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Image: Dia Dipasupil/Getty ImagesHairstylist Chris Appleton is known for styling A-list stars like Jennifer Lopez and Kim Kardashian. However, recently, as part of the The Drew Barrymore Show's Drew's Crew, he gave a Mytour reader (hello, Steph!) a glow-down during the Bare Is Beautiful show.
While glow-ups are typically the focus, this particular episode of The Drew Barrymore Show embraced the concept of natural beauty. Drew herself, along with Valerie Bertinelli, guest Pamela Anderson, and celebrity makeup artist Mally Roncal, went makeup-free to champion the theme. During the segment, Mytour reader Steph Calcutti, who often wore long, wavy hair extensions and bold makeup with dark eye shadow and deep lipstick, was taken backstage for a ‘makeunder.’
Although Steph, who considers herself a beauty enthusiast, was initially nervous about cutting her hair and going makeup-free, she was curious to see how her new look would turn out. As part of the transformation, Chris chopped off an impressive 10 inches from her hair and styled it into a soft, center-parted, Kendall Jenner-inspired wavy lob. Meanwhile, Mally simplified her skincare routine to just moisturizer and lip balm. Although Steph admitted feeling vulnerable without her usual glam, she described the experience as making her feel "lighter" and symbolizing "a fresh start." Now, she has embraced her shorter hair, wearing less makeup, and enjoying it.
We asked Chris for additional tips on how to achieve beautiful hair, particularly for those over the age of 40.
Stop Conforming to Trends
"It's always fun to follow the latest hair trends, but ultimately, some face shapes just look better with a side part," explains Chris. (This makes me happy because I'm on team side part forever!) Rather than simply copying what celebrities are doing with their hair, have a conversation with your stylist about the cut—and color—that suits your unique features, including your face shape, lifestyle, skin tone, and eye color.
Don't Hide Under Your Hair
According to Chris, there’s no right or wrong length for any age. However, your hair can truly be your superpower. In fact, Chris believes that often, the less hair and makeup you wear, the more youthful and natural you appear. "For Steph, I removed her hair extensions to highlight her natural length," he shares. "It can be tough, but stripping away the extra hair allows your true beauty to shine," Chris continues. The shorter hairstyle accentuates Steph's face, leaving her feeling significantly lighter.
Don't Cut Corners on Your Hair's Condition
Chris admits that even the most stylish haircut won't look great if your hair is dry or damaged. While a great cut and color are important, the true key is the overall health of your hair. In addition to getting regular trims every six weeks, it's essential to invest in hydrating hair masks and leave-in conditioners to add moisture and shield your hair from future harm. One of Chris's favorites is the Color Wow Money Mask, available at Sephora. He also suggests using a water filter on your showerhead to eliminate minerals that dehydrate and alter your color, along with sleeping on a silk pillowcase to reduce hair breakage.
Avoid Getting Stuck in a Rut
It’s tempting to stick to what you know when it comes to hairstyling. However, don't hesitate to seek advice from hair professionals or even friends about your hair. Sometimes the best transformations come from someone who offers a different perspective, explains Chris. "Makeovers are why I entered this industry. I love helping people look and feel their best—it's incredibly empowering."
