Belinda Carlisle Recalls Dropping Out of Beauty School to Pursue Music

The Go-Go's singer says she was a rebellious youth who discovered punk music and clubs over hairdressing.

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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In a recent interview, Belinda Carlisle, the lead vocalist of the iconic 1980s band The Go-Go's, reflected on her early life and how music changed the trajectory of her career. Carlisle revealed that she initially enrolled in beauty school to become a hairdresser, but dropped out after discovering "music and clubs" and her love for punk rock. The singer also opened up about her past struggles with substance abuse and her journey to sobriety, which she credits to a 12-step program and her daily yoga practice.

Why it matters

Carlisle's story provides a glimpse into the early days of the influential new wave band The Go-Go's, and how the singer's rebellious nature and passion for music ultimately led her to abandon her plans for a career in hairdressing. Her openness about her past substance abuse issues also highlights the challenges many artists face and the importance of seeking help and support.

The details

Belinda Carlisle, now 67 years old, said she was a "rebellious child" who would "smoke, drink and would occasionally run away from home" as a teenager. She even went as far as to wash her hair in baby oil to look like a hippie, which would "enrage" her father. Carlisle initially enrolled in beauty school to become a hairdresser, but she ultimately dropped out after discovering her love for "music and clubs" and the punk rock scene in Los Angeles in the late 1970s.

  • Belinda Carlisle was studying to be a hairdresser until she discovered "music and clubs" in her youth.
  • Carlisle got involved with the Los Angeles punk movement in the late 1970s.

The players

Belinda Carlisle

The lead vocalist of the iconic 1980s band The Go-Go's, who initially enrolled in beauty school to become a hairdresser before dropping out to pursue her passion for music and the punk rock scene.

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What they’re saying

“I was a rebellious child. I used to smoke, drink and would occasionally run away from home — not very far.”

— Belinda Carlisle (The Times)

“I went to beauty school initially as I wanted to be a hairdresser but dropped out on discovering music and clubs.”

— Belinda Carlisle (The Times)

The takeaway

Belinda Carlisle's journey from beauty school to punk rock stardom with The Go-Go's serves as a powerful reminder that following one's passions and embracing one's rebellious spirit can lead to unexpected and fulfilling paths, even in the face of societal expectations or personal challenges.