Chris Appleton is internationally recognized as one of the most in-demand celebrity hairstylists, crafting iconic looks for stars like Kim Kardashian, Jennifer Lopez, and Dua Lipa. But beyond his high-profile clientele and red-carpet transformations, Appleton is a dedicated father and an openly proud gay man who has embraced both his personal and professional identities with grace. His story is as much about family and authenticity as it is about fame and beauty.
As of 2024, Chris Appleton is 40 years old and has a reported net worth of approximately $5 million, thanks to his celebrity styling work, brand collaborations, and television appearances. While many know him for his glamorous work, his most cherished role is being a father to his two children: Billy Appleton and Kitty-Blu Appleton.
A Young Start and Family Foundation
Appleton’s journey began early. He was just 13 years old when he started working in a salon in Leicester, England, where he would later meet Katie Katon, his former partner and the mother of his children. Their first child, Billy, was born in 2002, followed by daughter Kitty-Blu in 2004.
Appleton and Katon remained close co-parents, and although their romantic relationship ended, the bond they share through their children has remained strong. Appleton came out as gay at age 26, but only after taking the time to ensure his children understood and felt secure in their family dynamic.
In a 2019 interview with Gay Times, he shared,
“Some people know straight away, I didn’t… It was really important to me that the kids were comfortable before I expressed that.”
Raising Billy and Kitty-Blu
Appleton shares an incredibly close relationship with both of his children, who now live with him in Los Angeles. In September 2021, Billy and Kitty-Blu presented their father with the Fitness Achievement Award at the Hollywood Beauty Awards — a proud dad moment Appleton documented on Instagram, writing,
“Bursting with pride… it was a serious proud dad moment. Love you 2 more than you know.”
Billy Appleton
Born December 1, 2002, Billy Appleton is now 21 years old and studying economics at Loyola Marymount University (LMU) in Los Angeles. After growing up in the UK, Billy made the move to the U.S. when he was 18, taking a gap year before beginning college.
He previously worked as a marketing consultant for Prince Marketing Group, where he gained experience in sports and entertainment branding. In 2021, Billy shared a proud moment on social media after working an event featuring NBA legends Magic Johnson and Jerry West.
A devoted sports fan, Billy has posted about his first visits to Lakers and Kings games in L.A. He maintains a low public profile but is frequently featured on Appleton’s Instagram, where the two are often seen hitting the gym together, taking family vacations (including a trip to Aspen), and enjoying father-son bonding moments.
In a birthday post, Appleton wrote:
“Everyone wish @billyappz a happy birthday🎂 I can’t believe he’s 19 today! I love you, Bill ❤️.”
Kitty-Blu Appleton
Born November 3, 2004, Kitty-Blu Appleton is now 19 years old and full of charisma and ambition. Though originally named Kimberly, her parents chose the unique name “Kitty-Blu,” which she revealed in a viral TikTok video.
In 2021, she moved to Los Angeles to live with her father and pursue a career in makeup artistry. She enrolled in Make-Up Designory (MUD) in Burbank and, for a time, embraced her creative passion. In a 2022 Allure interview alongside Appleton, she said:
“Makeup was my hobby and passion. It was my escape from school. I hated math and English.”
Despite completing her training, Kitty-Blu later revealed via TikTok in December 2022 that she had decided not to pursue makeup professionally. She still loves beauty and fashion but is seeking her own identity outside of her famous father’s shadow.
Her individuality shines through in everything she does—from her signature pink-themed 18th birthday party in 2022 to her Halloween appearance with Appleton in 2024, where they dressed as Beetlejuice and Lydia Deetz. Chris as Michael Keaton’s Beetlejuice and Kitty-Blu as Winona Ryder’s gothic character showed off their shared flair for style and theatricality.
Fatherhood First
Chris Appleton has never shied away from showing how much he values fatherhood. Whether celebrating his kids’ birthdays, cheering on their achievements, or simply posting gym selfies and family outings, he consistently prioritizes being present in their lives.
Despite a demanding schedule that sees him styling the world’s biggest celebrities and appearing on shows like The Kardashians, Appleton has managed to maintain a deeply rooted connection with his children.
“Everything I do, I do for them,” he’s shared in past interviews.
His success in balancing family with fame has made him a role model—not just in the LGBTQ+ community, but for anyone navigating parenthood while chasing big dreams.