Ariana Madix Embraces the Dark Side in ‘Love Island USA’ with Bold Brunette Wig and Red-Hot Look

Ariana Madix’s dramatic brunette transformation and sizzling red outfit stole the spotlight during the June 12 episode of Love Island USA, reaffirming her bold fashion and beauty evolution.

Ariana Madix is embracing the dark side—at least for now. On the Thursday, June 12 episode of Love Island USA, the 39-year-old star turned heads by debuting a dramatic brunette hair transformation. The eye-catching shift in her signature blonde look was executed with the help of a wig and hairstylist Carl Bembridge, who shared the moment on Instagram with the caption, “Moment On The Dark Side.” The jaw-dropping makeover, combined with a fierce fashion choice, marked a standout moment for the show’s host.

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Madix wasn’t just switching up her hair—she also rocked a sultry red pleather mini dress featuring bold cutouts and a statement cape from RVNG Couture’s Spring/Summer 2025 “Exhale” collection. To complete the striking ensemble, she added red chokers, sparkling rings, and red platform sandals, delivering a full-blown fashion moment that electrified viewers.

Season 7 of Love Island USA premiered on Peacock on Tuesday, June 3, but ran into technical glitches. The reality dating series was scheduled to debut at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT, but Peacock announced a delay just one minute after the expected drop.

“WE GOT A TEXT! 👀 Tonight’s episode will be slightly delayed. But it is worth the wait ❤️‍🔥🏝 Stay tuned! #LoveIslandUSA,” read the post on X (formerly Twitter).

However, the delay stretched to nearly 40 minutes. Interestingly, Canadian viewers reported that the premiere episode had already gone live on the CTV streaming platform. Frustrated fans took to social media to voice complaints until the show was finally available nearly 45 minutes later. “Thank you for your patience! The #LoveIslandUSA episode is officially live now. Enjoy the premiere 💖,” the streamer posted.

Ahead of the new season, Madix opened up on the Virtual Reali-Tea podcast hosted by Page Six’s Evan Real and Danny Murphy. In the interview, she candidly discussed her approach to cosmetic enhancements and her thoughts on aging.

“I’ve been very interested in [laser treatments] for a long time. I keep things at a minimum,” said the Vanderpump Rules alum, who turns 40 on June 24. She revealed she gets Botox “every six months or so” and recently had lip filler, noting, “I just got a little bit in my lips because they were getting really crusty on the inside. I never go more than 0.5 at a time … because I never want to look crazy.”

Madix also addressed the pressures of aging in the public eye. “I don’t want to be preoccupied with it too much,” she explained. “But at the same time, if you feel good about doing something, go ahead and do it. At the end of the day, it’s nobody’s business.”

Reflecting on the broader perspective, she added, “I’m going to get older no matter what… If you don’t age, you just die. I’d rather be aged than dead.”