We caught up with celebrity stylist Chris Appleton at the Hair by Schwarzkopf Festival in Berlin to talk hair, color, inspiration and legacy.
Chris Appleton discovered his passion for hairstyling at a young age. He would often experiment with his mother’s hair before landing his first salon job at just 13 years old. What began as a way to make his mom feel beautiful quickly turned into a lifelong mission to empower people through the transformative power of hair. After years of working in London, Los Angeles came calling—and Chris answered. Today, he’s the go-to stylist for Hollywood’s top celebrities including Kim Kardashian, Jennifer Lopez, and Sofia Vergara.
Known globally for his sleek signature styles and trendsetting blonde transformations, Chris is the creative force behind some of the most talked-about celebrity looks of the last decade. His philosophy is simple yet powerful: iconic looks are never complete without the perfect hair shade to elevate them. Since 2024, he’s been serving as the Global Color Ambassador for Schwarzkopf Professional, bringing his expertise, artistry, and passion for innovation to salons worldwide.
Earlier this month, during the vibrant Hair by Schwarzkopf Festival in Berlin, Estetica’s Sergi Bancells sat down with Chris for an exclusive one-on-one conversation about color, creativity, and what it really takes to leave a mark in the world of professional hairdressing.
“It’s honestly such a privilege. Being here this week with Schwarzkopf Professional, surrounded by so much creativity and collaboration, is really energizing. I’ve been using Schwarzkopf products for years behind the scenes, but officially partnering with the brand over the last two years has taken things to another level. What drew me in was the ability to push creative boundaries with color while still protecting the integrity of the hair—that’s non-negotiable for me. Whether I’m going platinum blonde, fiery red, or experimenting with new tones, Schwarzkopf’s technology and color range give me the freedom to create personalized, statement-making looks. The versatility of the line is incredible, but it’s the commitment to innovation and hair health that truly sets the brand apart. It’s been an exciting journey so far, and I’m proud to be part of the Schwarzkopf family as it continues to grow and shape the future of professional hairdressing.”
COLOR TRANSFORMATIONS ARE GREAT, BUT HEALTHY HAIR IS PROBABLY EVEN MORE IMPORTANT.
“More than ever. A lot of times, it doesn’t matter how beautiful the color or technique is—if the hair isn’t in good condition, it shows. I want my clients to be able to follow trends and innovate without being held back because of poor hair condition. When choosing a color brand, it’s not just about the final look—it’s about the state of the hair afterward. You want the color to last and still look vibrant, alive.”
OUR READERS CELEBRATE YOU FOR CRAFTING SOME OF THE MOST ICONIC CELEBRITY HAIR COLOR TRANSFORMATIONS. HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR SIGNATURE PROCESS OR APPROACH TO COLOR?
“I like to push boundaries and make a statement. I’m not really the “girl-next-door” kind of colorist. I try to bring out someone’s personality with their hair—understand the story they want to tell—and turn that into a color formula that expresses that story.”
WHEN IT COMES TO THE PRODUCTS, WHAT ARE YOUR ABSOLUTE MUST-HAVES?
“BlondMe has been a major part of my career. I got known for those iconic platinum blondes, and I wouldn’t have been able to achieve that—especially on darker bases—without BlondMe. Vibrance is also a key player. It’s an amazing tool for toning, adding lowlights, or root smudging. It allows me to build on a blonde base like an artist creating a color palette.”
I KNOW YOU RECEIVE A TON OF MESSAGES FROM HAIR PROS AROUND THE WORLD. WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO THOSE WHO ASPIRE TO MAKE THEIR MARK IN CELEBRITY OR HIGH-FASHION COLOR WORK?
“People often ask what it’s like to “make it” or be successful, but honestly, I’ve just done what I’ve always done—since I was a kid, trying to make my mom look and feel better through her hair. That’s the same feeling I try to bring to every client, celebrity or not. My biggest advice: be authentic. Stay true to who you are. It took me 30 years to get where I am. It didn’t happen overnight. But it’s not hard for me now because I’m not pretending—I’m just being myself. If you’re trying too hard to create something that’s not sustainable, it won’t last. Authenticity is everything.”
WHEN YOU LOOK BACK AT YOUR EARLY DAYS IN THE UK—AND NOW WORKING WITH STARS LIKE KIM KARDASHIAN AND DOING THE SUPER BOWL… WHAT DO YOU FEEL?
“I actually posted recently about a UK TV show I was on where I won Hairdresser of the Year. I went through a lot of programs like the FAME Team—so many learning platforms. I was just hungry to learn and grateful for every opportunity. I remember when I got my first assistant job at Fashion Week—just passing pins—but I felt like I’d won the lottery. I absorbed everything. I’d watch the lead stylist and ask myself, “What makes them so good?” Looking back, I’m proud of my journey. But there were many sacrifices. I moved to America, left my family and everything behind. People often only see the end result on social media, not the full process.”
THEY SEE THE GLORY, BUT NOT THE JOURNEY THAT LED THERE.
“Exactly. I’m excited to show more of that journey so people can feel part of it.”
LOOKING AHEAD, WHAT SHADES, TONES, OR TECHNIQUES DO YOU SEE BECOMING BIG IN 2025?
“I get this question a lot. Honestly, I hope there isn’t just one trend—it feels old-fashioned to say “the bob is in” or to have a single haircut like the Rachel from the ’90s dominate. We’re not in that world anymore. Everything’s so fast—people constantly change styles, colors, shapes. You’ll see someone with bangs one day, and the next day they don’t. We live in a world where change is expected and encouraged. It’s about creating moments and then re-creating them. Hair should tell your story—like changing your clothes, you should be able to change your hair. So I’d say the trend for 2025 is change itself.”
LOVE THAT CONCEPT. THANKS, CHRIS.
“So nice to meet you.”
