Celebrity hairstylist Chris Appleton is dishing out more than just great hair advice in his new memoir, Your Looks Don’t Define You, which was released Tuesday, January 20.
In between his motivational tips and tricks to not let your past define you, Appleton also finds a way to casually name-drop some of the celebrity clients he’s worked with over the years, like Kris Jenner, Kim Kardashian, Jennifer Lopez and Christina Aguilera.
Appleton also touched on his brief marriage to actor Lukas Gage, whom he didn’t name. 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 within a few months of being together, we got engaged. I was all in,” Appleton wrote in his book. “We jetted off to Las Vegas with our families, were serenaded by Shania Twain, then wore matching fur coats as my dear friend Kim Kardashian officiated our wedding. The world watched it unfold on The Kardashians. I believed in that love with my whole heart. I entered that marriage thinking it would last forever; that was my intent at the time. Unfortunately, that’s not what happened. Almost as quickly as it began, it ended. We were divorced before the end of the year and went our separate ways. Yet I still believe in marriage and hope to be married again someday.”
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Keep scrolling for more celebrity name-drops from Appleton’s new book:
Kris Jenner
Appleton has been a longtime hairstylist for many members of the Kardashian-Jenner family including matriarch and beloved momager, Kris. In the foreword, which Jenner wrote, she talks about being drawn to Appleton’s hair initially, but “his heart,” “his journey” “and the way he uses his gift not just to style hair, but to lift spirits and transform lives,” is what captivated her the most about him.
In his acknowledgments, Appleton wrote to Jenner, “It’s my honor to call you a friend, a mentor and an inspiration. Your brilliance as a businesswoman, your strength as a mother and your ageless grace continue to set the standard. You lead with power, purpose, and style— and remind us all that there’s no limit to what a woman can accomplish at any stage of life. Thank you for showing us what’s possible.”
Kim Kardashian
Appleton praises Kardashian for being very personable to the people who work with her. “She says hello and introduces herself to everyone in the room,” Appleton wrote. “Whether you’re the lighting person, the cousin of the PA who brings the coffee order, or the prime minister, no matter who it is, she takes the time to recognize everyone.”
“She doesn’t have to; no one expects that of anyone, much less her. It would be easier not to take the time; she is the single busiest person I have ever met, but she makes the effort, and it goes a long way,” Appleton continued.
Appleton goes on to note that in his opinion, Kardashian radiates “genuine kindness and warmth.” He later shouts her out in a list beside Anna Wintour, Steve Jobs, Doechii, Emma Stone, Rihanna, ASAP Rocky, Beyoncé, Zendaya and more, as having 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 excellent or iconic. And it’s not just because they’re famous or beautiful. It’s because they put something out into the world.”
In the chapter about 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. Every look is crafted with clockwork precision, designed to dominate feeds and fuel fashion trends.”
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Jennifer Lopez
Appleton was living in his hometown of Leicester, England, when someone contacted him from the legendary performer’s team. Appleton initially thought it was spam and didn’t respond. Later they reached out for a second time, but he wasn’t able to do Lopez’s hair because he was still living in Leicester. This missed opportunity prompted Appleton to move to Los Angeles shortly after.
When he arrived, someone contacted him from Lopez’s team for a third time. “This time it was to style her new music video. I was ecstatic,” Appleton wrote. “The day of the call, someone rang me and as soon as I answered, they said they were just going to put me through to Jennifer. Jennifer? As in Jennifer Lopez? My mind raced. What do I call her? Jennifer? J. Lo? Jenny from the block? And then suddenly Jennifer Lopez was there on the other end of the line. ‘Hey, baby,’ she said. ‘Here’s what we’re doing …’”
“She was warm, lovely and clear about what she wanted for 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 recalled.
In the acknowledgements, 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 never imagined. I’m endlessly grateful for the example you’ve set and the role you’ve played in my journey.”
Christina Aguilera
Later in the book, Appleton recalls a time he was called to do Aguilera’s hair when she was a judge on The Voice. After the makeup team finished, Appleton was only given 20 minutes to do her hair and he suggested putting a wig on her. The Grammy-winning singer and actress was reluctant at first and told Appleton that she didn’t like wigs, to which he responded, “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 perfect with her style,” Appleton wrote. “After the show, I saw Christina standing down the hallway. She looked back at me. My heart pounded. ‘Everyone likes your wig,’ she said, giving me that iconic smirk of hers. My insides nearly burst with the rush of relief and pride. It was truly a pivotal moment in my career.”
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Drew Barrymore
Though he doesn’t mention her by name throughout the chapters, Appleton highlights Barrymore in the acknowledgements.
“Thank you to Drew Barrymore for your heartfelt encouragement and unwavering support,” he wrote. “Your authenticity and kindness shine through in everything you do, and your belief in me has had a lasting impact I will never forget.”
Appleton also appeared on Barrymore’s daytime TV show, The Drew Barrymore Show, in November 2025, and gave a mullet makeover to a mom of two.
Bethenny Frankel
The former Real Housewives of New York City star turned businesswoman received much praise from Appleton.
“You’re 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.”
Your Roots Don’t Define You is available for purchase now.
