The adage "what happens off-campus stays off-campus" proved to be a lighthearted anecdote for actor Belmont Cameli, whose brief foray into blonde hair while filming the Prime Video adaptation of Off-Campus sparked considerable online chatter. Cameli, known for his role as Garrett Graham, revealed in a recent interview with Allure that the striking hair transformation was a spontaneous moment, a playful experiment involving a wig belonging to his co-star, Stephen Kalyn, who portrays Dean De Laurentis. The actor described the incident as a "15 minutes" of experimenting with Kalyn’s signature shaggy blonde locks, emphasizing that the temporary change was purely for on-set amusement and not a character development choice.
“Everybody has [an extra] wig for doubles or stand-ins, and they’re all on little foam heads in the hair-and-makeup trailer,” Cameli explained to Allure. “I put his wig on, and I was just doing his character to him.” This playful interaction led to a selfie that quickly circulated online, prompting questions from fans who are familiar with the novels upon which the series is based. In the literary source material, Cameli’s character, Garrett Graham, maintains his natural dark curls and never undergoes a blonde hair transformation. This discrepancy between the on-screen portrayal and the book’s narrative fueled speculation about the reason behind the shift, which Cameli clarified was a casual moment of camaraderie with Kalyn.
The actor also admitted that the playful exchange was reciprocal, with Kalyn trying on one of Cameli’s dark curly wigs. “Stephen also tried on one of my dark curly wigs, and honestly, those photos should come out too,” Cameli quipped, suggesting that the behind-the-scenes antics extended beyond his own brief blonde moment. However, Cameli quickly dispelled any notions of the blonde hair appearing in future seasons of Off-Campus, stating, “I was just messing with Stephen, as I usually am.” The likelihood of this particular visual gag making its way into the official storyline for Season Two remains minimal, underscoring the private and informal nature of the on-set amusement.
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The Aesthetic of the Briar Hawks Hockey Team
The overall approach to hair and makeup for the Briar Hawks hockey team in Off-Campus is intentionally understated. Cameli highlighted that the aesthetic is designed to reflect the characters as authentic college athletes. “These boys are college athletes, so we keep hair and makeup pretty minimal,” he stated. “We don’t do anything too crazy for Garrett on the show because we want him to feel like an authentically college-aged athlete, a dude living in a house with other dudes. None of the characters would have too long of a routine.” This commitment to realism dictates a straightforward grooming regimen for the team, aligning with the demands of their athletic pursuits and student life.
Cameli, in contrast to his co-star Kalyn, describes himself as someone who is relatively quick in his preparation for filming. He jokingly commented on Kalyn’s more extended routine, saying, “I don’t know what the hell he’s doing in there, but he takes so long to get ready. I would say I’m pretty quick.” This observation further reinforces the idea that the characters’ on-screen appearances are meant to be low-maintenance and naturalistic, reflecting the realities of their collegiate environment.
A Partnership Rooted in Simplicity: Cameli and Tresemmé
Cameli’s personal preference for simplicity extends to his own hair care routine. He revealed that he cannot spend an excessive amount of time styling his hair, a sentiment that made his collaboration with Tresemmé feel particularly fitting. The actor is featured in the brand’s "Hot Curl Summer" campaign, showcasing his straightforward regimen utilizing three of their Bouncy Curls products. This partnership underscores Cameli’s dedication to efficient yet effective hair care, a philosophy that aligns with his on-screen persona and his personal lifestyle.
The featured Tresemmé products include the Defining Cream, Mousse, and Air-Dry Foam. Cameli emphasized the synergistic effect of using these products in succession, noting that they significantly streamline the process of achieving well-defined curls. “With the defining cream, mousse, and air-dry foam—using those in succession—it doesn’t take very long just to get your hair right,” he commented. Beyond their functional benefits, Cameli also noted the pleasant sensory experience, adding, “They smell good, too.”
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The campaign highlights a practical approach to managing and styling curly hair, offering a solution for individuals seeking to achieve desirable results without a lengthy or complicated routine. This aligns with the broader trend in the beauty industry towards products that offer convenience and effectiveness, particularly for consumers with busy lifestyles.
The Sensory Landscape of the Off-Campus Set
Beyond the visual elements, the sensory experience on the Off-Campus set, particularly concerning aromas, was also a topic of discussion. Cameli humorously touched upon the inherent "smell" associated with collegiate athletes, especially those involved in hockey. “We stink when we’re playing hockey; but I mean ultimately there’s nothing you can do about that,” he admitted. He further elaborated on the potent odors that can emanate from hockey gear, noting that visiting skaters and doubles often arrive with equipment that has seen extensive use. “The [skaters] that come to fill out our teams, as well as our doubles, usually come in their own gear, which they’ve been wearing for years and stink to high heaven.”
In this context, Cameli’s personal grooming habits and the products he uses play a crucial role in maintaining his own freshness. “I usually just end up smelling what my hair smells like,” he stated, implying that his hair care products contribute significantly to his overall scent. He also mentioned Old Spice Fiji Deodorant as a staple, alongside the importance of a good shower. “A good shower is really all it takes, but if we’re shooting hockey stuff, you’re just going to smell.” This candid observation provides a glimpse into the practical realities of a show that involves physically demanding scenes, where maintaining a pleasant aroma can be a challenge.
Embracing Comfort: Cameli’s Post-Filming Rituals
When his filming schedule allows for a more relaxed pace, Cameli prioritizes comfort, adopting a routine that emphasizes coziness and relaxation. This personal ritual often involves donning a sweatsuit, and he specifically mentioned his preference for those made by Ryoko Rain, a brand he has supported for an extended period. “I’m big on sweatsuits made by Ryoko Rain, and have been for a long time,” he shared.
Complementing his comfortable attire, Cameli wraps himself in a large blanket, with the L.L. Bean Wicked Cozy Blanket being a particular favorite. His dedication to creating a tranquil environment is further enhanced by his use of Diptyque candles. “I’m a big candle guy right now,” he confessed, indicating his appreciation for creating a calming ambiance at home. This emphasis on comfort and sensory well-being highlights a key aspect of Cameli’s personality, revealing his desire to unwind and de-stress after demanding days on set, especially after engaging in physically intensive scenes that require wearing hockey equipment. His approach to relaxation is holistic, encompassing physical comfort, pleasant scents, and a sense of sanctuary.
The actor’s curated selection of comfort items—from his preferred loungewear and bedding to his chosen candles—speaks to a broader trend of self-care and creating personal havens in increasingly demanding environments. This deliberate cultivation of comfort suggests a conscious effort to balance the high-energy demands of his profession with the need for personal restoration.
The interview with Allure offers a multifaceted portrait of Belmont Cameli, moving beyond his on-screen persona to reveal his personal preferences, his approach to his craft, and his insights into the production of Off-Campus. The playful anecdote about the blonde wig, while minor, serves as a relatable entry point into his more detailed discussions about hair care, set aesthetics, and his personal rituals for comfort and relaxation. His partnership with Tresemmé and his endorsements of specific brands like Old Spice and L.L. Bean further flesh out his public image as an accessible and relatable personality who values simplicity, efficacy, and a touch of sensory pleasure in his daily life. The narrative arc of the interview, from the viral selfie to his detailed explanations of his routines, provides a comprehensive look at the actor’s engagement with his public persona and his personal values.
