Chris Appleton is a British celebrity hairstylist best known for working with some of the biggest names in entertainment, including Kim Kardashian, Jennifer Lopez, and Dua Lipa. Born on June 14, 1983, in Leicestershire, England, he started his career at a young age and quickly gained recognition for his sharp eye, technical precision, and signature high-glam looks.
Over the years, Chris has gone from working in UK salons to becoming a global name in beauty. His work has been featured in major fashion campaigns, television shows, and high-profile red carpet events.
With appearances in productions like Gutsy, The Amazing Race, and even a music video for Levitating by Dua Lipa and DaBaby, he’s expanded his presence well beyond the salon chair. His influence in the beauty industry has made him a trusted name among A-list clients and fans alike.
This article focuses on a more personal topic — Chris Appleton’s love life. While his professional life is well-documented, his relationships have also drawn public attention. In the following sections, we’ll take a closer look at his romantic history, past marriage, and current relationship status. If you’re curious about the woman (or women) in his life, read on.
Chris Appleton and Katie Katon’s Relationship
Chris met Katie Katon when he was just 13, while working in Leicester, England. Their professional connection eventually developed into a long-term romantic relationship that lasted for nearly a decade. While some sources have referred to Katie as his ex-wife, others clarify that the two were never legally married. Regardless, their bond was significant, especially during Chris’s early adult years.
Katie later spoke publicly about the emotional challenges they both faced during their time together. In an interview with The New York Times, she acknowledged how difficult it was for Chris to suppress his identity, saying, “Hiding who you are for so many years causes a lot of pain inside. The way Chris dealt with that pain was by trying to be the best he could be in other areas.”
He Has Two Kids, Billy and Kitty-Blu With His Ex
Chris shares two children with his former partner, Katie Katon. The pair welcomed their first child, Billy, on December 1, 2002, and two years later, they had a daughter, Kitty-Blu. Though their relationship eventually ended, Chris has remained a present and active father in both of his children’s lives.
Billy Appleton is now 22 and living in Los Angeles. After moving from the UK at 18, he took a gap year and later enrolled at Loyola Marymount University to study economics. His LinkedIn profile shows past experience working as a marketing consultant for Prince Marketing Group, a firm tied to the sports and entertainment world.
Billy keeps a relatively private profile but occasionally appears on his dad’s Instagram — whether it’s during workouts, vacations, or public events. He also seems to have a strong interest in sports, often attending NBA and NHL games at venues like Crypto.com Arena.
Kitty-Blu Appleton, born November 3, 2004, has been more open with her life online. At 17, she moved from England to Los Angeles to live with her dad and chase her passion for makeup. She enrolled at the Make-Up Designory in Burbank, but later shared that she didn’t plan to pursue makeup as a full-time career.
Despite that, she’s continued to explore her interests in beauty and fashion, often posting content online and making red carpet appearances alongside Chris. Kitty-Blu also celebrated her 18th birthday with a bold all-pink party — a moment her dad commemorated with a heartfelt tribute on Instagram.
Chris Came Out As Gay At 26
Appleton came out as gay at the age of 26, a decision he described as “incredibly difficult” during a candid conversation on Bethenny Frankel’s Just B podcast in 2024. At the time, he had been in a long-term relationship with Katie Katon for nine years and was raising their two young children, Billy and Kitty-Blu.
He said the challenge wasn’t just about revealing his truth to others — it was about letting go of the life he had built and the version of himself that everyone thought was settled. Chris first met Katie as a teenager, working in a Leicester salon. Despite the eventual shift in their relationship, he shared that Katie was “incredibly supportive” throughout the process. They’ve remained close, even years later.
Reflecting on his childhood, Chris said he was bullied in school for his hair and being perceived as gay, which made it harder to find a sense of belonging. Hair, however, gave him a sense of purpose and confidence, especially as he struggled with dyslexia and often felt out of place academically.
Coming out didn’t just mean living openly; it meant facing the guilt and shame he’d carried since childhood. He recalled being told as a kid that being gay was wrong, something that stayed with him until adulthood. Letting go of that belief changed his life. In his own words, “There’s so much power in living authentically and being authentically yourself.”
Chris Appleton’s Marriage to Lukas Gage
Appleton was previously married to actor Lukas Gage. Their relationship moved quickly in the public eye, with dating rumors surfacing in early 2023 after the pair were spotted vacationing together in Mexico. Not long after, they confirmed their romance and surprised fans by tying the knot in April 2023.
The wedding took place in Las Vegas and was officiated by none other than Kim Kardashian, a close friend and longtime client of Chris.
At the time, both Chris and Lukas shared affectionate glimpses of their ceremony online, calling it a moment of joy and spontaneity. The event included matching leather outfits, heartfelt vows, and even some footage from the chapel, giving the public a brief look into their celebration. The marriage appeared playful, passionate, and fast-moving — much like how it began.
However, the relationship didn’t last long. Just six months after their wedding, Chris filed for divorce in November 2023, citing “irreconcilable differences.” The divorce was finalized in June 2024, and both have since kept quiet about the details of their split.
Since the breakup, Chris has not confirmed any new relationships. Though there were brief rumors in early 2024 linking him to Argentine art dealer Federico Debernardi, the relationship was never publicly acknowledged. As of now, Chris Appleton is reportedly single.
