Heal Squad x Maria Menounos

1217. From Suicide & Shame to Self-Acceptance: Celebrity Hairstylist Chris Appleton’s Story

Jan 20, 2026
Chris Appleton, a celebrity hairstylist known for his work with stars like Jennifer Lopez and Kim Kardashian, opens up about his personal journey through trauma and self-acceptance. He candidly shares his childhood struggles with bullying and the generational trauma that shaped him. A pivotal moment in his life came after he attempted suicide following his coming out. Chris discusses how this dark experience led to a powerful transformation and inspired his book, emphasizing the importance of reconnecting with one's true self and breaking free from labels.
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ANECDOTE

Labeled, Bullied, And Abandoned As A Kid

  • Chris Appleton describes being labeled
ANECDOTE

Parents' Hidden Trauma Shaped Home Life

  • Chris recounts his mother's traumatic childhood learning of her parents' deaths from a newspaper.
  • He links both parents' suppressed trauma to patterns passed down to him.
INSIGHT

Reinvention Begins With Returning To Self

  • Reinvention starts by returning to the parts of yourself you abandoned as a child.
  • Chris says transformation requires stopping, looking in the mirror, and rewriting the stories that defined you.
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