Chris Appleton EXCLUSIVE: “I Thought My Kids Would Be Better Off Without Me” Opening up About The Darkest Night of His Life and What FINALLY Gave Him The Courage to Live Authentically

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:

00:00Intro

03:13Your Roots Don't Define Who You Can Become

06:19Is It Safer to Hide Who You Really Are?

10:11What It Actually Takes to Become the Best 

14:32Finding Yourself After an Identity Crisis

17:27Letting Go of Shame to Be Your True Self

20:15Accepting and Embracing Your Gender Identity

22:46How to Come Out Without Hurting the People You Love

30:21Choosing Inner Peace Over the Deepest Pain

33:10Rebuilding Yourself After Grief and Collapse

36:40Why the Right Guidance Can Change Everything

39:13Struggling Doesn’t Mean You’re Weak

39:30Forgiveness: Freeing Yourself from the Past

41:15Sharing Your Story Could Save Someone Else

44:29When a New Environment Heals Your Spirit

45:06The Unexpected Call That Changed Everything

47:29The Hair Appointment That Almost Ended His Career

52:23How to Build Authentic Relationships in Your Industry

55:33You Don’t Owe the Public an Explanation

59:09Why Love Is Always Worth the Risk

01:01:48Give Yourself Permission to Walk Away

01:05:35How to Protect Your Peace in a Loud World

01:10:35What Do You Really See in the Mirror?

01:12:28Being the Father You Always Needed

01:19:01Chris 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

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