Chris Appleton is 43 years old, born on June 14, 1983, in Leicester, England. He has built a massive international reputation as a premier celebrity hairstylist, working closely with top-tier cultural figures like Kim Kardashian, Jennifer Lopez, and Ariana Grande.
Far from being a background player in the beauty industry, Appleton changed modern red-carpet styling with signature aesthetics like "glass hair." This breakdown explores his exact age, early beginnings, and milestone career achievements.
Early Life and Finding a Passion for Hair
Born Christopher David Appleton, he grew up in the UK as the third of five children. His entry into the beauty sector started unusually early. When he was just five or six years old, he began experimenting with his mother’s hair, styling it and noticing how small changes could completely alter someone's appearance.
By the time he turned 13, that childhood curiosity turned into a professional pursuit when he landed his first official job at a local salon in Leicester. While other teenagers focused purely on school, Appleton spent his weekends absorbing technical skills, cutting hair, and learning the fundamentals of salon operations. He eventually dropped out of formal schooling to immerse himself in hair styling full-time. Related coverage regarding this has been published by BBC.
- Started styling his mother's hair at age 5
- Secured a salon job at age 13
- Earned a dedicated degree in hair coloring during his late teens
- Regularly commuted to London to assist on editorial and commercial sets
Rising Through the Ranks in London
During his late teens and early twenties, Appleton expanded his horizons by commuting to London. Working on fashion shoots, test editorials, and music video sets helped sharpen his creative vision. He wasn't just executing basic cuts; he was studying structural movement, lighting, and how hair reacted to high-definition cameras.
His dedication paid off in 2010 when he won Young Talent of the Year at the London TV show Hairdresser of the Year awards, alongside capturing Eastern Hairdresser of the Year. These accolades caught the attention of major pop stars. Singer Rita Ora became his first major celebrity client, booking him for tours, global campaigns, and high-profile red carpets after seeing his precise attention to detail.
Building a Global Celebrity Clientele
After establishing a foothold in the UK, Appleton transitioned to Los Angeles, where his career accelerated rapidly. He became the creative force behind some of the most recognized hair transformations in pop culture history. His portfolio expanded to include Jennifer Lopez, Katy Perry, Ariana Grande, and Britney Spears.
His partnership with Kim Kardashian brought him into mainstream households, leading to multiple guest appearances on reality television, including The Kardashians. Rather than relying solely on trends, Appleton engineered them. He popularized sleek, ultra-reflective finishes that defined a distinct era of modern glam.
Key Career Milestones
- 2010: Awarded Young Talent of the Year.
- 2016-2019: Revolutionized celebrity bob and long-hair styling trends for global award shows.
- 2026: Released his debut memoir, Your Roots Don't Define You, via Wikipedia.
- 2026: Competed on the twenty-fourth series of the BBC show Strictly Come Dancing.
Personal Life and Family
Appleton is a father of two children, Billy and Kitty-Blu, born from a previous long-term relationship. He has spoken openly about navigating young fatherhood while simultaneously building an intense international career. In 2023, he married actor Lukas Gage, though the couple later divorced in 2024.
Aside from his salon work, Appleton published his memoir to address mental health, dyslexia, and the hurdles he overcame to reach the peak of the beauty industry.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Chris Appleton's exact date of birth?
He was born on June 14, 1983. His astrological sign is Gemini.
Where is Chris Appleton from?
He was born and raised in Leicester, England, before eventually relocating to Los Angeles.
How did Chris Appleton become famous?
He gained initial recognition through UK industry awards in 2010 before building a celebrity clientele that includes pop stars and reality television icons.
Does Chris Appleton have children?
Yes, he shares two children, Billy and Kitty-Blu, with his former partner Katie Katon.
