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Your Roots Don't Define You: Transform Your Life. Create Your Comeback.
"“Chris is so much more than a hair guru. I’m so excited for everyone to learn who he is as he shares his personal journey!” —DREW BARRYMORE
IT’S NEVER TOO LATE TO CHANGE.
We all know that when you’re stuck in self-doubt, boxed in by the person you’ve been in the past, crippled by fear that you’ll never break free from the lies and insecurities holding you back. But what if you had the chance to reinvent yourself from the ground up?
World-renowned celebrity hairstylist Chris Appleton gives us the hard-earned advice to do just this. After years of working with the most badass women on the planet, he’s seen firsthand how transformation is possible at any stage of life,
even when society tells you that you’re “too old,” when it feels like the whole world is closing in on you, or when the person you thought you’d spend your life with is now your ex. You don’t have to feel limited by your roots. The comeback you want can be yours.
Filled with candid wisdom and deeply personal stories from Chris’s life and anonymous clients, this book is your invitation to take a seat in Chris’s chair and experience the inside-out transformation that you didn’t know you needed.
IT’S NEVER TOO LATE TO CHANGE.
We all know that when you’re stuck in self-doubt, boxed in by the person you’ve been in the past, crippled by fear that you’ll never break free from the lies and insecurities holding you back. But what if you had the chance to reinvent yourself from the ground up?
World-renowned celebrity hairstylist Chris Appleton gives us the hard-earned advice to do just this. After years of working with the most badass women on the planet, he’s seen firsthand how transformation is possible at any stage of life,
even when society tells you that you’re “too old,” when it feels like the whole world is closing in on you, or when the person you thought you’d spend your life with is now your ex. You don’t have to feel limited by your roots. The comeback you want can be yours.
Filled with candid wisdom and deeply personal stories from Chris’s life and anonymous clients, this book is your invitation to take a seat in Chris’s chair and experience the inside-out transformation that you didn’t know you needed.
- GenresSelf HelpNonfiction
320 pages, Hardcover
Published January 20, 2026
56 people are currently reading
318 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
November 18, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and harlequin trade publishing for a e arc of this amazing book!!
Guys this book was great. From start to finish I could automatically relate with Chris and his life. I loved the tips and tricks that he gave on how to live your best life for you! I flew through the book and loved it highlighting tips that I can apply to my personal use! Can’t wait to get my physical copy when it comes out in January
Guys this book was great. From start to finish I could automatically relate with Chris and his life. I loved the tips and tricks that he gave on how to live your best life for you! I flew through the book and loved it highlighting tips that I can apply to my personal use! Can’t wait to get my physical copy when it comes out in January
November 17, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and harlequin trade publishing for a e arc of this amazing book!!
Guys this book was great. From start to finish I could automatically relate with Chris and his life. I loved the tips and tricks that he gave on how to live your best life for you! I flew through the book and loved it highlighting tips that I can apply to my personal use! Can’t wait to get my physical copy when it comes out in January
Guys this book was great. From start to finish I could automatically relate with Chris and his life. I loved the tips and tricks that he gave on how to live your best life for you! I flew through the book and loved it highlighting tips that I can apply to my personal use! Can’t wait to get my physical copy when it comes out in January
January 19, 2026
Style over substance in every sense
Thank you to NetGalley, Chris Appleton, and Harlequin Audio for this advanced audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
CW: Suicide attempt, suicidal ideation, discussions of mental health, homophobia, internalized homophobia, HIV/AIDS
I picked up Your Roots Don't Define You: Transform Your Life. Create Your Comeback. expecting a memoir from celebrity hairstylist Chris Appleton. I didn't know much about him beyond seeing his name in gossip headlines over the past few years. What I got was something I still can't define. Memoir? Self-help book? Hair tutorial? All three? None of the above? After finishing, I genuinely don't know what this book is trying to be.
Appleton reads his own audiobook, which should make the personal sections feel authentic. It doesn't. Even when talking about heavy moments in his life, his voice sounds flat and robotic. I had to speed it up just to get through. Usually when authors narrate their own memoirs, you hear real emotion when they reach the difficult parts. That never happened here.
The structure makes no sense. Part I gives generic advice about beds, mirrors, and roots. Part II has more chapters about roots before finally getting personal in Chapter 12 with his coming out story. Part III bounces back to motivational content but also includes actual hairstyling tutorials in Chapters 18 and 19. Part IV is more advice. Then the epilogue is literally haircut recommendations organized by age. I'm not making this up.
Chapter 12 is where Appleton finally shares something real. He came out at 27 after years of hiding his identity. He was with a woman named Kate, they had two children, and the pressure of staying closeted became unbearable. It led to a suicide attempt. This is heavy, serious content.
This is also where the book becomes a problem. After describing his suicide attempt, Appleton says surviving made him realize he was "meant to be here." He had a perspective shift that gave him strength, and he "worked and got better." He closes the chapter saying if he hit rock bottom and got through it, you can too. There's nothing about therapy, psychiatric care, hospitalization, or actual treatment. Just changing your perspective and making lists.
Only later, buried in Part IV more than 20 chapters in, does he briefly mention that therapy and medication exist and people should get help. By that point, what readers have learned is that surviving a suicide attempt is about willpower and positive thinking. This sends a message that could keep people from getting the mental health care they actually need.
The book also lives in a completely different reality than most people. Appleton talks about his success like it came purely from hard work. He never acknowledges being a white man in an industry where being gay often helps rather than hurts. He had access and opportunities that aren't available to everyone, but frames everything as "just work hard enough." He tells readers to throw out their entire wardrobe if it doesn't match their "energy," to build their dream restaurant in Portugal, to get colored contacts if they don't like their eyes, to invest in shapewear. This assumes money and resources most people don't have.
Everything in this book becomes a hair metaphor. Life changes are like haircuts. Emotional baggage is dead ends. Your personality has layers like hair has layers. He even describes his suicide attempt and coming out as getting himself a "breakup haircut" and talks about the perfect "revenge transformation" of getting a revenge dress, revenge body, and revenge haircut. Reducing real trauma to aesthetic choices feels deeply wrong.
Appleton also talks about hairdressers being like therapists because people open up in the chair. Then he shares stories of clients confiding in him and him giving them life advice through hair comparisons. He's using vulnerable moments from people's lives as content while presenting himself as qualified to guide them through serious struggles. He's not a therapist. This feels exploitative.
The book actually includes hair tutorials. Chapter 18 walks you through cutting bangs step by step. Chapter 19 has a quiz to find your "hair personality type" and determine what choices match your "energy and essence." These feel like they belong in a completely different book.
His marriage to Lukas Gage and divorce get a brief mention with zero depth. Meanwhile, random client hair transformations get detailed breakdowns. The acknowledgments are mostly celebrity name drops plus a long thank you to his dog.
There's also a story about a gay friend who got HIV. When the friend called him, Appleton didn't answer and never saw him again. He frames this as another reason he stayed closeted but never reflects on abandoning someone who needed support. No processing, no acknowledgment of what that choice meant. He just moves on to talk about the next man he started seeing while still living with Kate and their kids.
This might work for die-hard Chris Appleton fans who want any content from him regardless of depth. It might work for people who want hair tips mixed with motivational quotes. It doesn't work for anyone expecting an actual memoir with real vulnerability, anyone looking for responsible mental health content, or readers who want more than surface-level advice.
If you're struggling with mental health, please talk to a licensed professional. Suicide hotline: 988.
A book that can't figure out what it wants to be, using serious trauma as decoration between hair tips and empty platitudes.
"Just as your hairstyle can be weighed down by excess volume or split ends, your emotional life can grow heavy with the wrong relationships...your energy and peace are sacred protect them."
Thank you to NetGalley, Chris Appleton, and Harlequin Audio for this advanced audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
CW: Suicide attempt, suicidal ideation, discussions of mental health, homophobia, internalized homophobia, HIV/AIDS
I picked up Your Roots Don't Define You: Transform Your Life. Create Your Comeback. expecting a memoir from celebrity hairstylist Chris Appleton. I didn't know much about him beyond seeing his name in gossip headlines over the past few years. What I got was something I still can't define. Memoir? Self-help book? Hair tutorial? All three? None of the above? After finishing, I genuinely don't know what this book is trying to be.
Appleton reads his own audiobook, which should make the personal sections feel authentic. It doesn't. Even when talking about heavy moments in his life, his voice sounds flat and robotic. I had to speed it up just to get through. Usually when authors narrate their own memoirs, you hear real emotion when they reach the difficult parts. That never happened here.
The structure makes no sense. Part I gives generic advice about beds, mirrors, and roots. Part II has more chapters about roots before finally getting personal in Chapter 12 with his coming out story. Part III bounces back to motivational content but also includes actual hairstyling tutorials in Chapters 18 and 19. Part IV is more advice. Then the epilogue is literally haircut recommendations organized by age. I'm not making this up.
Chapter 12 is where Appleton finally shares something real. He came out at 27 after years of hiding his identity. He was with a woman named Kate, they had two children, and the pressure of staying closeted became unbearable. It led to a suicide attempt. This is heavy, serious content.
This is also where the book becomes a problem. After describing his suicide attempt, Appleton says surviving made him realize he was "meant to be here." He had a perspective shift that gave him strength, and he "worked and got better." He closes the chapter saying if he hit rock bottom and got through it, you can too. There's nothing about therapy, psychiatric care, hospitalization, or actual treatment. Just changing your perspective and making lists.
Only later, buried in Part IV more than 20 chapters in, does he briefly mention that therapy and medication exist and people should get help. By that point, what readers have learned is that surviving a suicide attempt is about willpower and positive thinking. This sends a message that could keep people from getting the mental health care they actually need.
The book also lives in a completely different reality than most people. Appleton talks about his success like it came purely from hard work. He never acknowledges being a white man in an industry where being gay often helps rather than hurts. He had access and opportunities that aren't available to everyone, but frames everything as "just work hard enough." He tells readers to throw out their entire wardrobe if it doesn't match their "energy," to build their dream restaurant in Portugal, to get colored contacts if they don't like their eyes, to invest in shapewear. This assumes money and resources most people don't have.
Everything in this book becomes a hair metaphor. Life changes are like haircuts. Emotional baggage is dead ends. Your personality has layers like hair has layers. He even describes his suicide attempt and coming out as getting himself a "breakup haircut" and talks about the perfect "revenge transformation" of getting a revenge dress, revenge body, and revenge haircut. Reducing real trauma to aesthetic choices feels deeply wrong.
Appleton also talks about hairdressers being like therapists because people open up in the chair. Then he shares stories of clients confiding in him and him giving them life advice through hair comparisons. He's using vulnerable moments from people's lives as content while presenting himself as qualified to guide them through serious struggles. He's not a therapist. This feels exploitative.
The book actually includes hair tutorials. Chapter 18 walks you through cutting bangs step by step. Chapter 19 has a quiz to find your "hair personality type" and determine what choices match your "energy and essence." These feel like they belong in a completely different book.
His marriage to Lukas Gage and divorce get a brief mention with zero depth. Meanwhile, random client hair transformations get detailed breakdowns. The acknowledgments are mostly celebrity name drops plus a long thank you to his dog.
There's also a story about a gay friend who got HIV. When the friend called him, Appleton didn't answer and never saw him again. He frames this as another reason he stayed closeted but never reflects on abandoning someone who needed support. No processing, no acknowledgment of what that choice meant. He just moves on to talk about the next man he started seeing while still living with Kate and their kids.
This might work for die-hard Chris Appleton fans who want any content from him regardless of depth. It might work for people who want hair tips mixed with motivational quotes. It doesn't work for anyone expecting an actual memoir with real vulnerability, anyone looking for responsible mental health content, or readers who want more than surface-level advice.
If you're struggling with mental health, please talk to a licensed professional. Suicide hotline: 988.
A book that can't figure out what it wants to be, using serious trauma as decoration between hair tips and empty platitudes.
January 14, 2026
Thank you to my friends at the hive for this advanced listening copy! I was excited to read this and hopefully learn more about Chis and his life before and as a hairstylist. It ended up being more of a self help book. It felt very robotic instead of being very personal. He did give some personal touches and they were interesting but they were overpowered by the random quotes and lists/steps.
October 13, 2025
I’ve been familiar with Chris Appleton for a while; I mean, who doesn’t know he’s the hairstylist to basically every celebrity out there? I also knew about his (very) short marriage to an actor, and that was about it. So when I saw this book, I was curious. I wanted to know who Chris Appleton really is, beyond the glossy red carpets and perfect blowouts and wow, this book definitely delivered.
What surprised me most is that this isn’t just a memoir, it’s also a really solid self-help book. It’s full of confidence boosting advice and genuine insight, and it somehow manages to feel both glamorous and grounding at the same time. Chris shares stories from his life that made me feel like I was sitting in his salon chair, getting my hair done while he was giving the best pep talk of my life.
I absolutely loved how he tied everything back to hair, from chapter titles like “Your Roots Are Showing,” “Where the Growth Begins,” “Do You Need a Trim or a Chop?” to my personal favorite, “The Head, the Hair, and the Heart.” It’s so clever and makes every lesson feel fresh and connected to his craft. You can take the man out of hairstyling, but can’t take the hairstyling out of the man, and it felt very on brand.
The standout chapter for me was “The Other Four Letter Word That’s Holding You Back”, where he talks about how we constantly say “I’m fine” when we’re really not. That one hit deep. It’s all about being honest with yourself so you can actually move forward instead of staying stuck in “fine” and being able to accomplish the goals and dreams you want.
Oh, and he even throws in real hair care tips (which I loved). So not only do you walk away feeling motivated and seen, but also ready to level up your hair game. I appreciated this immensely!
Overall, Your Roots Don’t Define You is equal parts inspiring, empowering, and heartfelt, a perfect mix of self-reflection, reinvention, and a reminder that your “roots” (literal or metaphorical) don’t have to hold you back. I really enjoyed this one!
Thank you to NetGalley, Chris Appleton, and Hanover Square Press for the eARC of this book.
What surprised me most is that this isn’t just a memoir, it’s also a really solid self-help book. It’s full of confidence boosting advice and genuine insight, and it somehow manages to feel both glamorous and grounding at the same time. Chris shares stories from his life that made me feel like I was sitting in his salon chair, getting my hair done while he was giving the best pep talk of my life.
I absolutely loved how he tied everything back to hair, from chapter titles like “Your Roots Are Showing,” “Where the Growth Begins,” “Do You Need a Trim or a Chop?” to my personal favorite, “The Head, the Hair, and the Heart.” It’s so clever and makes every lesson feel fresh and connected to his craft. You can take the man out of hairstyling, but can’t take the hairstyling out of the man, and it felt very on brand.
The standout chapter for me was “The Other Four Letter Word That’s Holding You Back”, where he talks about how we constantly say “I’m fine” when we’re really not. That one hit deep. It’s all about being honest with yourself so you can actually move forward instead of staying stuck in “fine” and being able to accomplish the goals and dreams you want.
Oh, and he even throws in real hair care tips (which I loved). So not only do you walk away feeling motivated and seen, but also ready to level up your hair game. I appreciated this immensely!
Overall, Your Roots Don’t Define You is equal parts inspiring, empowering, and heartfelt, a perfect mix of self-reflection, reinvention, and a reminder that your “roots” (literal or metaphorical) don’t have to hold you back. I really enjoyed this one!
Thank you to NetGalley, Chris Appleton, and Hanover Square Press for the eARC of this book.
January 19, 2026
I grew up with a mom who was a hair stylist for 45 years so I always find the story of stylists interesting.
I was looking forward to this book by Chris Appleton, someone who I’ve watched over the years as his business was growing. I thought this book would be about his growing his business and all the people he met and relationships that were built from that. Instead it’s a self help book about how your hair makes you feel and feelings. I don’t need a chapter on how to cut bangs. I was quickly turned off by this book and sad it wasn’t as id expected.
I know there will be people who enjoy this self help book by way of hir but it wasn’t for me.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc.
I was looking forward to this book by Chris Appleton, someone who I’ve watched over the years as his business was growing. I thought this book would be about his growing his business and all the people he met and relationships that were built from that. Instead it’s a self help book about how your hair makes you feel and feelings. I don’t need a chapter on how to cut bangs. I was quickly turned off by this book and sad it wasn’t as id expected.
I know there will be people who enjoy this self help book by way of hir but it wasn’t for me.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc.
January 13, 2026
I went in expecting a juicy, celebrity memoir and instead found a self-help book with actual hair tips woven throughout. Alongside affirmations, there’s advice on bangs, face shape, and even at-home trims. If you’re looking for a confidence boost and practical hair guidance, Your Roots Don’t Define You may be a good fit. If you’re hoping for emotional depth or behind-the-scenes celebrity stories, it may fall a bit short. ⭐️⭐️½
I listened to the audiobook, which was read by the author. Thank you to HarperCollins for the ARC.
I listened to the audiobook, which was read by the author. Thank you to HarperCollins for the ARC.
January 26, 2026
I went in thinking this was going to be a memoir and I try not to give memoirs less than 3 stars because it feels like I’m saying their life/personal story is boring. But alas this is not a memoir…
January 27, 2026
Love, listening to the audio. I might be biased because I’m a hairstylist and really enjoyed getting inspired by another hairstylist journey. I hated the chapter where he teaches you how to cut your own bangs lol but I mean, I guess if you’re gonna do it have a guide. Jokes aside I really enjoyed it.
February 1, 2026
Not great, i love biographies. I like essay books. I like reading about people and different things. This one didn't do it for me. I didn't like his writing. I didn't like his stories. I thought he was two self absorbed.I don't know him.I just love an autobiography that's why I chose it. It sounded really good. I couldn't even finish it. I just i I don't know what else to say if you know who he is, and you're into him. Or you maybe are a hairdresser. And you're into him or biographies, maybe you would get something more out of it I did not like it. I didn't like his writing style. I didn't like his storytelling. I didn't like anything I tried to finish it.I couldn't.It just wasn't for me
Thank you.Nat galley for the arc in exchange for an honest review
Thank you.Nat galley for the arc in exchange for an honest review
January 29, 2026
Who let this man write a book. Illiterate. Stupid stupid advice. Save yourself the trouble. Do not read. Do not buy. He has no advice and whatever he tries to give is the worst advice I’ve ever read. I’m shocked this got published it feels like something I would’ve written in 7th grade when we had to “write our autobiographies”. Also - NYT best seller my ASS.
November 20, 2025
The feeling of sitting in the salon while you are about to get your hair done is like no other. You feel relaxed, ready to spill all the tea, knowing that your hairstylist will magically fix all of your problems. Well, that is exactly what Chris Appleton gives readers in this book. Your Roots Don't Define You is more than just a juicy memoir; Chris pours his heart and soul into this book with the intent of helping readers regain their confidence, prioritize their mental health, and embrace the beauty of letting go. He uses personal examples, both his and from clients (who remain anonymous), to demonstrate that transformation is always possible, regardless of your current stage of life. If you are a fan of Chris Appleton, you will enjoy this book. And if you are a newbie to Chris Appleton, you will still enjoy and appreciate his vulnerability and openness about his own struggles. This book will challenge you and take you out of your comfort zone, but by the end, your self-reflection and tools provided will allow you to reclaim your worth!
I have always been so fascinated by Chris Appleton because he is one of the best hairstylists I have seen. Doing hair seems like his superpower. To say I was eager to read his memoir would be an understatement. I went in with high hopes, and his writing blew me away. This is unlike your normal memoir because while he does detail his life and how he got to where he is now, he gives the advice we all need to hear. As a people pleaser, I feel like finally someone understood me and helped me see why setting boundaries and letting go of the infamous two words 'I'm fine' is necessary. When he gives advice, it connects with me because I can see where he is coming from, especially when he details conversations with his clients. He is genuine with his words and just ultimately wants to see people realize their strengths. I appreciate that even at his level of fame and celebrity, he is humble with his time and words. He brings humanity and community while being the biggest cheerleader. All to show that we all face insecurities and let fear of failure come into our minds. But he gives us the tools to listen and trust ourselves to be the people we always wanted to be. Of course, you can expect some fabulous hair tips, and yes, I am already switching up my hair products and upping my hair game.
I give this book all the stars! Chris Appleton is a gem and wants everyone to have their moment to shine! His words are powerful, and I learned so much about myself along the way! Thank you, Chris for sharing your ups and downs, highlights, advice/tips! So grateful to have read an early copy!
I have always been so fascinated by Chris Appleton because he is one of the best hairstylists I have seen. Doing hair seems like his superpower. To say I was eager to read his memoir would be an understatement. I went in with high hopes, and his writing blew me away. This is unlike your normal memoir because while he does detail his life and how he got to where he is now, he gives the advice we all need to hear. As a people pleaser, I feel like finally someone understood me and helped me see why setting boundaries and letting go of the infamous two words 'I'm fine' is necessary. When he gives advice, it connects with me because I can see where he is coming from, especially when he details conversations with his clients. He is genuine with his words and just ultimately wants to see people realize their strengths. I appreciate that even at his level of fame and celebrity, he is humble with his time and words. He brings humanity and community while being the biggest cheerleader. All to show that we all face insecurities and let fear of failure come into our minds. But he gives us the tools to listen and trust ourselves to be the people we always wanted to be. Of course, you can expect some fabulous hair tips, and yes, I am already switching up my hair products and upping my hair game.
I give this book all the stars! Chris Appleton is a gem and wants everyone to have their moment to shine! His words are powerful, and I learned so much about myself along the way! Thank you, Chris for sharing your ups and downs, highlights, advice/tips! So grateful to have read an early copy!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Net Galley, audio book... I started this expecting another entertaining memoir after loving Lukas Gage’s book (his ex), wanting to hear another prospective and story of the drama and mess, but this was one of the most confusing audiobooks I’ve ever listened too. Memoir, self-help, hair manual? It tries to be all of it and succeeds at none. It seems like Chris or his (ghost writer) have never read another book before. Chris Appleton narrates himself, but even the most serious moments sound flat and disengaged or performative vulnerability. Also, a lot of the words are mispronounced. The structure is chaotic, bouncing between vague motivational advice, late-arriving personal revelations, and literal haircut tutorials, including bangs and “hair personality” quizzes and guides.
When Appleton finally opens up about coming out and a suicide attempt, the handling is deeply troubling. Recovery is framed almost entirely as a mindset shift and willpower, with therapy and medication barely mentioned much later, sending a potentially harmful message. Sometimes he even talks down to people who are possible suffering? Trauma is repeatedly reduced to hair metaphors and “revenge glow-ups,” which feels dismissive and tone-deaf. The book also assumes wealth and access most readers don’t have, while framing success as pure hustle. Also, he turned his back on his friend because he was HIV positive and never spoke to him again. If you like Chris, this will make you dislike him, and if you disliked Chris this will make you hate him. Also, him releasing this a few months after his ex... This feels like a tacky "revenge-haircut".
When Appleton finally opens up about coming out and a suicide attempt, the handling is deeply troubling. Recovery is framed almost entirely as a mindset shift and willpower, with therapy and medication barely mentioned much later, sending a potentially harmful message. Sometimes he even talks down to people who are possible suffering? Trauma is repeatedly reduced to hair metaphors and “revenge glow-ups,” which feels dismissive and tone-deaf. The book also assumes wealth and access most readers don’t have, while framing success as pure hustle. Also, he turned his back on his friend because he was HIV positive and never spoke to him again. If you like Chris, this will make you dislike him, and if you disliked Chris this will make you hate him. Also, him releasing this a few months after his ex... This feels like a tacky "revenge-haircut".
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I rushed to read this celebrity memoir after devouring his ex’s book in one sitting. This book however was a very hard fight to the finish, with the kind of vague, aggressively inspirational quotes you get from a framed signs that says “Live Laugh Love” in your parents outdated kitchen.
Page after page is a carousel of metaphors that never arrive anywhere. Roots, mirrors, beds, hair, mattresses—by the end I wasn’t sure if I was supposed to reinvent my life or buy a new catalogue for my room? Every chapter feels like it’s warming up to make a point, then gets distracted by another inspirational analogy and wanders off. Is it a memoir? A workbook? A self-help
Book? A children book, a name dropping of every celebrity he put highlights in book? I AM LOST. WHAT WAS THE POINT?
There is an overwhelming sense that the author desperately wants you to know they are more than their profession. Unfortunately, the book never quite figures out what that “more” is. Instead, we get confusing platitudes presented as hard-won wisdom, with the depth of an Instagram caption that’s been photoshopped and edited twelve times.
Nothing specific ever happens. No real risk. No uncomfortable truth. No mess. Just relentless encouragement delivered in a tone that manages to be both overtly soothing and faintly condescending,.
The celebrity foreword by one of the Jenners does a lot of heavy lifting, which is good, because the content itself is light enough to float away. By the end, I felt less inspired and more confused about why this needed to be a book at all.
Page after page is a carousel of metaphors that never arrive anywhere. Roots, mirrors, beds, hair, mattresses—by the end I wasn’t sure if I was supposed to reinvent my life or buy a new catalogue for my room? Every chapter feels like it’s warming up to make a point, then gets distracted by another inspirational analogy and wanders off. Is it a memoir? A workbook? A self-help
Book? A children book, a name dropping of every celebrity he put highlights in book? I AM LOST. WHAT WAS THE POINT?
There is an overwhelming sense that the author desperately wants you to know they are more than their profession. Unfortunately, the book never quite figures out what that “more” is. Instead, we get confusing platitudes presented as hard-won wisdom, with the depth of an Instagram caption that’s been photoshopped and edited twelve times.
Nothing specific ever happens. No real risk. No uncomfortable truth. No mess. Just relentless encouragement delivered in a tone that manages to be both overtly soothing and faintly condescending,.
The celebrity foreword by one of the Jenners does a lot of heavy lifting, which is good, because the content itself is light enough to float away. By the end, I felt less inspired and more confused about why this needed to be a book at all.
December 7, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for providing an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
Going into this book, I was fully prepared to be a fly on the wall during some of Chris Appleton’s most glamorous hair appointments with A-list clients. Unfortunately, the “tea” was kept pretty lukewarm.
By far, the standout was Chapter 12: Rising from the Roots. The emotional honesty and openness were just what I wanted. Hearing about his personal life, upbringing, and his coming-out journey finally delivered the authenticity and vulnerability the rest of the book only hinted at. He even briefly references Lukas (without naming him directly). While I understand why he kept certain details private, I couldn’t help but want to hear more about that part of his life and what the relationship meant to him.
Overall, I went in expecting more of a memoir-style tell-all, and what I got was more firmly in the self-help realm. The little anecdotes sprinkled throughout were cute but a little overdone. If you’re interested in Chris’s philosophy, mindset, and motivational takeaways, you’ll likely enjoy this book.
Going into this book, I was fully prepared to be a fly on the wall during some of Chris Appleton’s most glamorous hair appointments with A-list clients. Unfortunately, the “tea” was kept pretty lukewarm.
By far, the standout was Chapter 12: Rising from the Roots. The emotional honesty and openness were just what I wanted. Hearing about his personal life, upbringing, and his coming-out journey finally delivered the authenticity and vulnerability the rest of the book only hinted at. He even briefly references Lukas (without naming him directly). While I understand why he kept certain details private, I couldn’t help but want to hear more about that part of his life and what the relationship meant to him.
Overall, I went in expecting more of a memoir-style tell-all, and what I got was more firmly in the self-help realm. The little anecdotes sprinkled throughout were cute but a little overdone. If you’re interested in Chris’s philosophy, mindset, and motivational takeaways, you’ll likely enjoy this book.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I went into this expecting a juicy, behind the scenes celebrity memoir and that is not quite what this book is. Instead, it leans firmly into the self help space, full of kind words, self affirmations, and steady encouragement. The structure jumps around a bit, moving from moments in his past to hair stories and styling advice, which can feel slightly scattered, but the heart of the message is sincere. I found myself appreciating the warmth more than I expected. It feels less like gossip and more like someone reminding you that you are allowed to believe in yourself. And listening to the audiobook was a pleasure. His accent alone makes the experience feel comforting and easy to stay with.
Thank you NetGalley and Harlequin Audio ALC!
Thank you NetGalley and Harlequin Audio ALC!
January 21, 2026
I picked this book up on a whim, having heard of Chris Appleton of course from his gorgeous work with the Kardash/Jenners and other celebs. But in reading this, I feel like I have grown to know a completely new side of him. He opens up so much about his internal struggles and he has experienced so much in his life you cant help but wanting to know more about him. This was an absolutely amazing read and I can not recommend it enough.
February 1, 2026
I originally picked this book up because I’m a huge Chris Appleton fan, but I had no idea how much I actually needed to read it. This book ended up meaning so much to me, and I truly believe I read it at the perfect moment in my life. As cheesy as it sounds, it gave me a lot of clarity, and I’m genuinely so grateful that Chris decided to write it (Not me calling him Chris like we’re best friends.) 🩷💘🎀 loved loved loved it!
November 16, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley for the eARC. I went in with an open mind, but this honestly feels like he saw his ex publish a book and said “Well, I can do that too!” Spoiler: he can’t. TikTok fame doesn’t translate to writing ability, this was clearly ghostwritten and wildly out of its depth and shallow and out of touch.
February 9, 2026
It would be a disservice to not rate this 5 stars. I had the pleasure of meeting Chris Appleton on January 22, 2026 to hear him talk about his book. He was very personable with the attendees and so kind! Since the book event I have been listening to the audiobook in small chunks when I felt I needed a little boost of encouragement. Highly recommend to listen or read this book!
November 19, 2025
super fun memoir. as with most of the memoirs I read, I had NEVER heard of Chris Appleton before reading this, but this was an excellent experience to read, and super heartwarming and uplifting. I'd recommend it. 5 stars. tysm for the arc.
December 2, 2025
Thank you #Netgalley for the advanced copy.
I was hoping this book was more about his life and career journey; however, this read provides more advice rather than personal stories. Still an interesting read, just not what I was expecting.
I was hoping this book was more about his life and career journey; however, this read provides more advice rather than personal stories. Still an interesting read, just not what I was expecting.
January 27, 2026
This book started so strong. Read halfway and call it a day. As a fellow hairstylist, it was absolutely cringe inducing to watch Chris Appleton not only encourage people to cut their own hair but attempt to teach them with descriptions, and in the name of self help. ( shivers )
February 2, 2026
I wanted this book to be a memoir similar to Jessica Simpsons. It read like a Pinterest board of inspirational phrases.
I hope someday he’ll write a memoir and/or a hair self care book. He sprinkled in some of those elements and it kept me reading, hoping for more.
I hope someday he’ll write a memoir and/or a hair self care book. He sprinkled in some of those elements and it kept me reading, hoping for more.
February 12, 2026
notttt my favorite. listened to this as an audiobook and i appreciated his POV because as a hair stylist you sit and meet with so many people, but this was a bit too self-helpy when i really wanted more of his life story. minorly good tips but felt repetitive and couldve been half the length.
November 28, 2025
ARC read and I’m genuinely sitting here baffled did ChatGPT write half of this or am I crazy? Some of these sentences feel like they were generated in a lab. I’m so confused by this book.
January 21, 2026
This is an incredible read. I highly recommend it.
January 21, 2026
This is one of the best books I’ve ever read. Thank you Chris for your authenticity and courage.
Read
January 22, 2026DNF
I think I was expecting something different. This was a self help book using hair as a metaphor.
I think I was expecting something different. This was a self help book using hair as a metaphor.
January 22, 2026
DNF. One of the worst books I've ever read. Tone deaf and damaging for people with suicidal ideation.
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