Chris Appleton can add author to his resume. The celebrity hairstylist’s debut book, Your Roots Don’t Define You, will hit shelves across North America in early 2026.
Appleton is widely known as a high-profile hair stylist, who has worked with some of today’s biggest celebrities including Kim Kardashian, Jennifer Lopez, Ariana Grande and Dua Lipa. He’s also become a social media sensation, where he provides behind-the-scenes looks into his work.
In his literary debut, Appleton draws on stories from his career — including anonymous client stories — along with his own life experiences to “explore the power of reinvention,” per the book’s official synopsis. Appleton will also recount what he’s learned with readers, and provide insight on how they can grow personally, professionally and stylistically.
“This isn’t just a book about hair. It’s about identity. Reinvention. And breaking free from the version of yourself the world told you to be,” Appleton posted on Instagram. “For years, I hid behind an image — playing it safe, playing it straight, trying to be what everyone else expected. But behind closed doors, I was crumbling under the pressure of pretending to be someone I wasn’t.”
“This is the story of how I cut away the shame, reclaimed my truth, and rebuilt myself from the inside out. If you’ve ever felt stuck… misunderstood… too far gone to start over, this book is for you. If you’ve ever wondered if there’s more to life than just fitting in, this book is definitely for you.”
Your Roots Don’t Define You has already stirred early praise from celebrities like Drew Barrymore, who shares she’s “so excited for everyone to learn who [Appleton] is” on the book’s cover.
Chris Appleton’s debut book Your Roots Don’t Define You will be published on January 20, 2026 by Hanover Square Press and is now available for preorder, wherever books are sold.
