How a Leicester teenager became the architect of the world's most iconic ponytails
In short: From styling his mother's hair in Leicester to defining the aesthetic of global superstars, Chris Appleton has transitioned from salon assistant to a household name. His influence spans red carpets and reality TV, proving that a single signature look can shape the visual identity of modern pop culture.
Christopher David Appleton's journey into high fashion began far from the glitz of London. Born in Leicester on 14 June 1983, Appleton's interest in hair was sparked in childhood while styling his mother's hair. By 1996, as a teenager, he was already working in a local salon and commuting to London to assist professional artists and attend classes, eventually earning a degree in hair colouring.
His ascent into the celebrity stratosphere was catalyzed by singer Rita Ora, who became his first celebrity client. Following their initial appointment, Ora booked him for various campaigns, red carpet events, and her tour. This success paved the way for a roster of elite clientele, including Jennifer Lopez, Sofía Vergara, Katy Perry, and Britney Spears. Notably, Appleton is credited with conceptualising Ariana Grande's iconic ponytail hairstyle.
Beyond the salon, Appleton's life has been shaped by significant media presence and personal evolution. He has appeared on The Kardashians and The Drew Barrymore Show, and his personal life—including a nine-year relationship with Katie Katon and a marriage to actor Lukas Gage between 2023 and 2024—has been documented on screen. In January 2026, he reached a new milestone with the release of his memoir, 'Your Roots Don't Define You', which featured a foreword by Kris Jenner and reached The New York Times Best Seller list.
Despite his polished professional image, Appleton has been open about personal challenges, including living with dyslexia. His versatility was further tested in 2026 when he joined the twenty-fourth series of the BBC's Strictly Come Dancing, paired with Amy Dowden, marking a bold departure from the salon floor to the competitive dance floor.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Chris Appleton
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