Chris Appleton Breaks Down the Glow-Down: Why Dialed-Back Hair Trends Are In

Shifting the Spotlight: Why the 'Glow-Down' Matters

When superstar hairstylist Chris Appleton talks, Hollywood listens. We're used to seeing his signature shiny waves and red-carpet glam popping up on the likes of Jennifer Lopez and Kim Kardashian. But lately, even he’s steering conversation toward something that sounds like the opposite of what people expect: the glow-down.

So, what’s a glow-down? Unlike the 'glow-up,' which is all about amping up your look, the glow-down is about finding confidence in low-key, less-made-up styles. It’s ditching the over-the-top shine and the layers of hairspray in favor of hair that looks lived-in—purposefully undone, a bit looser, and a lot more relaxed. Think easy texture, natural movement, and subtle shine instead of glassy perfection. Turns out, it’s not about letting yourself go; it’s about feeling good in your own skin (and hair), even when the lights aren’t on you.

Appleton says the glow-down grew out of people craving authenticity and comfort, especially after years of high glam on TikTok and Instagram. When everyone’s been chasing one polished look, sometimes the chicest thing you can do is let it all hang out—just a bit. "Sometimes a little edge, a little imperfection, makes someone seem fresher, younger, and more confident,” he notes. The glow-down is actually a power move. You're not hiding flaws; you’re showing you don’t need to cover anything up.

How Chris Appleton Pulls Off and Personalizes the Glow-Down

Getting the look is easier than you might think. Appleton still loves his favorite Color Wow products but uses them with a lighter touch for this trend. Start with a humidity-blocking spray like the Dream Coat, but don’t go for a board-straight finish. Instead, blow-dry your hair mostly dry, then let it finish air drying for some natural movement. For waves, grab a curling iron, but work in larger sections and leave out the final inch of hair from the barrel. That way, you get some bend without going full pageant mode.

Stubborn flyaways have their place here—Appleton likes smoothing them with a toothbrush misted with hairspray to control stray strands without making hair look helmet-like. He recommends adding a small pump of glossing serum just to the ends for a hint of shine, not a lacquered effect.

Tired of picture-perfect styles that look copied-and-pasted from social media? You’re not alone. The glow-down is catching on with celebrities who want to look (and feel) more like their real selves once the cameras stop flashing. Appleton’s clients, from high-powered pop stars to everyday folks, tell him it actually takes more confidence to let some mess show. It’s not lazy—it’s intentional, and it speaks volumes without trying too hard.

Whether you’re heading out the door or jumping on a Zoom call, the glow-down might be just what your routine needs. Skip the helmet hair and sharp partings, and try a little rough-and-ready texture, a touch of shine, and a whole lot of confidence. Like Chris Appleton says, sometimes less is just so much more.