When Ariana Madix stepped onto the sun-soaked set of Love Island USA Season 7 in Fiji, her jaw-dropping hairstyles stole the spotlight almost as much as the show’s steamy romantic drama. From a bombshell brunette wig to a Rapunzel-worthy braid that grazed the ground, the host’s hair transformations have kept viewers buzzing. But behind these head-turning looks lies a wild story of preparation that sounds like something out of a Hollywood fever dream. Enter Carl Bembridge, Madix’s U.K.-based hairstylist, who revealed to Allure on June 23 the staggering lengths he went to for the reality star’s iconic looks.
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Picture this: three extra-large suitcases, each weighing a hefty 70.5 pounds, stuffed to the brim with hair. Yes, you read that right—Bembridge hauled an astonishing 70 pounds of hair to Fiji, ensuring Madix’s locks were ready for every dramatic twist and turn of the show. “One of them was full of hair,” he told Allure. “Clip-in extensions, wigs, ponytails, half wigs, bangs, and extra hair in different shades and lengths.” Among his arsenal? A 30-inch-long piece that could rival a fairy-tale princess’s tresses.
The prep for Season 7 was no small feat—it took months. Bembridge meticulously gathered extensions, hairpieces, and wigs, curating a collection that could adapt to any vibe. His process? It’s a creative dance that starts with Madix’s outfits. “I ask Ariana’s stylist for a mood board of all the looks from the final fitting,” he explained. “That’s my favorite part because the ideas come flooding in.” From there, he crafts his own mood boards, plotting out hairstyles that elevate each ensemble to show-stopping status.
One of the season’s most shocking moments came during the June 12 episode, when Madix, 39, debuted a sultry brunette wig that left fans floored. Bembridge, who runs his own hairline, revealed the bold choice was a deliberate departure from her signature blonde. “After last year’s fun looks, I thought, ‘Would Ariana be up for walking on TV with a completely different hair color?’” he recalled. Madix’s response? A resounding, “Yes, let’s do it.” They settled on the Italiya wig from Bembridge’s collection, a rich brunette shade that made her eyes pop. “At first, I worried the darkest brown might be too intense for her fair complexion,” he admitted. “But when she tried it on, it was a look.” Social media erupted, with fans reposting and raving about the transformation. “It warms my heart when people talk about my work,” Bembridge said.
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Then there was the June 8 episode, where Madix turned heads with a larger-than-life braid that cascaded nearly to the ground. Achieving this gravity-defying style was no simple task. “I wanted to be extra while keeping the texture of Ariana’s hair looking undone,” Bembridge shared. He waved her natural hair, added 26-inch clip-in extensions, and braided them together, layering in more hair for maximum drama. The result was so long that Bembridge trailed behind her en route to the villa, holding the end of the braid like a royal attendant.
Madix’s fearless approach to beauty and Bembridge’s creative genius have made her Love Island USA looks a masterclass in bold reinvention. With 70 pounds of hair and a suitcase full of secrets, this dynamic duo is proving that when it comes to reality TV, the real drama starts with a killer hairstyle.