Ariana Madix’s Hairstylist Shares the Secrets Behind her “Love Island” Looks
The Real Star of “Love Island USA, Season 6”: Carl Bembridge
“Love Island USA, Season 6” has taken the internet by storm. While some fans may argue it’s thanks to “Vanderpump Rules” royalty Ariana Madix’s new position as the “Love Island” Host (after a very expansive and public past 18 months), we say it’s thanks to the hottest new bombshell that entered the villa: Carl Bembridge (@carlbembridgehair) AKA Ariana and “Love Island: Aftersun” host Maura Higgins’ hairstylist.
For every re-coupling, challenge and “After Sun” episode both Ariana and Maura have served look after look. From Ariana’s viral golden premiere look to Maura’s memorable top knot for the first “After Sun,” Carl has continued to slay their strands.
Ariana’s premiere look, plus other stunning looks Carl created on her:
To hear everything from his go-to products to survive the hot Fiji climate, to how he found himself on a 7-week work trip across the globe, read on for a BTC Exclusive Interview with the man behind “Love Island’s” hottest hairstyles.
What is your favorite look you’ve created on Ariana?
Oh this is a hard one because there have been so many strong looks which have all been very different from the last!
I would say so far my favorite for Ariana has been the [Episode 6 Lingerie Party] where I did the big hair but still gave snatched sides to bring more fierceness to the style. I just knew this hair in the famous slow-mos would look so ‘WOW!’
Ariana’s Lingerie Party look:
However, Ariana’s finale look is coming up next [the finale airs on Sunday, July 21] which I’m prepping for and that may end up being the favorite. I mean the finale has to be finale-worthy, so I’m excited and so is she!
Editor’s Note: BTC interview Carl before the finale and he did in fact slay Ariana’s look! See here:
What is your favorite look you’ve created on Maura?
My favorite look on Maura has been her first “After Sun” look because I loved the outfit she wore which paired great with the hair in mind. The super sleek half-up, half-down with fans of hair to make the look pop.
Maura’s first “After Sun” look:
What is your favorite moment from your time in Fiji?
My favorite moment has been the whole trip, really as a whole. The team has become new friends and we have worked together so well with the best energy which has made it so fun too.
My [other] favorite moment is always when the team and the Villa see the look [during] their entrance and slow-mo walk! Ah, I love the reaction.
What I’ve also loved is Ariana and Maura have been so open to my ideas with [their] hair and let me get creative. This ignites my passion and gets me excited to plan the look ahead of the glam session.
Behind the scenes of Ariana’s premiere look:
Related: The hottest hairstyling trends of summer 2024.
What styling products have been key to making styles last in the hot Fiji climate?
Product choice has been so important here in Fiji as it’s super humid! My key products are Color Wow Dream Coat and Dream Coat for Curly Hair. It waterproofs the hair [against] humidity and I also use it on my extensions and hair pieces when prepping the looks.
Color Wow as a brand covers every styling product I need for all hair types and styles, so my kit has been well-stocked for the 7 weeks!
Products Used
A look at some other stunning looks Carl created on Maura:
Where have you drawn inspo from for this season’s looks?
Inspo for me is all around. I pull from current and past trends, but I always love to add a little something different which usually pops into my head as I’m styling [their] hair.
For example, for Ariana’s long pink dress [on Episode 12], I thought ‘Let’s do a sleek, clean long ponytail,’ then I was like ‘No, let’s add some hair detailing on one side.’
I love versatility so it has been great that I’ve gotten to showcase so many different looks: Sleek, textured, snatched, detailed, girly, artistic, fierce.
Ariana’s Episode 12 look:
How did the “Love Island” opportunity come about?
I was at home one evening and an email came into my inbox wanting to book me for 7 weeks in Fiji(!).
I had never been that far across the world before or been away for work for so long, but I love new opportunities, adventures and pushing myself outside my comfort zone so I of course said ‘Yes!’
