Hairstylist Addresses $200,000 Fee Revelation
Chris Appleton, celebrity hairstylist to Kim Kardashian, Jennifer Lopez, and Kris Jenner, confirms he once charged $200,000 for services involving extensive travel and commitment. He first mentioned a $100,000 figure on the U Up? podcast in January, explaining, “Like 100K, but that was to travel and stuff. That was a whole situation.”
On the Great Company With Jamie Laing podcast, Appleton clarifies the full amount: “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.” He breaks down the fee, noting, “It was a lot of traveling and it was a whole commitment. 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.”
Fan Criticism of Met Gala Look
Following the Met Gala, fans criticize Kardashian’s tousled blonde locks, calling them a “rat’s nest.” Social media reactions intensify after Appleton’s fee disclosure. One Reddit user comments, “Hairstylist who has a 200k fee and her hair still looked like a rats nest… being poor saves me.” Another adds, “Dude I make my own hair look like a rats nest… Can I pay myself $200k?”
Critics question the value, with one stating, “She could have just stuck her finger in an electric socket and achieved the same result. Saved 200K.” Others note, “Wtf does a ‘Hair Stylist’ need a business manager & an agent?”
Appleton defends his pricing: “There’s plenty of times I do work for free. There’s plenty of times I don’t get paid that amount of money.” Kardashian shares a behind-the-scenes video showcasing his Met Gala styling, though the exact fee remains undisclosed.
Imposter Syndrome Persists
Despite high-profile clients, 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 it 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. I think that’s bulls***.”
Met Gala Outfit Details
Kardashian’s Met Gala appearance features a sculpted orange fembot ensemble 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 explains, “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 upon collection and agrees to secrecy.
Kardashian visits England twice for fittings over three weeks. Smith praises the outcome: “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.”
