Chris Appleton, the renowned British celebrity hairstylist behind the signature looks of stars like Kim Kardashian, Jennifer Lopez, and Dua Lipa, recently opened up about his deeply personal journey to self-acceptance. In an emotional interview with Bethenny Frankel on her podcast Just B, Appleton candidly discussed his coming-out story, fatherhood, and the evolution of his identity—from a young father in a heterosexual relationship to embracing his truth as a proud gay man.
A Life Before the Spotlight
Born in Leicester, England, Chris Appleton began his journey in hairstyling at the young age of 13. It was during these early years in a local salon that he met his former partner, Katie Katon. The two went on to have a long-term relationship spanning nearly a decade. Together, they welcomed two children: a son, Billy, now 21, and a daughter, Kitty-Blu, 20.
By the time Appleton was in his mid-20s, he appeared to be living what many might have seen as an ideal family life. However, beneath the surface, he was grappling with a truth he hadn’t yet accepted—his sexuality.
“I thought I had it all figured out,” Appleton shared during the podcast. “Everyone else also thought I had it figured out. I had a partner, two kids… but I hadn’t figured out myself.”
Coming Out at 26: “Incredibly Difficult”
At the age of 26, Chris Appleton made the life-altering decision to come out as gay. It was, as he described, an “incredibly difficult” time.
“I had a partner I’d been with for nine years. I had two kids. Coming out wasn’t just about me—it meant changing the reality for everyone around me,” he recalled.
What made the process even more painful was the emotional complexity of having to let go of a life he had built, one that felt real and meaningful, even if it wasn’t wholly authentic. Despite the emotional toll, Appleton credits Katon for being “incredibly supportive.”
The two have maintained a close friendship over the years. He recounted a recent moment when he stumbled upon a video from his first photo shoot, which brought back a rush of memories. “I just remember that guy—I was straight, I had two kids, I thought I had it all figured out,” he told Katon in a phone call. Her response was as compassionate as ever. “It was really hard because I think you had to mourn a part of someone that you had to let go,” she told him.
Life After Coming Out
Appleton’s story is not only about personal transformation but also a message of resilience and authenticity. Growing up, he faced bullying and judgment. “People used to say I was gay because I did hair,” he recalled. “Hair was the first time I felt good at something. I was dyslexic, so I didn’t fit into the group.”
Now, decades later, Appleton is not only one of the most in-demand hairstylists in Hollywood but also a beacon of visibility in the LGBTQ+ community. He encourages others to live truthfully, saying, “There’s so much power in living authentically. Once I let go of the guilt and shame, my whole life changed.”
A Devoted Father and Role Model
Despite his fame and demanding career, Appleton’s most cherished role is that of a father. His children, Billy and Kitty-Blu, are his pride and joy. Both have embraced their dad’s journey with love and understanding, and the trio shares a close-knit bond.
Billy, 21, is currently studying economics at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles and has previously worked in marketing. Kitty-Blu, 20, pursued cosmetology school in Burbank after moving from the U.K. to live with Appleton. She is passionate about beauty and content creation, often sharing her experiences with makeup and fashion on social media.
Their father-daughter outings, red carpet appearances, and shared Halloween costumes have become popular moments online, showcasing their playful and supportive relationship.
Chris Appleton’s Net Worth and Career Highlights
Chris Appleton, now 40, has amassed an estimated net worth of around $5 million as of 2024. His fortune stems from decades of experience working with the biggest names in the entertainment industry, brand partnerships, TV appearances, and fashion campaigns.
He is a global ambassador for Color Wow Hair and frequently appears on beauty segments for The Ellen DeGeneres Show, The Drew Barrymore Show, and red carpet events. His influence on celebrity beauty culture is undeniable, with his styles often going viral across social media.
A Journey of Healing and Empowerment
Chris Appleton’s story is more than a tale of celebrity or style—it’s a profound narrative of transformation, acceptance, and courage. From a bullied teen in Leicester to a globally respected beauty mogul, Appleton’s journey is a testament to the strength it takes to live your truth.
His candid conversation with Bethenny Frankel offered a rare, heartfelt glimpse behind the glamor, revealing a man who has faced life’s complexities with grace. “She [Katon] was incredibly supportive,” he said. “You have to honor your truth, no matter how difficult it is to confront.”
Chris Appleton is a living example that even amid fame, true success lies in authenticity, love, and the freedom to be who you are.
