Chris Appleton is opening up about the backlash that followed one of his most talked-about career revelations. During a recent appearance on the Great Company With Jamie Laing podcast, the celebrity hairstylist admitted he once intentionally underquoted his actual $200,000 service fee because he was afraid of how people would react online.

“Oh, God, I should never have said it...I got dragged for that,” Appleton said while reflecting on the controversy surrounding his pricing comments.

The stylist, best known for working with stars including Kim Kardashian and Jennifer Lopez, explained that he originally lowered the number publicly during an earlier podcast interview because he felt uncomfortable discussing money openly.

“It was $200,000…But I said 100 because I was afraid of what everyone would say. I said it, and then I was scared.” Appleton revealed in the same podcast.

Appleton also clarified that those fees only apply under very specific circumstances involving extensive travel and long-term commitments. According to him, the actual take-home amount becomes significantly smaller once taxes, agents, and business management percentages are deducted.

The hairstylist previously discussed similar financial realities earlier this year on the U Up? podcast, where he explained that large celebrity service fees often “get dwindled” after industry expenses.

Chris Appleton says success in Hollywood hasn’t erased his self-doubt

In an industry built heavily around image, confidence, and perfection, Appleton’s willingness to openly discuss fear, anxiety, and imposter syndrome may ultimately be the reason the conversation resonated far beyond just the dollar amount itself.

“We all have that self-doubt,” Appleton told People earlier this year while discussing the pressure that still comes with working at the top of Hollywood’s beauty industry.

“Every job I do, I'm always still a little nervous…Every video I post on Instagram or TikTok, I'm always a little apprehensive,” he said.

Despite building one of the most recognizable celebrity hairstyling brands in entertainment, Appleton admitted he still feels nervous before major jobs, social media uploads, and public-facing work.

He also pushed back against the idea that success eliminates insecurity. That honesty adds an unexpectedly human layer to someone often associated with luxury celebrity culture and high-profile glam squads. While the internet quickly focused on the headline-making six-figure pricing, Appleton’s larger point appeared to center more on the pressure, responsibility, and expectations attached to working with some of the world’s biggest celebrities.

Do you think celebrity beauty professionals deserve more understanding around luxury pricing and behind-the-scenes business costs? Let us know in the comments.

Written by

Aarav Poonia

Edited by

Aliza Siddiqui