Celebrity Hairstylist Chris Appleton to Publish ‘Deeply Personal’ Book Your Roots Don’t Define You — See the Cover! (Exclusive)

Chris Appleton is taking his wisdom from the salon to the page!

PEOPLE can exclusively share the cover of the celebrity hairstylist’s debut book, Your Roots Don’t Define You, out in early 2026 from Hanover Square Press.

Appleton, the director of Color Wow Hair, is widely known as a high-profile hair stylist, who has worked with some of today’s biggest celebrities including Ariana Grande, Kim Kardashian and Dua Lipa. He’s also become a social media sensation, where he provides behind-the-scenes looks into his work.

In his literary debut, Appleton draws on stories from his career — including anonymous client stories — along with his own life experiences to “explore the power of reinvention,” per the book’s official synopsis. The new author will recount what he’s learned with readers, and provide insight on how they can grow personally, professionally and stylistically.

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Your Roots Don’t Define You has already stirred early praise from celebrities like Drew Barrymore, who shares she’s “so excited for everyone to learn who [Appleton] is” on the book’s cover.

“This book is deeply personal because it’s about more than just hair — it’s about transformation from the inside out,” Appleton says in a statement shared with PEOPLE. 

“Your Roots Don’t Define You is my story of breaking free from shame, rebuilding my identity and learning to own my truth. I’ve had to start over more than once — not just in image, but in spirit — and I know what it means to feel stuck, unseen or too far gone.”

Appleton also hopes to utilize that journey to help readers too.

“This book is for anyone who’s ever felt like where they came from defines who they are,” Appleton continues. “It’s for the dreamers, the healers, the people picking up the pieces and daring to believe in something better. If I can do it, so can you. And I hope every page makes you feel seen, empowered — and a little entertained too.”

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Your Roots Don’t Define You will be published on Jan. 20, 2026 and is now available for preorder, wherever books are sold.