Chris Appleton Opens Up About Overcoming Personal Struggles and Finding Purpose

Chris Appleton, the celebrated hairstylist known for working with Hollywood’s elite, recently opened up about a profoundly personal chapter of his life. In a candid interview on Jay Shetty’s On Purpose podcast, Appleton discussed his struggles with mental health, recounting a dark period when he questioned whether life was worth continuing. His story is not only one of vulnerability but also of resilience, shedding light on mental health issues that often remain hidden, particularly among men in the public eye.

A Dark Chapter: Appleton’s Struggle with Self-Acceptance

During the podcast, the 42-year-old hairstylist revealed that his darkest moments were tied to his journey of coming out as gay, particularly in how it affected his role as a father to his two children, Billy and Kitty-blu. “I felt like it would be better for them to have a dad that was dead than a dad that was gay,” Appleton admitted, his voice heavy with emotion. He described how he had internalized feelings of guilt and failure, believing he had let his children down by not conforming to societal expectations.

Appleton shared an instance when he checked into a hotel room with a bottle of alcohol and a picture of his kids, contemplating ending his life. “I closed my eyes and thought, ‘This is it. I won’t hurt anyone anymore,’” he recounted. However, he woke up in a hospital bed the next morning, a moment he described as a turning point. “Something changed. I decided to live,” he said, emphasizing that the experience, while harrowing, became a catalyst for seeking help and embracing life more fully.

Family and Redemption: The Hardest Conversation

One of the most challenging aspects of Appleton’s journey was coming out to his children. He described it as “clearing out a cancer”—a truth that needed to be told to move forward. “The hardest part was telling my kids,” he said. Yet, their acceptance and love became a source of strength for him. Appleton has since rebuilt his relationship with his children, finding solace in their understanding and the bond they share.

Reflecting on his experience, Appleton expressed hope that his story could serve as a beacon for others struggling with similar issues. “I hope other people watching this can feel heard or seen and find the help they need,” he said. He also extended his message to parents and children, urging them to foster open communication and understanding to prevent the isolation that often exacerbates mental health challenges.

Turning Pain into Purpose

Appleton’s decision to live and share his story has led to new opportunities to inspire others. He revealed on the podcast that he has penned a book titled Your Roots Don’t Define You, set to debut in 2026. The book aims to delve deeper into his journey, offering insights and lessons learned from his struggles.

In addition to his upcoming book, Appleton continues to thrive professionally, styling hair for some of the biggest names in Hollywood. Despite his success, he remains grounded, using his platform to advocate for mental health awareness and support. “It’s not something I take lightly,” he said, reflecting on how his experiences have shaped his outlook on life and his responsibility to contribute positively to the world.

A Message of Hope

Appleton’s story serves as a reminder that even in the darkest moments, there is a path to recovery and hope. His willingness to confront his past and share his vulnerabilities not only highlights the importance of mental health awareness but also underscores the power of resilience and love in overcoming life’s challenges.

Chris Appleton’s journey is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the transformative power of self-acceptance and family support. His story continues to inspire, offering hope to those navigating similar struggles.