The Real Star of Love Island USA: Carl Bembridge
“Love Island USA, Season 6” took the internet by storm summer 2024, and 2025’s Season 7 is no different. And while some fans may argue it’s thanks to “Vanderpump Rules” royalty Ariana Madix’s position as the “Love Island” Host (after a very expansive and public past two years), we say it’s thanks to the hottest bombshell to enter the villa: Carl Bembridge (@carlbembridgehair) AKA Ariana’s hairstylist.
For every re-coupling, challenge and “After Sun” episode Ariana has served look after look. From Ariana’s Episode 1 waist-grazing layers, to her viral chocolatey brown look she debuted during the “Leather and Lace” party, Carl has continued to slay her strands.
Ariana’s Love Island USA Season 7 Viral Hair Moments:
An Exclusive Interview with Carl During Love Island USA Season 6:
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 Carl from July 2024, during Love Island USA Season 6.
Ariana’s Season 6 premiere look, plus other stunning looks Carl created on her:
What is your favorite Season 6 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!
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:
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!’
Up Next: The BTC Show Returns to Dallas August 23-26, 2025.
