrote about how Kardashian uses her hairstyles as a form of “currency.” “Kim’s hair lives in constant, camera-ready perfection: glass-straight obsidian, platinum drama, soft waves with razor-sharp center parts. Nothing is random. Nothing is accidental. Each look is created with clockwork precision, designed to dominate feeds and fuel fashion trends.”
Celebrity hairstylist Chris Appleton is opening up for the first time about his divorce from actor Lukas Gage. “It was definitely the first time I experienced so many people being so invested in my personal life,” Appleton, 42, said on the Wednesday, August 6 episode of Jay Shetty’s ‘On Purpose’ podcast. “People have […]
Jennifer Lopez
Appleton was living in his hometown of Leicester, England, when someone from the legendary artist’s team contacted him. Appleton initially thought it was spam and didn’t respond. They later contacted a second time, but he couldn’t do Lopez’s hair because he still lived in Leicester. This missed opportunity prompted Appleton to move to Los Angeles shortly thereafter.
When he arrived, someone from Lopez’s team contacted him for the third time. “This time it was to style her new music video. I was ecstatic,” Appleton wrote. “The day of the call, someone called me and as soon as I answered they said they would just transfer me to Jennifer. Jennifer? As in Jennifer Lopez? My mind was racing. What should I call her? Jennifer? J. Lo? Jenny from the neighborhood? And then suddenly Jennifer Lopez was on the other end of the line. ‘Hey honey,’ she said. ‘This is what we do…'”
“She was warm, kind and clear about what she wanted from the music video concept. When I hung up the phone… I couldn’t remember most of what she said because I was in such a state of shock,” Appleton recalls.
In the acknowledgments, Appleton thanked Lopez for being “not only a friend, but a guiding light throughout my career,” he wrote. “Your generosity, wisdom and belief in me have opened doors I could never have imagined. I am endlessly grateful for the example you set and the role you played in my journey.”
Christina Aguilera
Later in the book, Appleton recalls a time when he was called to do Aguilera’s hair when she was a judge The voice. After the makeup team was done, Appleton was given just 20 minutes to do her hair and he suggested she put a wig on her. The Grammy-winning singer and actress was initially reluctant, telling Appleton that she didn’t like wigs, to which he replied, “You’ve never tried one of my wigs.”
“I pinned the wig on Christina’s head with ten minutes left before the live show started. She looked beautiful, and the wig looked natural on her head and matched her style perfectly,” Appleton wrote. “After the show, I saw Christina standing in the hallway. She looked at me. My heart pounded. ‘Everyone likes your wig,’ she said, and she gave me that iconic grin of hers. My insides almost exploded with relief and pride. It was truly a pivotal moment in my career.”
Lukas Gage has no ill will toward ex-husband Chris Appleton — or his new literary venture. “Lukas has moved on,” a source told Us Weekly exclusively on Tuesday, August 12, about Gage, 30, and Appleton’s dynamic post-split. ‘And there’s water underneath [the] bridge at this stage.” During a recent appearance on TMZ, Gage made a […]
Drew Barrymore
Although he does not mention her by name in the chapters, Appleton highlights Barrymore in the acknowledgments.
“Thank you to Drew Barrymore for your heartfelt encouragement and continued support,” he wrote. “Your authenticity and kindness shine through in everything you do, and your belief in me has had a lasting impact that I will never forget.”
Appleton too appeared on Barrymore’s daytime TV show, The Drew Barrymore Showin November 2025, and gave a mother of two a makeover.
Bethenny Frankel
The former Real Housewives of New York City The star turned businesswoman received high praise from Appleton.
“You are a hot, sharp-tongued hurricane in heels, with the brain of a CEO and the loyalty of a wolf,” Appleton wrote of Frankel. “Your no-bullshit brilliance, fierce friendship and unapologetic drive to lift others up is iconic.”
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