IN CONVERSATION WITH CHRIS APPLETON

interview by JANA LETONJA

Chris Appleton is more than a TV personality and world renowned celebrity hairstylist, he’s a cultural force shaping how modern beauty is seen, worn, and shared. With a client list that includes Kim Kardashian, Jennifer Lopez, Ariana Grande, and Dua Lipa, the British-born stylist has defined some of the most iconic hair moments of the past decade. As Director of Color Wow and a global content creator with over seven million followers, Chris bridges high fashion, red carpet glamour, and digital influence with precision and personality. His work—polished yet powerful, aspirational yet accessible—has made him one of the most influential voices in beauty today. On 20th January, Chris is releasing his book ‘Your Roots Don’t Define You: Transform Your Life. Create Your Comeback’.

vest ANN DEMEULEMEESTER
scarf vintage MR FREEDOM

Hair is often the final touch of a look, but sometimes it becomes the entire statement. When do you know hair needs to lead the narrative?

It usually starts with the outfit. Sometimes the outfit is doing all the talking and the hair needs to support it quietly. Other times, the outfit needs help telling the story and that’s when hair steps forward. I always look for balance. If the clothes are minimal, hair can be powerful. On the other hand, if the look is already loud, hair should elevate without competing. It’s about knowing when to whisper and when to speak up.

You’ve helped define some of the most recognizable beauty moments of the last decade. What makes a hairstyle truly iconic to you?

An iconic hairstyle feels effortless, even when it isn’t. It’s something that looks inevitable, almost like it couldn’t have been done any other way. It holds up over time, photographs beautifully, and people still reference it years later. Most importantly, it feels authentic to the person wearing it. If it doesn’t feel true to them, it won’t last culturally.

tuxedo BOTTEGA VENETA
vest ANN DEMEULEMEESTER
gloves MASION MARGIELA
scarf vintage MR FREEDOM

How do you see hair functioning as a form of identity, power, or self-expression today?

Hair is one of the most immediate ways people tell the world who they are or who they’re becoming. It can signal confidence, rebellion, softness, strength, or reinvention. For a lot of people, changing their hair is the first step toward changing their life. That’s powerful. It’s not just aesthetic, it’s emotional.

What does trust look like between you and your clients, especially when creating bold or unexpected looks?

Trust is built over time, not just in one appointment. It comes from listening, honesty, and consistency. My clients know I’ll never push an idea just to be bold, but one that make sense for them. When that trust is there, they’re willing to go places creatively because they know I have their best interest at heart. 

Are there particular collaborations that challenged you creatively or changed your perspective as an artist?

Every strong collaboration challenges you in some way. Working with different personalities, aesthetics, and comfort levels forces you to evolve. Some collaborations push you technically, others emotionally, especially when you’re helping someone step into a new version of themselves. Those moments change how you see your role as an artist.

trousers DRIES VAN NOTEN
boots BOTTEGA VENETA

You’ve built a massive following online. How has social media changed the way beauty is consumed and created?

Social media has made beauty immediate and accessible. Trends move faster than ever, and people expect transformation in seconds. It’s exciting, but it also means you have to be intentional. Not everything needs to be viral to be meaningful. The challenge is creating work that translates online without losing depth or craftsmanship.

How do you maintain authenticity in an industry that’s increasingly driven by algorithms and virality?

I always come back to intention. If I’m doing something just because it might perform well, people can feel that. I focus on work I’m proud of, stories that matter, and staying true to my taste. Algorithms change. Authenticity doesn’t.

full look BOTTEGA VENETA
gloves MAISON MARGIELA

As Director of Color Wow, how involved are you in shaping product innovation and education?

Very involved. I’m hands-on with how products perform in real life, not just in a lab. I care about education because great products only work if people understand how to use them properly. My role is bridging professional expertise with everyday usability.

How do you stay creatively energized after years at the top of the industry?

I stay curious. I never assume I’ve figured it all out. Inspiration comes from people, travel, music, culture and sometimes from stepping away. Growth happens when you allow yourself to evolve instead of repeating what’s already worked.

What excites you most about the future of beauty — technically, culturally, or creatively?

The shift toward individuality excites me. People are less interested in copying and more interested in expressing themselves. Technically, tools and formulas keep getting better, but culturally, there’s more freedom. Beauty is becoming less about perfection and more about personality.

shirt BOTTEGA VENETA
tie SAINT LAURENT
trousers and shoes BOTTEGA VENETA
gloves MAISON MARGIELA

Your book Your Roots Don’t Define You has a powerful title. What personal experiences inspired you to frame it around reinvention and comeback?

I know what it’s like to feel boxed in by where you come from, what people expect, or the version of you that once existed. I’ve lived reinvention both personally and professionally. The title reflects the belief that your past can inform you, but it doesn’t get to decide your future.

The book blends memoir with motivation. How did you decide what to share publicly and what to protect for yourself?

I asked myself one question, “Will this help someone feel less alone?” If the answer was yes, I shared it honestly. But some things are sacred, and I believe protecting parts of yourself is also a form of self-respect. Vulnerability doesn’t mean exposure without boundaries.

If readers take away just one mindset shift or lesson from the book, what do you hope it is?

That it’s never too late to choose yourself. You’re allowed to change your mind, rewrite your story, and become someone new without guilt or apology. Reinvention isn’t failure. It’s courage.

turtleneck DRIES VAN NOTEN
jeans ANN DEMEULEMEESTER
socks SAINT LAURENT

TEAM CREDITS:

talent CHRIS APPLETON
photography NICK RASMUSSEN
styling DOUGLAS VANLANINGHAM at the Only Agency
groomer ROBERT BRYAN at the Wall Group
film developping THAT ONE PHOTOLAB
editor TIMOTEJ LETONJA
editorial direction and interview JANA LETONJA