A hairstylist based in Essex has told how he overcame school bullying and serious health challenges to build a star-studded career working with some of the world’s biggest celebrities.
Carl Bembridge, 35, who was raised in Bristol but now lives in Essex, has styled the likes of Ariana Grande, Nicole Scherzinger and the Pussycat Dolls – and has now secured a role on the upcoming season of Love Island USA in Fiji.
Carl, who was a “shy” schoolboy, underwent 11 operations as a child due to rickets, a condition that affects bone development.
He also faced bullying at school, which he said left him feeling anxious about pursuing a career in hairdressing.
Despite this, he followed his passion and began an apprenticeship at the age of 15 – a decision he now describes as life-changing.
He said: “I was given a hard time in school as all my friends were girls, and I’m gay, so I was teased for that.
“When it came to work experience, I knew I wanted to go to a hairdresser’s, but I was scared for anyone to find out.
"I still did it anyway because it was just meant to be.
“Everyone did find out, and I did get teased for it, but it was the best decision I ever made.”
Carl trained at Cohesion salon in St George, Bristol, where he says he built both his technical skills and confidence.
He later began travelling to London using his tips to fund transport, volunteering on photoshoots and building his portfolio.
His big break came after showcasing his work on Instagram, which led to him being recommended to his first celebrity client – Katie Price.
“I drove five hours to Lincoln to do her hair,” he said.
“I remember thinking, ‘oh my god, I’m a celebrity hairstylist’ – but that was just the beginning.”
A decade later, Carl landed a major career milestone when he was selected as Ariana Grande’s personal hairstylist while she was filming Wicked in London.
He said: “Her team said they loved my work and my energy, and I got chosen, which was super surreal.
"She could have anyone in the world.
“I was so proud of myself.
"I knew I’d been working hard, and to have someone like that as a client was an amazing feeling.”
Carl has since worked internationally, including a press tour in New York with The Pussycat Dolls, and has styled Nicole Scherzinger for the front cover of Vogue Greece.
Reflecting on his career, he said working with global stars has been “a blessing”.
“It’s nice to be around super talented, creative people,” he added. “They say don’t meet your idols, but everyone I’ve worked with has been lovely.”
Read more
The Essex village split by a river and home to one of the best pubs in England
ACL Essex students show off skills at hair and beauty competition
Essex art trail attracts visitors from across the country to 'see art in action'
Now living in Essex, Carl continues to travel extensively for work and has recently signed with an American agent.
His latest role will see him join the styling team for season eight of Love Island USA, filmed in Fiji.
“I do miss the little things about home, but it’s so exciting to travel,” he said.
“This year I’ve been to LA, New York and Cannes.
I love going to different places, then coming back to Bristol for a reset.”
Carl’s work can be viewed on Instagram at @carlbembridgehair.
