Celebrity Hairstylist Chris Appleton and His Ex-Partner Katie Katon: A Closer Look at Their Relationship
In the world of celebrity hairstyling, Chris Appleton is a familiar name, known for his work with A-list stars like Kim Kardashian and Ariana Grande. However, behind the glamour of the red carpet, Appleton’s personal life has also been the subject of interest, particularly his relationship with his ex-girlfriend, Katie Katon.
Chris Appleton and Katie Katon met while working together at a hair salon in Leicester, England. Despite never tying the knot, their relationship spanned nearly a decade, during which they welcomed two children, Billy Appleton in 2002 and Kitty-blu Appleton in 2004.
In a revealing interview on podcaster Jay Shetty’s On Purpose podcast, Appleton shared that Katon was the first person he confided in about his sexuality. The hairstylist expressed the struggles he faced as he grappled with his identity, stating, “I didn’t want to be gay. I didn’t want to be different.”
The journey of coming out was not without its challenges, especially when it came to disclosing the news to his children. Ultimately, it was Katon’s mother who helped break the news to Billy and Kitty-blu, a moment that Appleton described as feeling like a failure as a father.
Despite the complexities of their past, Chris Appleton continues to maintain a close bond with both his children and Katie Katon. In a June 2025 Instagram post dedicated to Katon’s birthday, Kitty-blu expressed her admiration for her mother, describing her as the “heart” of their family.
Katie Katon’s career trajectory has also seen a shift towards mental health services. Transitioning from managing salons to becoming a registered psychotherapist, Katon now specialises in areas ranging from relationships and sexuality to addiction and trauma.
Appleton has been vocal about Katon’s unwavering support throughout his journey of self-discovery. Reflecting on the emotional process, he shared a poignant moment with Katon where she highlighted the need to mourn the loss of a former self in order to embrace his authentic identity.
Despite parting ways romantically, Appleton and Katon have managed to nurture a strong co-parenting relationship. Celebrating holidays together and cherishing family moments, they exemplify a harmonious dynamic that prioritises the well-being of their children above all else.
In an industry often fixated on the glitz and glamour, the story of Chris Appleton and Katie Katon serves as a testament to resilience, growth, and the enduring power of love and friendship. It illustrates that amidst life’s twists and turns, genuine connections rooted in understanding and support can transcend the boundaries of time and circumstance.