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.

Join over 750,000 people to receive my most transformative wisdom directly in your inbox every single week with my free newsletter. Subscribe here.

What We Discuss:

00:00 Intro

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

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

10:11 What It Actually Takes to Become the Best 

14:32 Finding Yourself After an Identity Crisis

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

20:15 Accepting and Embracing Your Gender Identity

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

30:21 Choosing Inner Peace Over the Deepest Pain

33:10 Rebuilding Yourself After Grief and Collapse

36:40 Why the Right Guidance Can Change Everything

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

39:30 Forgiveness: Freeing Yourself from the Past

41:15 Sharing Your Story Could Save Someone Else

44:29 When a New Environment Heals Your Spirit

45:06 The Unexpected Call That Changed Everything

47:29 The Hair Appointment That Almost Ended His Career

52:23 How to Build Authentic Relationships in Your Industry

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

59:09 Why Love Is Always Worth the Risk

01:01:48 Give Yourself Permission to Walk Away

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

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

01:12:28 Being the Father You Always Needed

01:19:01 Chris 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

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&rsquo;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.&nbsp;
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.&nbsp;
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&nbsp;
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&rsquo;s Time to Let Go and Move On
No matter your past, your pain, or how long you&rsquo;ve carried it, it&rsquo;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 <a href="https://988lifeline.org/">988 Suicide &amp; Crisis Lifeline </a>&nbsp;at 988 or chat at <a href="https://chat.988lifeline.org/">988lifeline.org </a>. In life-threatening situations, call 911.
Join over 750,000 people to receive my most transformative wisdom directly in your inbox every single week with my free newsletter. Subscribe <a href="https://news.jayshetty.me/subscribe">here</a>.
What We Discuss:
00:00 Intro
03:13 Your Roots Don't Define Who You Can Become
06:19 Is It Safer to Hide Who You Really Are?
10:11 What It Actually Takes to Become the Best&nbsp;
14:32 Finding Yourself After an Identity Crisis
17:27 Letting Go of Shame to Be Your True Self
20:15 Accepting and Embracing Your Gender Identity
22:46 How to Come Out Without Hurting the People You Love
30:21 Choosing Inner Peace Over the Deepest Pain
33:10 Rebuilding Yourself After Grief and Collapse
36:40 Why the Right Guidance Can Change Everything
39:13 Struggling Doesn&rsquo;t Mean You&rsquo;re Weak
39:30 Forgiveness: Freeing Yourself from the Past
41:15 Sharing Your Story Could Save Someone Else
44:29 When a New Environment Heals Your Spirit
45:06 The Unexpected Call That Changed Everything
47:29 The Hair Appointment That Almost Ended His Career
52:23 How to Build Authentic Relationships in Your Industry
55:33 You Don&rsquo;t Owe the Public an Explanation
59:09 Why Love Is Always Worth the Risk
01:01:48 Give Yourself Permission to Walk Away
01:05:35 How to Protect Your Peace in a Loud World
01:10:35 What Do You Really See in the Mirror?
01:12:28 Being the Father You Always Needed
01:19:01 Chris on Final Five
Episode Resources:
Chris Appleton | <a href="https://www.instagram.com/chrisappleton1">Instagram</a>&nbsp;
Chris Appleton | <a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/ChrisAppleton">YouTube</a>
Chris Appleton | <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@chrisappletonhair?lang=en">TikTok</a>
&nbsp;
Chris is releasing his debut book, YOUR ROOTS DON&rsquo;T DEFINE YOU: Transform Your Life. Create Your Comeback, on January 20, 2026. The book is available for pre-order now at the link <a href="https://chrisappleton1.wpenginepowered.com/">HERE</a>

I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace.

I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!

I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace.
I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!

On Purpose with Jay Shetty

My name is Jay Shetty, and my purpose is to make wisdom go viral. I’m fortunate to have fascinating conversations with the most insightful people in the world, and on my podcast, I’m sharing those conversations with you. New episodes Mondays and Fridays. Please rate and review the podcast if you enjoy it. Live life today ON PURPOSE.

My name is Jay Shetty, and my purpose is to make wisdom go viral. I’m fortunate to have fascinating conversations with the most insightful people in the world, and on my podcast, I’m sharing those conversations with you. New episodes Mondays and Fridays. Please rate and review the podcast if you enjoy it. Live life today ON PURPOSE.

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

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/6a1b25ac-d193-4a0b-a12d-b3310062f653/transcript

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