Chris Appleton Shares Transformative Journey in Candid Revelations
A New Chapter for a Celebrity Hairstylist
Celebrity hairstylist Chris Appleton is stepping into a new spotlight: publishing. The Color Wow Global Creative Director and social media sensation gets candid in his upcoming memoir, Your Roots Don’t Define You: Transform Your Life. Create Your Comeback, slated for publication in early 2026. This announcement comes as Appleton opens up about deeply personal experiences that have shaped his life and career.
Opening Up About Coming Out
The celebrity hairstylist, who has worked with Kim Kardashian and Ariana Grande, recently detailed coming out as gay at age 26 to his former partner Kate Katon and their two kids Billy, now 22, and Kitty-blu, now 20. Appleton opened up about his nearly two-decade coming out journey on the Aug. 6 episode of “On Purpose with Jay Shetty.”
Appleton revealed how he struggled with the idea of being a gay dad and the impact it would have on his kids. His thoughts of shame then led to suicidal thoughts, which led to an attempt at taking his own life, which he also discussed on the podcast. Despite these dark moments, he felt able to accept his sexuality and has since built a fulfilling life.
Reflecting on Past Relationships
Chris Appleton has opened up about his short lived marriage with actor Lukas Gage as well as coming out as gay to his ex-wife Katie Katon. In November 2023 Appleton filed for divorce citing “irreconcilable differences.” Speaking about the whirlwind romance with Shetty, Appleton said he didn’t have any regrets. “Moving fast doesn’t always mean you’re reckless. I think sometimes it means you’re hopeful.”
A Message of Hope and Authenticity
Appleton said he is in “a good place” now and added he will share more about his life in his upcoming book, “Your Roots Don’t Define You,” publishing in 2026. He appeared on TODAY Aug. 7 and said the book is “about finding your true self” and hopes it helps people who are “silently struggling,” like he once was.
His daughter echoed his sentiment in an Instagram video, saying “We are one of the closest knit families. Genuinely have each other’s back through thick and thin.” Appleton’s journey demonstrates the power of living authentically and serves as an inspiration for those facing similar struggles. His upcoming memoir promises to provide deeper insights into his transformative experience and offer hope to readers navigating their own challenges.