Who Is Chris Appleton? Everything to Know About Kim Kardashian's Hairstylist

By now, you've probably seen a fair share of photos of Kim Kardashian with the same "hot guy" trailing close behind. Many people want to know who the tall blond man over her shoulder is — and the answer is none other than Chris Appleton, Kardashian's hairstylist.

Originally from the UK, Appleton worked his way up through a traditional salon setting then went down an editorial hair route before making his way into the world of celebrity hair styling. Now, he's the go-to guy for huge celebrities, including Jennifer Lopez, Dua Lipa, and the Kardashians.

Separate from his celebrity clientele, he's famous in his own right. He has over 3.5 million Instagram followers, and his hair tutorials on TikTok are almost always guaranteed to go viral (we're obsessed with this red carpet ponytail hack and his tips for the perfect '90s supermodel updo).

Ahead, get a closer look at Appleton as we answer all of your burning questions about the man himself, like how he became famous, who he's married to, and how he started working with some of his most famous clients.

Appleton got his start working at a salon in the UK at age 13. From there, he moved to London and began submitting his work to hair competitions. In 2010, he won British Hairdresser of the Year, which is what first got his name out there.

The first big-name celebrity he worked with was Rita Ora. "We just vibed. She booked me the day after for a big performance, and I stayed with her for two years. She booked me for every campaign, every red carpet, her tour. I traveled the globe with her. Fortunately I've worked hard to learn my craft, because she wanted to do it all — hair extensions, wigs, hair clip-ins, color," Appleton previously told POPSUGAR.

Shortly after, he got the opportunity to work with J Lo, which sparked a life-changing move from England to the United States. From there, he started working with Christina Aguilera on "The Voice," then Katy Perry, Ariana Grande, Adele, and Kim Kardashian.

In April 2023, Appleton married Lukas Gage, a 27 year-old actor best known for his roles in "The White Lotus" and "You." The two tied the knot at a ceremony in Las Vegas, which they announced via an Instagram post on April 26. The nuptials were officiated by none other than Kim Kardashian, Appleton's longtime friend and client. Later, the couple was serenaded by Shania Twain with her hit song, "You're Still the One."

Appleton and Gage originally sparked dating rumors in February 2023 when they posted photos on social media that they were vacationing in Mexico together. They made their red carpet debut in March 2023, and confirmed their relationship later that month.

In an interview for Gay Times, Kardashian asked Appleton to talk about the first time they met and Appleton shared his experience going to Kardashian's old house to do her hair. "It was when we did the short blunt cut wig. It was something you hadn't done before and we were both so excited!"

Since that initial meeting, Appleton has become the go-to person for all of Kardashian's hair needs. He's the man behind her "glass hair," her divisive "wet flip bun," her major blond transformation for the 2022 Met Gala, and many more.

Keep scrolling to take a closer look at Appleton and some of his best celebrity hair creations.