Have you ever felt pressure to hide a part of who you are?
What helps you feel safe enough to open up?
Today, Jay chats with renowned celebrity hairstylist Chris Appleton to share deeply personal parts of his life he’s never shared publicly. Known for creating iconic looks for stars like Kim Kardashian, Jennifer Lopez, and Ariana Grande, Chris has built a career around image and transformation. Chris bravely opens up about the journey that shaped him, pulling back the curtain on the private struggles behind his public success. From growing up in a working-class town in England, and discovering his passion for hair was a way to survive, to feel seen, and to express who he really was.
As the conversation unfolds, Chris opens up about the darkest night of his life. The moment he nearly ended his life, a breaking point born from decades of shame, fear, and the belief that being true to himself would hurt the people he loved most. What followed was not an overnight transformation, but a long, honest path toward healing. Chris speaks candidly about coming out as gay in his late twenties, the grief of ending a nine-year relationship with the mother of his children, and the fear of disappointing his kids.
Jay and Chris explore the power of redefining identity, letting go of what no longer serves us, and embracing the possibility of change at any stage in life. With the support of therapy, self-reflection, and a willingness to confront his pain, Chris began a new chapter, one rooted in alignment between his inner and outer world.
In this interview, you'll learn:
How to Embrace Your True Identity Without Shame
How to Heal After Hiding Your Authentic Self
How to Rebuild Private Pain in Public
How to Support Your Children Through Major Life Changes
How to Start Over When Your Life No Longer Feels Aligned
How to Find Peace Through Forgiveness and Self-Acceptance
How to Recognize When It’s Time to Let Go and Move On
No matter your past, your pain, or how long you’ve carried it, it’s never too late to begin again. The first step is being honest with yourself.
With Love and Gratitude,
Jay Shetty
Find help and support
If you or someone you know is struggling or having thoughts of suicide, call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org . In life-threatening situations, call 911.
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What We Discuss:
00:00 Intro
03:13 Your Roots Don't Define Who You Can Become
06:19 Is It Safer to Hide Who You Really Are?
10:11 What It Actually Takes to Become the Best
14:32 Finding Yourself After an Identity Crisis
17:27 Letting Go of Shame to Be Your True Self
20:15 Accepting and Embracing Your Gender Identity
22:46 How to Come Out Without Hurting the People You Love
30:21 Choosing Inner Peace Over the Deepest Pain
33:10 Rebuilding Yourself After Grief and Collapse
36:40 Why the Right Guidance Can Change Everything
39:13 Struggling Doesn’t Mean You’re Weak
39:30 Forgiveness: Freeing Yourself from the Past
41:15 Sharing Your Story Could Save Someone Else
44:29 When a New Environment Heals Your Spirit
45:06 The Unexpected Call That Changed Everything
47:29 The Hair Appointment That Almost Ended His Career
52:23 How to Build Authentic Relationships in Your Industry
55:33 You Don’t Owe the Public an Explanation
59:09 Why Love Is Always Worth the Risk
01:01:48 Give Yourself Permission to Walk Away
01:05:35 How to Protect Your Peace in a Loud World
01:10:35 What Do You Really See in the Mirror?
01:12:28 Being the Father You Always Needed
01:19:01 Chris on Final Five
Episode Resources:
Chris Appleton | Instagram
Chris Appleton | YouTube
Chris Appleton | TikTok
Chris is releasing his debut book, YOUR ROOTS DON’T DEFINE YOU: Transform Your Life. Create Your Comeback, on January 20, 2026. The book is available for pre-order now at the link HERE
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On Purpose with Jay Shetty 
