Chris Appleton, Kim Kardashian’s hairstylist, stands by his past $200,000 fee for services amid fan criticism of her Met Gala hairstyle. The 42-year-old stylist, who works with celebrities like Jennifer Lopez and Kris Jenner, first mentioned a $100,000 charge on the U Up? podcast in January, describing it as covering travel and a major commitment.
Fee Details and Breakdown
A day after the Met Gala, where fans dubbed Kardashian’s tousled blonde locks a ‘rat’s nest,’ Appleton clarified the actual amount on the Great Company With Jamie Laing podcast. “It was $200,000,” he said. “But I said 100 because I was afraid of what everyone would say. I said it, and then I was scared.”
He explained the fee’s components: extensive travel and full commitment. “When you break it down, it’s not as much,” Appleton noted. “Also 50 percent tax in America—that’s half. And then your agent takes 20 percent, and your business manager takes five.” He reiterated this on the U Up? podcast, highlighting how taxes and fees reduce net earnings.
Appleton defended his pricing, stating, “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 shared a behind-the-scenes video showcasing his work.
Fan Reactions on Social Media
Fans flooded social media with backlash linking the high fee to the hairstyle. One Reddit user commented, “Hairstylist who has a 200k fee and her hair still looked like a rats nest… being poor saves me.” Another joked, “Dude I make my own hair look like a rats nest… Can I pay myself $200k???”
Critics continued: “She could have just stuck her finger in an electric socket and achieved the same result. Saved 200K.” One questioned, “Wtf does a ‘Hair Stylist’ need a business manager & an agent?”
Appleton’s Imposter Syndrome
Despite his elite clientele, Appleton admits to self-doubt. “We all have that self-doubt,” he shared. “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 Highlights
Kardashian’s ensemble drew equal attention: a sculpted orange fembot design by British artists Allen Jones and Whitaker Malem. The striking breastplate was spray-painted at MPS Body And Paint in Kent by owner Martyn Smith, 55.
Smith, who had previously painted the designers’ cars, described the process: “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 learned the client only upon collection and stayed sworn to secrecy.
Kardashian visited England twice for fittings, with the piece taking three weeks. Thrilled, she called the designers directly. Smith praised 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.”
