When NBLive returned to Lyrath Estate for 2026, the atmosphere felt bigger, bolder and full of anticipation. At the centre of this year’s line-up was Chris Appleton, whose signature high-gloss, polished styles have made him one of the most in-demand names in the industry. Taking to the stage, he shared his approach to effortlessly creating sleek, healthy-looking hair, offering rare insight into the techniques behind his red-carpet and bridal work.
We dive a little deeper into it all, from the bridal trends he’s loving right now to the small details that make hair look healthier, softer and camera-ready.
Bridal Hair & Wedding Styling
Wedding hair needs to last all day - what’s your secret to creating styles that hold their shape but still feel soft and natural?
It always starts with the right prep. If the foundation is right, the style will naturally hold without feeling stiff or overdone. One of my go-to tricks is using Dream Coat Supernatural Spray before styling because it frizz-proofs the hair and protects it from humidity, which is huge for weddings that last all day and night. Once the hair is smooth and controlled, you can build shape and movement that still feels soft and touchable.
What are the biggest bridal hair trends right now, and what advice do you give brides who want a modern yet timeless look?
Right now, brides are really embracing hair that feels effortless but still polished. Soft waves, glossy blowouts, and sleek buns are all really popular. My advice is always to focus on healthy, shiny hair rather than complicated styles. When hair looks silky, smooth, and reflective, it automatically feels both modern and timeless.
Brides want effortless but polished hair in photos - which techniques or products help you achieve that “expensive hair” finish
For me, expensive hair always comes down to shine and condition. I focus on really hydrating the hair first so it looks smooth and reflective. Products like Money Masque and Money Mist are amazing for that because they leave the hair incredibly soft without weighing it down. I like to finish with Extra Mist-ical Shine Spray because it gives that instant mirror-like finish that photographs beautifully. When hair catches the light like that, it instantly looks more polished and luxurious.
Red-Carpet & Styling Secrets
You’re famous for ultra-glossy, polished hair - how do you achieve shine and smoothness without weighing hair down?
It’s all about using the right formulas. You want products that smooth hair and enhance shine while still keeping them lightweight. Dream Coat is one of my favourites because it frizz-proofs hair and gives a glassy finish without making it feel heavy. Then I’ll finish with Extra Mist-ical Shine Spray to add that extra layer of light-reflecting shine that really makes the hair pop on camera.
Volume is key to many of your signature looks - how do you create long-lasting body and movement that still feels lightweight?
Volume should feel airy and touchable, not stiff. I love using Xtra Large Bombshell Volumizer because it gives incredible lift and fullness without making the hair crunchy or sticky. The hair still moves and feels soft, but it has that big, glamorous body that holds its shape.
Which Color Wow products are your must-haves for wedding hair or red-carpet hair, and why?
Dream Coat is definitely a must because it completely transforms hair texture and keeps it frizz-free, even in humidity. I probably go through about 100 bottles of it a year between all my clients. Xtra Large is amazing for building volume and body while keeping the hair soft and flexible. And Money Masque is one of my favourites for prepping hair before an event such as a wedding, because it deeply conditions and smooths the cuticle so the hair looks silky, healthy, and incredibly glossy, that polished, red-carpet finish everyone wants.
Healthy Hair & Celebrity Tips
Healthy hair is the foundation of every great style - what haircare habits or treatments do you always recommend for strong, glossy, camera-ready hair?
Healthy hair is everything. When the hair is properly hydrated and strong, styling becomes much easier, and the finish looks more polished. That’s why I’m really excited about the new Money Laundering Hydrating Shampoo and Glossing Conditioner. It’s designed to deliver a surge of hydration into the hair first, then lock that moisture in with the glossing conditioner so the cuticle stays smooth and reflective. That’s what gives you that super silky, high-gloss finish, the kind of rich, expensive-looking hair I’m always trying to create for my clients.
Having worked with some of the world’s most famous women, which celebrity styling tricks can anyone apply to Irish brides for that Hollywood polish?
The biggest trick is focusing on the finish. Celebrity hair always looks luxurious because it’s smooth, shiny, and well-conditioned. Take the time to prep the hair properly, create shape with the right styling products, and always finish with shine. That combination of smoothness, volume, and gloss creates the picture-perfect final look.
- Avila Lipsett