Chris Appleton has built a reputation as one of the world’s most trusted celebrity hair stylists. From Kim Kardashian and JLo to Ariana Grande and Christina Aguilera, he’s worked with some of the biggest names in Hollywood.

It’s a world away from his upbringing in Leicester. As a teenager, Chris was bullied at school for working in a local hairdressers and was labelled before he had even begun to understand his own sexuality.

In our conversation, Chris opens up about the abuse he faced from bullies, coming out in his twenties and the difficult period that followed. He tells me about the moment he realised he'd built a career helping other people feel confident - but had never done the same for himself - and how he’s finally learned to accept and love who he is.

In this episode, Chris shares:

Why he cried after styling JLO’s hair for the Superbowl
Being spat on and bullied at school for being different
How he’s learned to accept himself and love who he is
Why his marriage to Euphoria star Lukas Gage didn’t work
The celebrity he wants to style next

Chris is a powerful reminder that the people who seem to have it all figured out are often the ones who've had to fight the hardest to get there.

Chris Appleton is Great Company.

You can get Chris' book, Your Roots Don't Define You here!

This episode contains sensitive topic discussions including suicide. If you or someone you know is affected by anything in this episode and need support, please see the suggested helpline and website links below.

Samaritans - 116 123 - samaritans.org

If you enjoyed the show, you can also follow us:

Instagram- @greatcompanypodcast

TikTok - @greatcompanypodcast

Jamie - @jamielaing

And if you've got thoughts, questions and comments, you can email us at: greatcompany@jampotproductions.co.uk

THE CREDITS

Producer: Helen Burke

Assistant Producer: Issy Weeks-Hankins

Video: Josh Bennett

Senior Social Media Manager: Laura Coughlan

Audio: Rafi Amsili Geovannetti

Executive Producer: Ewan Newbigging-Lister

Great Company is an original podcast from JamPot.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

CHRIS APPLETON: Bullies Spat on Me at School. Now I’m Kim Kardashian’s Most Trusted Hair Stylist

Great Company with Jamie Laing

CHRIS APPLETON: Bullies Spat on Me at School. Now I’m Kim Kardashian’s Most Trusted Hair Stylist