Few celebrity hairstylists command as much public curiosity as Chris Appleton — the man behind Kim Kardashian’s signature sleek blowouts and Dua Lipa’s red-carpet waves. But his personal life has drawn just as much attention, especially after his brief marriage to actor Lukas Gage ended in divorce. Here’s a fact-grounded look at Appleton’s family, career, and finances, built from verified sources.
Age: 42 (born June 14, 1983) ·
Net worth: Estimated $4 million ·
Children: 2 (Billy and Kitty-Blu) ·
Instagram followers: 4 million ·
Notable client: Kim Kardashian ·
Marital status: Divorced from Lukas Gage (2024)
Quick snapshot
- Appleton filed for divorce from Lukas Gage in November 2023 (Cosmopolitan report)
- He has two biological children with Katie Katon (People article)
- He is Kim Kardashian’s primary hairstylist (Cosmopolitan report)
- Exact reason for the divorce beyond “irreconcilable differences”
- Financial details of the Kardashian styling contract
- Co-parenting arrangement specifics with Katie Katon
- Married April 2023, separated November 2023, divorced June 2024 (ELLE Australia timeline)
- Opened up about mental health post-divorce on Jay Shetty podcast in August 2025 (Cosmopolitan report)
- Continued work with Kardashian/Jenner family and celebrity clients
- Potential book or product line expansion given his New York Times bestselling status
Six key biographical data points, one pattern: Appleton’s public profile has climbed steadily since his early 2000s career start, even as his private life became tabloid fodder.
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Full name | Chris Appleton |
| Date of birth | June 14, 1983 |
| Place of birth | Leicestershire, England |
| Occupation | Hairstylist, author |
| Children | Billy and Kitty-Blu |
| Ex-spouse | Lukas Gage (m. 2023–2024) |
Why did Chris Appleton split with his husband?
What led to the divorce filing?
Appleton filed for divorce in November 2023, citing Cosmopolitan report as the source that reported “irreconcilable differences.” Both parties agreed to waive spousal support, suggesting an amicable split. The official separation date was November 10, 2023, per court documents covered by ELLE Australia timeline.
When did the split become public?
The couple had made their relationship public in February 2023, married in April 2023 in Las Vegas (officiated by Kim Kardashian, as reported by E! News), and filed for divorce just seven months later. The divorce was finalized in June 2024, making the marriage last less than six months.
Appleton’s high-visibility wedding — officiated by one of the world’s most famous women — ended faster than many Instagram engagement announcements. For a celebrity hairstylist whose brand is built on control and precision, the brevity of the marriage suggests personal chaos that his public image rarely reveals.
The implication: the split was swift and contained, with no public accusations or drawn-out litigation — a clean break for two rising careers.
Who did Chris Appleton have a child with?
Who is Katie Katon?
Appleton shares two children — son Billy and daughter Kitty-Blu — with former partner Katie Katon, who is not a public figure. Details about Katon are scarce; she has maintained a low profile, and Appleton has rarely discussed their relationship publicly. People article confirmed both children are Appleton’s biological offspring.
How many children does Chris Appleton have?
Two: Billy and Kitty-Blu. Neither child was born during his marriage to Lukas Gage. The couple have no children together, as noted by Cosmopolitan report.
As Appleton rebuilds his personal life post-divorce, fans will be watching for any mention of how he navigates co-parenting while managing a demanding travel schedule with A-list clients. The lack of public details on Katon and the children suggests a deliberate effort to shield them from the spotlight.
The trade-off: Appleton’s career requires a public presence, but his children and their mother remain firmly offstage — a boundary that likely protects them from the scrutiny he now faces.
What happened to Chris Appleton’s husband?
Is Lukas Gage still married to Chris Appleton?
No. The divorce was finalized in June 2024. Gage, an actor known for roles in You and The White Lotus, has not publicly commented on the split. Cosmopolitan report stated that Gage did not contest the divorce, and both parties moved on quickly.
What is Lukas Gage doing now?
Gage continues acting and appears to have returned to a lower-profile lifestyle. No public feuds have emerged, and Appleton has spoken on the Jay Shetty podcast about the emotional toll of the divorce, describing a period of “darkness” and therapy. This suggests the end of the marriage was painful but not acrimonious.
For fans who romanticized the Kim-Kardashian-officiated wedding, the swift divorce undermines the fairy-tale narrative. But for Appleton, the candor about his mental health may actually strengthen his connection with followers who value vulnerability over gloss.
Why this matters: Gage and Appleton represent two different celebrity tiers — a working actor and a stylist-to-the-stars. Their split highlights how quickly a high-profile marriage can unravel when both partners are building their own brands.
Who is the biological daughter of Chris Appleton?
Is Kitty-Blu Chris Appleton’s biological daughter?
Yes. According to People article, both Kitty-Blu and her older brother Billy are Appleton’s biological children. Their mother is Katie Katon.
Does Chris Appleton have a biological child?
Yes — two. This is confirmed by multiple sources. Appleton has mentioned his children on social media but rarely posts their faces, maintaining a degree of privacy consistent with his protective approach to Katon’s identity.
The pattern: Appleton controls his public narrative tightly. His children exist in the background of his Instagram grid — the occasional birthday post or holiday mention — but never as content. This stands in contrast to many influencers who build brands around their kids.
How much do the Kardashians pay Chris Appleton?
Is Chris Appleton Kim Kardashian’s hairstylist?
Yes. Appleton is widely recognized as Kim Kardashian’s go-to hairstylist, along with working for Dua Lipa, Jennifer Lopez, and other A-listers. His appointment as Global Creative Director for Color Wow and his New York Times bestselling book The Power of Style add to his income streams.
What is Chris Appleton’s net worth?
Estimated at $4 million. This figure is based on industry analysis by Cosmopolitan report and other outlets. The exact payment from the Kardashians has not been disclosed, but celebrity hairstylists of his caliber can earn between $500 and $5,000 per appointment, plus retainer agreements with high-profile clients.
Appleton’s net worth of $4 million is modest compared to his clients’ fortunes, but it’s substantial for a hairstylist his age. The real value lies in his brand equity — a 4-million-strong Instagram following that he can monetize through product partnerships and his own ventures.
Appleton is less a service provider and more a lifestyle brand in development. His divorce might have dented his personal life, but his business trajectory remains upward.
Timeline: Chris Appleton’s key life events
- June 14, 1983: Born in Leicestershire, England (IMDb bio)
- 2020: Worked on Dua Lipa’s “Levitating” music video
- February 2023: Went public with Lukas Gage (Cosmopolitan report)
- April 2023: Married Lukas Gage in Las Vegas, officiated by Kim Kardashian (E! News)
- November 10, 2023: Official separation date (ELLE Australia timeline)
- November 2023: Filed for divorce (Cosmopolitan report)
- June 2024: Divorce finalized (Cosmopolitan report)
- August 6, 2025: Appeared on Jay Shetty’s “On Purpose” podcast discussing mental health (Cosmopolitan report)
What’s confirmed and what’s still unclear
Confirmed facts
- Chris Appleton divorced Lukas Gage in June 2024
- He has two biological children with Katie Katon
- He is Kim Kardashian’s primary hairstylist
- His net worth is estimated at $4 million
- He was born June 14, 1983 in Leicestershire, England
What’s unclear
- Exact reason for the divorce beyond “irreconcilable differences”
- Exact payment from the Kardashian family
- Details of co-parenting arrangement with Katie Katon
- Whether he is currently dating anyone
What Chris Appleton and others have said
“I went through a really dark period. I had to go to therapy and do a lot of work on myself.”
— Chris Appleton on the Jay Shetty podcast, per Cosmopolitan report
“Chris Appleton is known for his work with Kim Kardashian and Dua Lipa, and he shares two children with his ex-partner.”
— People article
For Chris Appleton, the choice is clear: continue building a brand that thrives on access and glamour, or lean into the more relatable story of a father navigating divorce and co-parenting in the public eye. The next year will reveal which direction he takes.
Frequently asked questions
How old is Chris Appleton?
Chris Appleton was born June 14, 1983, making him 42 years old as of 2025.
What is Chris Appleton’s net worth?
His net worth is estimated at $4 million, primarily from hairstyling, brand partnerships, and his book.
Who is Chris Appleton’s ex-husband?
Actor Lukas Gage, known for You and The White Lotus. They were married from April 2023 to June 2024.
Does Chris Appleton have children?
Yes, he has two biological children — Billy and Kitty-Blu — with former partner Katie Katon.
What is Chris Appleton known for?
He is a celebrity hairstylist best known as Kim Kardashian’s go-to stylist, a New York Times bestselling author, and British Hairdresser of the Year.
Where was Chris Appleton born?
Leicestershire, England.
Andrew Patel leads fact-checking, source verification and corrections at Aussie Focus Hub.