5 Ways to Channel Your Inner Mabel with Clip-in Extensions
Are you as obsessed with Only Murders in the Building as we are? 🙋♀️ Whether you’re tuning in for the witty mystery or the killer fashion, there’s no denying that Selena Gomez’s character Mabel Mora serves looks while solving looks. Mabel might be the queen of fabulous coats and bold outfits, but her hair is just as iconic. In fact, costume designer Dana Covarrubias describes Mabel’s style as “a combination of cozy and kick-ass (vogue.com) - and that vibe definitely extends to her hairstyles. From her sleek bob to her glamorous curls, Mabel’s hair game is always on point (even when she’s knee-deep in a murder investigation).
The best part? You don’t need a Hollywood hairstylist - or a crime to solve - to steal a bit of Mabel’s style. Seamless clip-in extensions can help you recreate her looks in a snap, giving you Mabel-worthy hair without the commitment. Grab your favorite extensions (we love ones that blend effortlessly) and get ready to channel your inner Mabel! Below, we break down five Mabel-inspired hairstyles - and how clip-ins can elevate each one (P.S. - Each section has a handy link to help you nail the look 😉). Let’s get into it!
1. Sleuthy Sleek Bob - Mabel’s Signature Cut
Image Reference: Mabel Mora in Only Murders in the Building with her chic blunt bob - equal parts modern, edgy, and effortlessly cool. Her sleek bob has main-character energy (popsugar.com)
Mabel’s very first appearance on the show featured that perfect blunt bob that made us all want to call our stylists. This cut, hovering around chin-length, gives off an air of confidence and mystery - very fitting for our favorite millennial detective. The great news is that the bob haircut is totally having a moment in the real world (thezoereport.com). Celebs everywhere (Selena included) are proving that shorter styles can be ultra-chic and versatile.
To channel this look, start with a clean, straight-across bob (or faux bob). If your hair isn’t already cut to bob length, you can still fake it with clip-ins! Here’s how: clip in extensions that match your color and cut them (or have a stylist cut them) to your desired bob length. This adds instant fullness and thickness to your bob. A blunt bob really benefits from a little extra volume - it helps avoid that dreaded “limp” look and makes the style appear professionally done. If you already have a bob but it’s on the thinner side, pop in a weft or two of extensions around the sides or back. The seamless blend will give you that thick, swingy bob that Mabel rocks when she’s strutting through the Arconia lobby.
For styling, channel Mabel’s sleek vibe by flat-ironing your hair poker-straight and using a shine serum for gloss. Part it in the middle for a true Mabel look, or do a slight off-center part if that flatters you more. The goal is a smooth, sophisticated style that says “I mean business.” (Mabel often tucks her sleek bob behind one ear to show off cute earrings - feel free to do the same!) And don’t forget, the bob doesn’t have to be perfectly straight all the time - Mabel sometimes has a slight bend at the ends, giving a tiny hint of texture. A quick run-through with a round brush can help achieve that. With your enhanced, extension-boosted bob, you’ll be ready to face the day feeling like a fearless yet fashionable detective (mystery optional).
👉 Want more bob inspo? Check out these expert-approved bob haircut trends for 2024 – this classic cut isn’t going anywhere (thezoereport.com)!
2. Cozy Beanie Chic - Volume That Won’t Quit
Image Reference: Mabel Mora’s iconic mustard beanie look proves that hats and great hair can coexist. Notice how her dark locks peek out with full volume beneath the cap - that’s the power of good styling (and could be clip-ins in disguise!) (vogue.com).
Remember that scene when Mabel struts down the NYC sidewalk in a yellow knit beanie, oversized faux-fur coat, and bright red headphones? It’s basically Only Murders legend at this point. Who knew true-crime podcasters could have such street-style cred? Despite bundling up, Mabel always lets a bit of her fabulous hair show. The beanie look is all about casual, cozy vibes without sacrificing style - think “I woke up like this,” but make it fashion.
However, wearing a beanie (or any hat) can sometimes squash our hair and hide its beauty. The solution: clip-in extensions for extra length and volume peeking out from under the hat! 😍 If your hair is a bit short or flat, clip in a few wefts at the nape of your neck and sides before popping on your beanie. This way, when you pull the beanie on, you’ll have plenty of hair left flowing out to frame your face and shoulders. The extensions will give you that effortless fullness that Mabel has when she casually removes her hat and shakes out perfect locks. In fact, adding some texture or waves to those extensions can help a lot - a L’Oréal Paris beauty article notes that a bit of loose wave under a beanie adds oomph and makes the look more interesting (lorealparisusa.com). Who wants flat hat hair? Not us, and certainly not Mabel!
Pro Tip: Before putting on your hat, curl the ends of your hair (extensions and all) with a large-barrel curling iron for loose, lived-in waves. Gently rake through them for a relaxed texture. Then put on your beanie, pushing it back just a touch so a bit of your hairline shows (this avoids the “engulfed by hat” look). Let some face-framing strands free for that relaxed cool-girl feel. The result: a cozy yet chic winter hairstyle that keeps you warm and instantly channels Mabel’s coolest casual looks. Whether you’re actually solving crimes or just grabbing coffee, you’ll look mysteriously stylish.
👉 Not sure how to style hair with winter hats? Here are 10 hat-friendly hairstyles that prove you can stay warm and cute (yes, “textured waves under a beanie” made cool.
3. Textured Detective Waves - The Laid-Back Lob
Image Reference: Mabel Mora with her hair in a relaxed, wavy lob (hollywoodmash.com).
When Mabel’s off-duty (you know, sketching in her notebook or chilling in her fabulously decorated apartment), we sometimes see her hair with a more relaxed, wavy look. Sleek is great for sleuthing in style, but a few tousled waves add a fun, youthful touch to her bob - perfect for when she’s feeling a bit more free-spirited or creative. In our imagination, this is Mabel’s “weekend” hair or her “I’m not interrogating a suspect today” vibe.
To get these textured waves, clip-in extensions can be your secret weapon for both length and body. Mabel’s natural hair in the show hovers around a lob (long bob) length at times, which is just enough to curl. If your hair is shorter or very fine, clip in a few extensions that are 2-4 inches longer than yours. Pro Tip: you can even mix two shades of extensions (one slightly lighter or warmer than your base color) to mimic natural highlights and dimension - a hack extension experts love. Once the extensions are in, use a curling wand or flat iron to create loose waves. Remember, we’re going for Mabel’s effortless texture, not prom curls. Think undone, soft bends in the hair rather than perfect ringlets.
After curling, finger-comb or gently brush through to break up the waves. A spritz of texturizing spray will give that piecey, lived-in effect (and help your style last, even if you’re running around the city solving mysteries). The beauty of adding clip-ins here is that your waves will look fuller and more voluminous - no scraggly ends, just lush wavy goodness. 💁♀️ In one episode, Selena Gomez actually wore beachy waves with her bob IRL, showing how versatile and “easy-breezy” the style is (thezoereport.com). Wavy lobs can make even a simple jeans-and-sweater outfit feel a bit more polished and interesting, which is exactly how Mabel elevates her casual days.
This hairstyle is super forgiving - it doesn’t need to be precise. In fact, the more tousled, the better. It gives that “I just happen to have fabulous hair” impression. With clip-in extensions blending seamlessly, no one will guess why your bob suddenly looks so thick and textured. They’ll just notice you looking extra radiant and a tad bit Mabel-esque. 😉 So go ahead, add those waves and channel that creative, laid-back Mabel energy for a day. You might not be tracking down clues on the Upper West Side, but you’ll definitely be turning heads!
👉 For wave inspiration and techniques, see this guide on gorgeous waves for every hair type - from beachy to Old Hollywood, waves never go out of style (Mabel would totally approve of the loose, messy ones!).
4. Sleuthing Ponytail or Tucked-Up ‘Do - Practical and Chic
Image Reference: Mabel, from Only Murders in the Building, with her hair pulled back for a quick, no-fuss style (elle.com).
Solving murders can be intense work - sometimes a girl’s gotta throw her hair up and get down to business! We imagine there are moments between podcast tapings and clue-hunting where Mabel opts for a quick ponytail or a low bun. In the show, her hair is usually down, but there are a few scenes where it’s partially pulled back (for example, when she’s examining evidence or rushing around the Arconia). A sleek low ponytail or a half-up tuck can be a lifesaver on busy days, and Mabel would never let a practical style cramp her fashion.
If your hair is bob-length like Mabel’s, you might be thinking, “Ponytail? What ponytail?” That’s where clip-in extensions save the day (yet again!). To create a ponytail or updo with short hair, you can use clip-in extensions. Simply gather the top half of your hair (or all of it, if you can) into a small pony or bun at the back of your head. Then clip a couple of extensions upside-down near the back of your head (so when you pull your hair up, they lie in the right direction) and then make a ponytail or bun. This trick gives instant length (therighthairstyles.com). And voilà - suddenly you’ve got a swishy ponytail that even Season 3 Mabel would envy.
Mabel’s style is all about little details, so to make your ponytail look more “downtown chic,” let a few wispy strands hang loose around your face and ears. She often has soft tendrils framing her face, which keeps a ponytail from looking too severe. You can also wrap a small piece of hair (real or extension) around the base of your ponytail to hide the hair tie - a quick tip that makes a basic pony look polished. If you’re going for a low bun instead, tease your crown a bit for volume, then pin your extended hair into a messy low bun. With the added hair, the bun will look plush instead of puny. Secure with bobby pins, and pull out a couple of strands in front.
This style is perfect for channeling that “I’m on a mission” energy Mabel has when she’s hot on a trail. It’s practical, keeps your hair out of your eyes (for all that clue board reading, of course), but it’s still cute enough for brunch or errands. Thanks to clip-ins, your short hair won’t stop you from rocking a ponytail that bounces with every step. In fact, you might find you like this quick chic look so much, it becomes a regular part of your hairstyle rotation - murder mystery or not!
👉 Need some ideas for pulling off updos with shorter hair? These short hair ponytail styles show just how versatile a bob can be - extensions are one of their top tips!
5. Glam Night-Out Curls - Mabel’s Party-Ready Hallmark Look
Image Reference: Mabel’s glammed-up look for a night out, featuring romantic waves and a half-up twist that screams retro chic. With added extensions, her hair has extra length and fullness (tvinsider.com).
When it’s time to swap the sleuthing for schmoozing, Mabel knows how to turn up the glam. One of her most memorable looks on the show was when she attended a fancy party in a stunning gold dress, hair styled in luxurious, loose curls with the top section pinned back. It’s a departure from her everyday bob and shows that Mabel isn’t afraid to get dolled up when the occasion calls for it. The style gives a subtle nod to vintage ‘60s vibes (fitting, since Only Murders often has a retro flair) - think Old Hollywood meets modern NYC chic. And yes, you can recreate this at home - with a little help from clip-ins for that extra oomph.
If your hair is on the shorter side like Mabel’s, start by clipping in extensions to add a few inches of length. You don’t need Rapunzel length for this - just enough so that when curled, the hair brushes your shoulders or slightly below, giving a more dramatic effect than your day-to-day look. Make sure to curl both your natural hair and the extension hair together. Use a 1-inch curling iron to create soft curls all over. Once curled, gently separate and fluff them for volume. You want glossy, bouncy curls that catch the light (and maybe the eye of a cute neighbor across the room).
Now, for Mabel’s elegant half-up twist: take the front sections of your hair (around the temples) and pull them back. You can either do a simple half-up ponytail or get fancy and twist them before pinning, whichever you prefer. In that party scene, Mabel’s stylist likely gave her a bit of height at the crown - you can tease the crown section slightly before securing the half-up to mimic that volume. Pin the sections at the back of your head with bobby pins (in a criss-cross for extra hold). This half-up style shows off your face while still letting those beautiful curls cascade. With the extensions adding length and fullness, your curls will look red-carpet worthy. ✨
Finish with a mist of hairspray to hold the style, and maybe a spritz of shine spray for that extra glow. Now you’re ready to turn heads at any event - or even just have a solo dance party in your living room. This look is pure confidence and charm, much like Mabel when she’s stepping into a glamorous setting without losing her edge. You’ve got the mystery-solving mind and now the sultry hair to match - who says you can’t have it all?
👉 For more tips on nailing those Hollywood-esque curls, check out this rundown of Selena Gomez’s best hair moments - from sleek ponies to bombshell waves - it’s total hair goals and shows how versatile clip-ins can make your styling.
Wrapping Up
From solving crimes to slaying styles, Mabel Mora shows us that a great wardrobe and great hair can go hand-in-hand. The common thread in all these looks is confidence and a touch of creativity - and that’s something you can definitely channel in your own life. Clip-in extensions are an amazing tool in your beauty arsenal to achieve these transformations effortlessly. One day you’re rocking a sharp bob at work, the next you’ve got waves for days on a girls’ night out - all without any permanent changes. It’s all about having fun and expressing different sides of yourself, just like Mabel does.
Ready to get your Mabel on? If you’re looking for high-quality extensions to make these styles happen, do yourself a favor and check out our full product collection at www.barelyxtensions.com/shop. We offer seamless, easy-to-use clip-in hair extensions that blend like a dream into your natural hair. Whether you need added length, volume, or a pop of color, we’ve got you covered. With Barely Xtensions, you can switch up your look as often as Mabel switches coats (and that’s a lot!). 😉 So go ahead - check out our website and get ready to channel your inner Mabel. After all, life’s too short to have boring hair! 💁♀️🔍