Styled by Resilience

Celebrity hairstylist Chris Appleton offers a more personal look behind the glam in his new memoir, Your Looks Don’t Define You, released Tuesday, January 20. The book blends career highlights with reflections on self-worth, tracing Appleton’s rise from England to the top tier of Hollywood styling.

Throughout the memoir, Appleton references longtime and influential clients including Kris Jenner, Kim Kardashian, Jennifer Lopez, and Christina Aguilera, using those collaborations to illustrate lessons about trust, branding, and opportunity in the entertainment industry.

Appleton also reflects on his brief 2023 marriage to actor Lukas Gage, whom he does not name directly. The couple wed in Las Vegas in a ceremony officiated by Kardashian and filmed for The Kardashians, before separating six months later. Addressing the relationship, Appleton writes, “I was so sure I had found my person, that within a few months of being together, we got engaged. I was all in.”

Jenner plays a prominent role in the book, contributing the foreword and being praised by Appleton as a mentor and guiding presence throughout his career. Kardashian is highlighted as an example of intentional image-making, with Appleton describing her attention to detail and respect for everyone on set. He places her in the same cultural conversation as figures like Anna Wintour and Beyoncé when discussing powerful personal brands.

Appleton credits Lopez with changing the trajectory of his career after repeated outreach from her team prompted his move to Los Angeles, and recalls a pivotal on-air moment styling Aguilera during her time on The Voice. He also acknowledges the support of Drew Barrymore and Bethenny Frankel.

Together, the memoir presents an insider portrait of fame, creativity, and personal reinvention from one of Hollywood’s most in-demand stylists.