Celebrity hairstylist Chris Appleton reveals how to get out of a hair rut, the scalp mistake to avoid – and his go-to product for volume
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When it comes to A-list hair, Chris Appleton is the name behind some of the most iconic looks of the last decade. From Kim Kardashian’s glass hair to Jennifer Lopez’s bombshell waves, his signature is polished, glossy and always intentional. So when he shares advice on breaking out of a hair rut, we’re all ears.
Speaking on Grace Beverley’s Working Hard podcast, Appleton got refreshingly honest about the habits holding people back – and the surprisingly simple ways to elevate your hair routine.
The real reason you’re stuck in a hair rut
If you’ve ever found yourself asking for the same cut or styling your hair the exact same way every day, Appleton says you’re not alone. But the issue isn’t a lack of options – it’s a lack of direction.
His solution? Start collecting inspiration.
‘I love pictures. I love looking at things that you like the look of,’ he explains. ‘It might be way off from where you’re at right now, but I would look at as many pictures and usually there’s a common theme.’
Stuck in a hair rut? Start saving pictures, says Appleton
Whether you’re saving TikToks at midnight or building a Pinterest board on your commute, Appleton suggests paying attention to patterns. Are you drawn to lighter tones? More layers? Curtain bangs? Identifying those recurring elements is what helps you – and your stylist – create a look that actually feels like you.
‘Pictures, for me, help you tell the story,’ he adds. And honestly, it’s the kind of low-effort, high-impact advice we can get behind.
The mistake that could be sabotaging your hair
According to Appleton, one of the biggest red flags in a hair routine comes down to something we all do: washing.
But it’s not how often – it’s how.
‘Washing your hair like it’s laundry,’ he says, is a major mistake. ‘I think people are so rough and aggressive with their scalp.’
Instead, he emphasises that scalp care should be treated with the same level of attention as skincare. ‘Your scalp is a continuation of your skin,’ he explains, noting that neglecting it can lead to reduced hair density and poorer-quality regrowth.
He also points out that collagen loss – around 1% per year after 25 – plays a role in how our hair feels and behaves over time. That’s where targeted treatments come in.
Using a nightly serum, like Color Wow’s Youth Juice, can help support healthier growth and improve overall hair quality. As he puts it, ‘not only is it going to encourage hair growth… but the quality of the hair is a lot better.’
In short: if your hair feels thinner, weaker or just not as good as it used to, your scalp might be the place to start.
The styling trick that makes curls actually last
If you’ve ever spent 30 minutes curling your hair only for it to drop within the hour, Appleton says the problem might be that your hair is too clean.
‘A lot of the time with curls, when your hair is too soft because it’s just been washed, it’s too slippy,’ he explains. Which is why slightly 'lived-in” hair often holds styles better.
His fix is all about building grip before you even pick up a curling iron.
‘I love Color Wow’s Style On Steroids texturising spray because it has heat protection in it,’ he says. ‘It gives the hair this kind of lived-in texture… but it’s not sticky or stiff and it really holds the curls.’
The technique is key here. Appleton recommends spraying each section before curling to create that essential hold from the start. Then, once you’ve styled your whole head, lock everything in place with a strong but flexible hairspray.
‘The ultimate flex is the Texas Hold ‘Em Big Hold Hairspray because it’s just a really strong-hold hairspray that keeps it in place,’ he says.
Importantly, though, he’s not into crunchy, helmet-like finishes. ‘The nicest thing about all of them is that they’re all kind of brushable… your hair is back to hair.’
And really, isn’t that the dream?
