Hairstylist Reveals True Cost of Past Services
Chris Appleton, Kim Kardashian’s go-to hairstylist, confirms he charged $200,000 for previous high-profile work, following backlash over her Met Gala appearance. The 42-year-old stylist, who works with stars like Jennifer Lopez and Kris Jenner, first mentioned a $100,000 fee on the January episode of the U Up? podcast, attributing it to extensive travel and commitments.
A day after fans criticized Kardashian’s tousled blonde locks at the Met Gala—calling them a ‘rat’s nest’—Appleton clarified the full amount on the Great Company With Jamie Laing podcast. ‘It was $200,000,’ he states. ‘But I said 100 because I was afraid of what everyone would say. I said it, and then I was scared.’
Fan Reactions Ignite Online Debate
Social media users and Reddit commenters mocked the hairstyle and fee. One critic notes, ‘Hairstylist who has a 200k fee and her hair still looked like a rats nest… being poor saves me.’ Another jokes, ‘Dude I make my own hair look like a rats nest… Can I pay myself $200k???’ A third adds, ‘She could have just stuck her finger in an electric socket and achieved the same result. Saved 200K.’ One questions, ‘Wtf does a ‘Hair Stylist’ need a business manager & an agent?’
Appleton defends his pricing, emphasizing, ‘There’s plenty of times I do work for free. There’s plenty of times I don’t get paid that amount of money.’ The exact fee for Kardashian’s Met Gala look remains undisclosed, though she shares a behind-the-scenes video showcasing his styling.
Breaking Down the $200,000 Fee
Appleton explains the fee covers significant travel and dedication. ‘It was a lot of traveling and it was a whole commitment,’ he says. ‘So when you break it down, it’s not as much. Also 50 percent tax in America—that’s half. And then your agent takes 20 percent, and your business manager takes five.’ He provides a similar breakdown on the U Up? podcast.
Appleton’s Imposter Syndrome Persists
Despite his elite clientele, Appleton admits to ongoing self-doubt. ‘We all have that self-doubt,’ he shares. ‘Every job I do, I’m always still a little nervous. I’m always a little anxious, still. Every video I post on Instagram or TikTok, I’m always a little apprehensive.’ He views this positively: ‘I like that to an extent because it is healthy. I never want to be arrogant and think, “Oh, I know it all,” because I really don’t. No one does.’
Kardashian’s Striking Met Gala Ensemble
Kardashian’s outfit draws equal attention: a sculpted orange fembot design by British artists Allen Jones and Whitaker Malem. The breastplate receives spray-painting at MPS Body And Paint in Kent by owner Martyn Smith, 55.
Smith, who previously worked on the designers’ cars, describes the rush job: ‘I’d repaired and painted their car for them. They turned up here one day, asked me if I would basically paint this. I had 24 hours to do it in and it meant I had to drop some work to do it, but I thought what an honor and a pleasure, as well as a job, to do it.’ He learns the client only upon pickup and agrees to secrecy.
Kardashian visits England twice for fittings, with the piece taking three weeks. Thrilled, she calls the designers directly. Smith praises her: ‘She phoned us herself, we’ve only ever dealt with her and she’s very, very amenable. She wore it fantastically well. I thought it looked just as good on her as it did the day I finished it, if not better.’
